Jimmy Kimmel is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, popular for his role as the host of the late-night talk show *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, which premiered on ABC in 2003.
He first gained fame through his participation in the game show *Win Ben Stein’s Money* on Comedy Central, where his sharp wit and relatable demeanor provided a striking contrast to Stein’s more reserved style, leading them to win an Emmy Award.
Kimmel also co-hosted *The Man Show*, which further increased his prominence in the entertainment world.
In addition to his late-night hosting duties, he has emceed significant events such as the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards.
REAL FACTS ABOUT JIMMY KIMMEL
FULL NAME: James Christian Kimmel
BETTER KNOWN AS: Jimmy Kimmel
DATE OF BIRTH: November 13, 1967
GENDER: Male
PLACE OF BIRTH: Brooklyn, New York, U.S
NATIONALITY: American
OCCUPATIONS: Television host, comedian, writer, producer
MARITAL STATUS: Married
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Jimmy Kimmel, who is now 57 years old, was born on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Joan and James John Kimmel.
His father held positions at companies such as American Express and IBM, while his mother, of Italian heritage, hailed from a family with roots in Ischia, Naples.
At the age of nine, Kimmel’s family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he grew up with his younger brother Jonathan and sister Jill. He attended Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas.
After graduating from high school, Kimmel spent a year at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, before transferring to Arizona State University.
Although he did not complete his degree, he was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2013.
Raised in a Catholic household, Kimmel served as an altar boy during his childhood.
CAREER
Kimmel’s career began in radio during his high school years when he hosted a Sunday night program on KUNV, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’s radio station.
This experience led to various roles in local radio, and by the late 1980s, he was co-hosting a morning show in Seattle.
His major breakthrough came in 1997 when he joined the game show Win Ben Stein’s Money on Comedy Central. His comedic chemistry with Stein contributed to the show’s Emmy Award win.
Kimmel’s success on this platform opened the door to further television opportunities, including co-hosting and co-producing The Man Show alongside Adam Carolla.
In 2003, Kimmel debuted Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, a late-night talk show that has become a mainstay in American television.
He has hosted the Academy Awards several times, including the ceremonies in 2023 and 2024, as well as other significant events like the Primetime Emmy Awards.
Kimmel’s unique blend of humor and social commentary, along with his occasional political monologues, has established him as a prominent figure in late-night television.
PERSONAL LIFE
Jimmy Kimmel married his first wife, Gina Maddy, in 1988, and they welcomed two children: Katherine in 1991 and Kevin in 1993.
However, the couple divorced in 2002. Following the divorce, Kimmel was in a high-profile relationship with comedian Sarah Silverman that lasted until 2009.
Later that same year, he began dating Molly McNearney, who is a co-head writer for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” They got engaged in 2012 and tied the knot in July 2013. Together, they have two children: Jane, born in 2014, and Billy, born in 2017.
Billy’s birth attracted significant attention as he required several heart surgeries shortly after his arrival due to a congenital condition.
Kimmel has openly discussed the emotional journey and has utilized his platform to advocate for healthcare reforms.
