Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, best known as the host of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. His career in television began in radio before he transitioned to comedy, gaining prominence as a co-host of Comedy Central's The Man Show and a co-creator and host of the game show Win Ben Stein's Money, for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award. Kimmel is recognized for his comedic monologues, celebrity interviews, and viral comedy segments, becoming a significant figure in ABC's late-night lineup and a frequent host of major events like the Academy Awards.

Early Life and Education

James Christian Kimmel was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is the son of Joan and James John Kimmel, and his mother is of Italian descent. Kimmel attended Ed W. Clark High School and later enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, though he left before graduating to pursue a career in radio. His early interest in comedy and broadcasting was influenced by listening to hosts like Howard Stern and watching programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Career

Kimmel began his professional career in the late 1980s as a radio host for stations like KZOK-FM in Seattle and KCMJ in Palm Springs, California. His breakthrough came in 1997 when he co-created and hosted the game show Win Ben Stein's Money on Comedy Central, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host. He further rose to fame as a co-host, with Adam Carolla, of the comedy series The Man Show on the same network. In 2003, ABC launched Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with Kimmel as host and executive producer, initially airing after Nightline. The show has become known for segments like "Mean Tweets" and its annual post-Academy Awards specials. Kimmel has also hosted the Academy Awards in 2017, 2018, and 2023, and executive produces shows such as Live with Kelly and Mark and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Personal Life

Kimmel was first married to Gina Maddy, with whom he had a daughter; the couple divorced in 2002. In 2013, he married head writer Molly McNearney in a ceremony officiated by Governor of California Gavin Newsom at his residence in Studio City, Los Angeles. The couple has two children together. Kimmel has been open about his family's health challenges, notably his son's congenital heart condition, which led him to advocate for healthcare policy on his show and in testimony before the United States Congress. He resides primarily in Los Angeles and is a noted fan of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Kimmel has received numerous accolades, including multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for Win Ben Stein's Money and has been honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, located at Hollywood Boulevard. In 2019, he received the Harvey Kurtzman Award at the National Cartoonists Society ceremony. His show has also been recognized by the Television Critics Association and has won awards for its writing and production.

Controversies and Criticisms

Kimmel has faced various controversies, often stemming from comedic segments on his show. He has drawn criticism for sketches involving celebrities like Matt Damon, which some viewed as overly personal, and for prank segments such as "I Told My Kids I Ate All Their Halloween Candy," which sparked debates about parenting. His political monologues, particularly during the Trump administration, have been both praised and criticized for their partisan tone, leading to public feuds with figures like Sean Hannity and Ted Cruz. In 2023, during the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes, he faced scrutiny from striking writers for continuing his show, though he publicly expressed support for the Writers Guild of America.

Category:American television hosts Category:American comedians Category:1967 births Category:Living people