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Jimmy Kimmel Biography

James Christian Kimmel was born on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York City, and grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He discovered his love of comedy and broadcasting early, working in radio throughout his teens and twenties. He co-hosted the irreverent Comedy Central series The Man Show and the game show Win Ben Stein's Money before ABC gave him his own late night platform — Jimmy Kimmel Live! — in January 2003. The show has aired over 3,000 episodes, making Kimmel one of the longest-tenured late night hosts in television history. He hosted the Academy Awards in 2017, 2018, and 2023. His most emotional public moment came in 2017 when he delivered a tearful monologue about his newborn son Billy's open-heart surgery, which became one of the most-shared television moments of the year and ignited a national conversation about healthcare.

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Personal Life

Who are Jimmy Kimmel's parents?

James Joseph Kimmel Sr., Joan Kimmel

Did Jimmy Kimmel have siblings?

Yes — Jonathan Kimmel, Jill Kimmel.

Was Jimmy Kimmel married?

NameMarriedDivorced
Gina Maddy19882003
Molly McNearney2013None

Did Jimmy Kimmel have children?

Jimmy Kimmel had 4 children: Katie Kimmel, Kevin Kimmel, Jane Kimmel, Billy Kimmel.

What religion was Jimmy Kimmel?

Jimmy Kimmel was Christianity (Catholic).

What was Jimmy Kimmel's ethnicity?

Jimmy Kimmel was of Italian, German heritage.

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Career Highlights

TV Shows

  • The Man Show (1999-2003)
  • Win Ben Stein's Money (1997-2003)
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003-present)

Awards

  • Emmy Award — Outstanding Talk Show (multiple nominations)
  • Academy Awards Host (2017, 2018, 2023)
  • People's Choice Award

Facts About Jimmy Kimmel

  • His son Billy was born with a rare heart condition — his emotional monologue about it went viral and influenced health care policy discussions
  • He has hosted the Academy Awards three times
  • He began his career in radio before transitioning to television
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! has aired for over 20 years, making it one of late night's longest-running shows
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Jimmy Kimmel Quotes

"I ask people dumb questions for a living. I love my job."

"My son's health scare changed everything I think about what matters."

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Legacy

Jimmy Kimmel has become one of the most enduring figures in American late night television. His ability to balance sharp political humor with genuine emotional moments — particularly his healthcare monologue — has made him one of the most influential voices in entertainment. His 20-year run at Jimmy Kimmel Live! places him among the elite of the late night format.

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Sources

📖 Wikipedia📖 ABC📖 Variety

Last verified: 2026-05-30