Career Timeline of Jimmy Kimmel: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jimmy Kimmel built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jimmy Kimmel is an American television host, comedian, writer, voice actor, and producer best known for hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003. He has also hosted several high-profile events, including the Primetime Emmy Awards three times and the Academy Awards four times. Kimmel's career spans various aspects of entertainment, solidifying his presence as a prominent figure in the industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: First Paying Radio Job

In 1989, Jimmy Kimmel landed his first paying job alongside Kent Voss as morning drive co-host of The Me and Him Show at KZOK-FM in Seattle, Washington.

1990: Fired by KZOK

In 1990, Jimmy Kimmel and Voss were fired by KZOK.

1996: Jimmy the Fox Guy

In the spring of 1996, Jimmy Kimmel appeared as "Jimmy the Fox Guy" in promos on the Fox Network.

1997: Win Ben Stein's Money Debut

In 1997, Jimmy Kimmel began co-hosting the game show "Win Ben Stein's Money" on Comedy Central alongside Ben Stein. His wit was a counterpoint to Stein's demeanor, and they won an Emmy.

1999: Co-hosted The Man Show

In 1999, Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted "The Man Show" with Adam Carolla on Comedy Central, while still working on "Win Ben Stein's Money". He also co-produced the show.

2001: Left Win Ben Stein's Money

In 2001, Jimmy Kimmel left "Win Ben Stein's Money".

January 2003: Left The Man Show

In January 2003, Jimmy Kimmel permanently left "The Man Show" to host "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on ABC.

2003: Uncle Frank on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

From 2003, Jimmy Kimmel's uncle, Frank Potenza ("Uncle Frank"), appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a regular.

2003: Hosted American Music Awards

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the American Music Awards on ABC in 2003.

2004: Controversial Halftime Show Appearance

During the 2004 NBA Finals in Detroit, Jimmy Kimmel made a controversial on-air plug for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" during ABC's halftime show, suggesting Detroit would burn down if the Pistons won. This led to his show being pulled from Detroit's ABC affiliate and the entire network, followed by an apology from Kimmel.

2004: Played in Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game

Jimmy Kimmel played in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game in 2004 in Houston.

August 2006: Announced as Host of Set for Life

In August 2006, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel would be the host of their new game show "Set for Life".

April 6, 2007: Filled in for Larry King on Larry King Live

On April 6, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel filled in for Larry King on "Larry King Live" and reproached Emily Gould for Gawker.com's alleged stalking of celebrities.

July 8, 2007: Managed National League in Softball Game

On July 8, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel managed the National League in the 2007 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game in San Francisco.

July 11, 2007: Hosted 2007 ESPY Awards

On July 11, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel, along with LeBron James, hosted the 2007 ESPY Awards.

July 15, 2007: 2007 ESPY Awards Aired

On July 15, 2007, the 2007 ESPY Awards, which Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted with LeBron James, aired on ESPN.

July 20, 2007: Set for Life Debuted

On July 20, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel's hosted game show "Set for Life" debuted on ABC.

July 20, 2008: Guest Performance with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

On July 20, 2008, Kimmel played the bass clarinet as a guest performer at a concert in Costa Mesa, California, with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, performing on the song "The Impression That I Get".

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2008: Hosted American Music Awards

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the American Music Awards on ABC in 2008.

2009: Co-hosting Los Angeles Feast of San Gennaro

In 2009, Kimmel co-hosted the eighth annual Los Angeles Feast of San Gennaro, a New York City annual tradition, which he co-founded.

January 14, 2010: Appearance on The Jay Leno Show

On January 14, 2010, amid the 2010 "Tonight Show" host and time slot conflict, Jimmy Kimmel was the special guest of Jay Leno on "The Jay Leno Show's" "10 at 10" segment. Kimmel insulted Leno regarding the conflict.

2010: Most Recent Appearance on The Late Show

Jimmy Kimmel appeared on "The Late Show" five times, most recently in 2010.

September 23, 2012: Hosted the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards

On September 23, 2012, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards.

2012: Hosted Primetime Emmy Awards

In 2012, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards for the first time.

September 18, 2016: Hosted the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards

On September 18, 2016, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, pointing out Mark Burnett's role in the rise of Donald Trump.

2016: Hosted Primetime Emmy Awards

In 2016, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards for the second time.

2016: Post-Election Trump Jokes

In November 2022, Jimmy Kimmel revealed that soon after the 2016 election of Donald Trump, he told ABC executives he would leave the show if he couldn't tell jokes about Trump. He estimated he lost about half his audience because of the jokes.

February 26, 2017: Hosted 89th Academy Awards

On February 26, 2017, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 89th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony.

2017: Hosted Academy Awards

In 2017, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards for the first time.

March 4, 2018: Hosted 90th Academy Awards

On March 4, 2018, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 90th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony.

November 2018: Launched Kimmelot

In November 2018, Jimmy Kimmel launched his second production company, Kimmelot.

2018: Hosted Academy Awards

In 2018, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards for the second time.

2018: Fundraising for Jacky Rosen

In 2018, Kimmel fundraised for Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Jacky Rosen.

July 2019: Release of "The Serious Goose"

In July 2019, Kimmel released his first book, "The Serious Goose", an interactive children's picture book featuring his own illustrations that tasks readers with helping to make the serious goose smile.

April 8, 2020: Celebrity "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" Premiere

On April 8, 2020, the celebrity edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, hosted and co-executive produced by Kimmel, premiered on ABC for the show's 20th anniversary.

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June 2020: Announcement to Host the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards

In June 2020, it was announced that Kimmel would host the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards in September.

September 20, 2020: Hosting the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards

In September 20, 2020, Kimmel hosted the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards.

2020: Hosted Primetime Emmy Awards

In 2020, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards for the third time.

2021: Title Sponsor of the LA Bowl

In 2021, Kimmel became the title sponsor of the LA Bowl for that year.

November 2022: Revealed Potential Show Exit Over Trump Jokes

In November 2022, Jimmy Kimmel revealed that he told ABC executives that he would leave the show if he couldn't tell jokes about Donald Trump after his election in 2016. He estimated he lost about half his audience because of the jokes.

2022: Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Established

In 2022, a college football bowl game was to be played annually in Inglewood's SoFi Stadium and became officially known as the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.

March 12, 2023: Hosted 95th Academy Awards

On March 12, 2023, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 95th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony.

August 30, 2023: Hosting "Strike Force Five" Podcast

On August 30, 2023, Kimmel began hosting the comedy podcast "Strike Force Five" with Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and John Oliver to support their staff members out of work due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.