Jimmy Kimmel

Background

Popular comedian Jimmy Kimmel is among the most famous late-night talk show hosts, interviewing Hollywood celebrities and artists, and presenting political topics with a fun twist to them. His likable personality and comedic timing engage both the audience and his guests. Kimmel was born on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, with his family when he was nine years old. Before gaining national fame with his T.V. show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Kimmel co-hosted “Win Ben Stein’s Money” and “The Man Show.” He has also produced several shows, including “Crank Yankers” and “The Andy Milonakis Show.” 

Kimmel’s interest in the entertainment industry started in high school. Inspired by David Letterman’s roots in radio, Kimmel first began working at his school’s radio station and then went on to host a Sunday-night interview show on KUNV — the University of Nevada’s college radio station. Within a year of enrollment at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (U.N.L.V.), Kimmel transferred to Arizona State University.

Kimmel landed his first major gig in 1989 as a morning co-host alongside Kent Voss on “The Me And Him Show,” which aired on KZOK-FM in Seattle, Washington. Initially, Kimmel had no intention of working on television but soon began writing promotions and content for announcers on FOX, and eventually delivered the on-air promotions himself. Following a series of declined offers for television shows, he became interested in a role on the game show “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” which was broadcast on Comedy Central in 1997. Balancing out the dull vocal style of his counterpart, Stein, Kimmel earned an Emmy Award for ‘Best Game Show Host’ in 1999. 

Kimmel eventually left the show to host his own late-night talk show on ABC called “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The show began in January 2003 and has been going strong ever since. In 2012, 2016, and 2020, Kimmel hosted the 64th, 68th, and 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, and the prestigious Academy Awards in 2017 and 2018.