James Christian Kimmel born November 13, 1967 is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, best known as the host and executive producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a late-night talk show that he has been leading since 2003. Kimmel has hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards three times (2012, 2016, 2020) and the Academy Awards four times (2017, 2018, 2023, 2024).
Jimmy Kimmel Biography 2024
Before his successful late-night career, Kimmel co-hosted The Man Show on Comedy Central and Win Ben Stein’s Money. He has also produced several popular shows, including Crank Yankers, Sports Show with Norm Macdonald, and The Andy Milonakis Show. In 2018, Time magazine named Kimmel one of “The World’s 100 Most Influential People.” With the retirement of Conan O’Brien from late-night television, Kimmel now holds the distinction of being the longest-serving host of a late-night talk show in the U.S. among current hosts.
Jimmy Kimmel Biography Details
| Birth name | James Christian Kimmel |
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| Born | November 13, 1967 (age 56)
New York City, U.S. |
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| Education | Arizona State University (BA) |
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| Years active | 1989–present |
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| Genres | - Observational comedy
- black comedy
- insult comedy
- surreal humor
- satire
- deadpan
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| Subject(s) | - American culture
- American politics
- everyday life
- pop culture
- current events
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| Spouse | Gina Maddy (m. 1988; div. 2002) Molly McNearney |
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| Partner(s) | Sarah Silverman (2002–2009) |
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| Children | 4 |
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| Relative(s) | - Jonathan Kimmel (brother)
- Frank Potenza (uncle)
- Sal Iacono (cousin)
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Jimmy Kimmel Early Life
Kimmel was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in the Mill Basin neighborhood. He is the eldest of three children born to Joan (Iacono) and James John Kimmel, who worked at American Express and was an executive at IBM. Raised in a Catholic household, Kimmel was an altar boy during his childhood. His mother is of Italian descent, with her grandparents having immigrated from Ischia, Naples, following the 1883 earthquake. His father’s side of the family is of German descent, and the family surname was originally “Kümmel,” meaning “caraway” in German. According to a DNA test, Kimmel also has partial Albanian ancestry.
At the age of nine, Kimmel’s family moved to Las Vegas, where he later graduated from Ed W. Clark High School. He briefly attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, before transferring to Arizona State University. In 2013, UNLV awarded him an honorary degree.
Kimmel’s family has been involved in his career in various ways. His uncle, Frank Potenza (“Uncle Frank”), appeared regularly on Jimmy Kimmel Live! from 2003 until his death in 2011. Kimmel’s cousin, Sal Iacono, also co-hosted Win Ben Stein’s Money and later became a writer and sketch performer on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Other family members, including his Aunt Chippy (Concetta Potenza) and his brother Jonathan, who works as a director on the show, have also contributed to his television career. Kimmel’s sister, Jill, is a comedian.
Jimmy Kimmel Career Overview
Career Field | Details |
Television Host | Host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003 |
Television Shows | The Man Show, Crank Yankers, Win Ben Stein’s Money |
Production | Co-created Crank Yankers and The Andy Milonakis Show |
Awards | Hosted Primetime Emmy Awards (2012, 2016, 2020) and Academy Awards (2017, 2018, 2023, 2024) |
Radio Career
Station | Job Role |
KZOK-FM | Morning Drive Co-Host |
WRBQ-FM | Co-Host |
KROQ-FM | “Jimmy The Sports Guy” |
KCMJ | Radio Host |
Television Appearances and Influence
TV Appearance | Role/Contribution |
The Man Show | Co-Host (with Adam Carolla) |
Win Ben Stein’s Money | Co-Host |
Family Guy | Voice work as “Death’s Dog” |
Notable Television Work
Show | Role |
Jimmy Kimmel Live! | Host and Executive Producer |
Set for Life | Host |
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire | Host (Celebrity Edition) |
Film Work and Voice Acting
Film/Show | Role |
Garfield: The Movie | Voice of Dog |
Road Trip | Voice of Dog |
Robot Chicken | Voice work |
Comedy and Influences
Comedian/Influence | Details |
David Letterman | Major influence on Kimmel’s comedic style |
Howard Stern | Influenced Kimmel’s approach to talk shows |
Public Appearances and Social Media
Event | Details |
The Blobfish Basketball Classic | Challenge with Ted Cruz |
Stitcher Podcast | Host of Strike Force Five |
Personal Life and Family
Event | Details |
Marriage | Married Gina Maddy (1988-2002), Molly McNearney (2013–present) |
Children | Four children, including a son with a congenital heart defect |
Major Controversies
Event | Details |
Kids Table Incident | Backlash over controversial joke involving China |
Trump Jokes | Strained relationship with audience during Trump administration |
Health and Personal Challenges
Condition | Details |
Narcolepsy | Diagnosed with narcolepsy, a condition that affects sleep patterns |
Son’s Health | Son William born with tetralogy of Fallot (heart condition) |
Books and Publications
Book Title | Details |
The Serious Goose | Children’s picture book featuring Kimmel’s illustrations |
Talk Show Contributions
Contribution | Details |
Satirical Skits | Notable for his “Matt Damon Apology” and comedic feuds |
Pop Culture Commentary | In-depth commentary on American politics and culture |
Philanthropy and Charity
Event/Initiative | Details |
Blobfish Basketball Classic | Raised over $80,000 for charity |
Healthcare Advocacy | Criticized healthcare policies after son’s health crisis |
Jimmy Kimmel Net Worth
Jimmy Kimmel has a net worth of $50 million.
Jimmy Kimmel Summary
Jimmy Kimmel is an influential figure in the American entertainment industry. He has established himself as a talented comedian, talk show host, and producer. Known for his sharp wit and sarcastic humor, Kimmel’s career spans radio, television, film, and publishing. He has used his platform not only to entertain but also to address significant issues, including healthcare reform and political commentary. His personal life, especially his family and health challenges, has made him relatable to many of his fans. Despite facing controversies, Kimmel has managed to maintain his place as one of the longest-running late-night hosts, consistently evolving with the changing media landscape.
