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, 2025).
Jimmy Kimmel Biography 2025
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.
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Jimmy Kimmel Biography Details
Birth name
James Christian Kimmel
Born
November 13, 1967 (age 56)
New York City, U.S.
Medium
Television
film
radio
Education
Arizona State University (BA)
Years active
1989–present
Genres
Observational comedy
black comedy
insult comedy
surreal humor
satire
deadpan
Subject(s)
American culture
American politics
everyday life
pop culture
current events
Spouse
Gina Maddy
(m. 1988; div. 2002)
Molly McNearney
(m. 2013)
Partner(s)
Sarah Silverman (2002–2009)
Children
4
Relative(s)
Jonathan Kimmel (brother)
Frank Potenza (uncle)
Sal Iacono (cousin)
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, 2025)
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.
