History of Jimmy Kimmel in Timeline
Jimmy Kimmel is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer best known for his late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!". He has hosted the show since 2003 and has also been the master of ceremonies for significant events such as the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards on multiple occasions.
November 13, 1967: Birth of Jimmy Kimmel
James Christian Kimmel was born on November 13, 1967. He would go on to become an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, known best for hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
1988: Kimmel Marries Gina Maddy
Jimmy Kimmel married Gina Maddy in 1988.
1989: First Paying Job in Radio
In 1989, Jimmy Kimmel landed his first paying job in radio, co-hosting The Me and Him Show at KZOK-FM in Seattle, Washington, alongside Kent Voss. This role marked the beginning of his professional career in entertainment.
1990: Fired from KZOK and WRBQ
In 1990, Jimmy Kimmel and Kent Voss were fired from KZOK-FM in Seattle. The following year, they were fired again from WRBQ-FM in Tampa, which led Kimmel to host his own show at KCMJ in Palm Springs, California. These setbacks were significant challenges in his early career.
1991: Kimmel's Daughter Katherine is Born
Jimmy Kimmel's daughter Katherine was born in 1991.
1993: Kimmel's Son Kevin is Born
Jimmy Kimmel's son Kevin was born in 1993.
1996: Kimmel's Early Career and Television Appearances
In 1996, Kimmel started appearing in Fox Network promos as "Jimmy the Fox Guy". He also worked as the on-air football prognosticator for Fox NFL Sunday for four years and made appearances on talk shows like "Live with Regis and Kelly", "The Howard Stern Show", "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", and "Late Show with David Letterman".
1997: Win Ben Stein's Money Debut
In 1997, Jimmy Kimmel began his television career by co-hosting the game show Win Ben Stein's Money on Comedy Central, where his comedic style and wit earned him recognition and an Emmy award for Best Game Show Host.
1999: Co-hosts and Co-produces The Man Show
In 1999, Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted and co-produced Comedy Central's The Man Show alongside Adam Carolla. The show's success paved the way for other projects like Crank Yankers and The Andy Milonakis Show.
2001: Leaves Win Ben Stein's Money
In 2001, Jimmy Kimmel left Win Ben Stein's Money, and was replaced by comedian Nancy Pimental, who was later succeeded by Kimmel's cousin, Sal Iacono. This transition marked the end of his tenure on the popular game show.
2002: Kimmel and Gina Maddy Divorce
Jimmy Kimmel and Gina Maddy divorced in 2002.
January 2003: Launch of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In January 2003, Jimmy Kimmel permanently left The Man Show to host his own late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on ABC. This marked a significant milestone in his career.
2003: Debut of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In 2003, Jimmy Kimmel began hosting and executive producing his own late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which has been on air since then.
2003: Kimmel Hosts American Music Awards
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the American Music Awards on ABC in 2003. This marked the beginning of his five-time hosting stint for the show.
2004: Kimmel Participates in Celebrity Softball Game
Jimmy Kimmel participated as a player in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball game in 2004.
2004: Windy City Heat Wins Comedia Award
In 2004, the feature film Windy City Heat, which Jimmy Kimmel produced and co-wrote, won the Festival Prize for Best Film at the Montreal Comedy Festival.
2004: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Stops Airing Live
In 2004, Jimmy Kimmel Live! ceased airing live episodes after censors failed to bleep a barrage of swearing from actor Thomas Jane, leading to a shift in the show's format.
2004: Controversial Comment During NBA Finals
During the 2004 NBA Finals, Jimmy Kimmel made a controversial on-air comment suggesting that if the Detroit Pistons won, the city would be burned down. This led to ABC pulling that night's show from the network, and Kimmel later issued an apology.
August 2006: ABC Announces Kimmel as Host of New Game Show
In August 2006, ABC announced Jimmy Kimmel as the host of their upcoming game show "Set for Life".
April 6, 2007: Kimmel Guest Hosts "Larry King Live"
Jimmy Kimmel filled in for Larry King on "Larry King Live" on April 6, 2007, focusing on the topic of paparazzi.
April 2007: Named 'Biggest Badass on TV' by Stuffmagazine.com
In April 2007, Stuffmagazine.com named Jimmy Kimmel the 'biggest badass on TV.' While Kimmel appreciated the honor, he humorously considered it a mistake.
July 8, 2007: Kimmel Manages National League in Celebrity Softball Game
On July 8, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel took on the role of manager for the National League in the 2007 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game held in San Francisco. This followed his participation as a player in the 2004 and 2006 games.
July 11, 2007: Kimmel Co-hosts 2007 ESPY Awards
On July 11, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the 2007 ESPY Awards alongside LeBron James, with the show airing on ESPN on July 15, 2007.
July 15, 2007: Kimmel Co-hosts 2007 ESPY Awards
On July 15, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the 2007 ESPY Awards alongside LeBron James.
July 20, 2007: Kimmel Debuts as Host of "Set for Life"
On July 20, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel debuted as the host of ABC's new game show, "Set for Life".
2007: Kimmel Guest Hosts "Live with Regis and Kelly" and Breaks World Record
During the week of October 22–26, 2007, Jimmy Kimmel guest-hosted "Live with Regis and Kelly", commuting daily between New York and Los Angeles. This earned him the Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled in a single workweek (22,406 miles). However, Kimmel expressed doubts about the validity of the record.
February 2008: Release of 'I'm Fucking Ben Affleck' Video
In February 2008, Jimmy Kimmel released a mock music video titled 'I'm Fucking Ben Affleck,' featuring a star-studded cast. This was a humorous response to a similar video made by his then-girlfriend Sarah Silverman, titled 'I'm Fucking Matt Damon.'
July 20, 2008: Kimmel Performs with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
On July 20, 2008, Jimmy Kimmel, a bass clarinet player, made a guest appearance at a concert in Costa Mesa, California. He performed alongside The Mighty Mighty Bosstones on their song "The Impression That I Get".
2008: Kimmel Hosts American Music Awards
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the American Music Awards on ABC for the fifth and final time in 2008.
March 2009: Kimmel and Sarah Silverman's Relationship Ends
Jimmy Kimmel and comedian Sarah Silverman's relationship ended in March 2009. They had been together since 2002.
October 2009: Kimmel Starts Dating Molly McNearney
In October 2009, Jimmy Kimmel began dating Molly McNearney, who worked as a co-head writer for "Jimmy Kimmel Live".
2009: Kimmel Co-hosts Los Angeles Feast of San Gennaro
In 2009, Jimmy Kimmel co-hosted the eighth annual Los Angeles version of the Feast of San Gennaro, a tradition originating in New York City. He is also one of the co-founders of the annual event in Los Angeles.
January 14, 2010: Kimmel Criticizes Leno on "The Jay Leno Show"
On January 14, 2010, amidst the conflict over "The Tonight Show"'s host and time slot, Jimmy Kimmel appeared as a special guest on Jay Leno's show. He publicly criticized Leno for reclaiming the 11:35 pm time slot from Conan O'Brien, making numerous insulting remarks in front of the live studio audience. Kimmel concluded his appearance by urging Leno to "leave our shows alone", highlighting the fact that both he and O'Brien had families while Leno prioritized his car collection.
2010: Kimmel's Continued Appearances and Roastmaster Roles
In 2010, Jimmy Kimmel made his fifth appearance on "The Late Show". He also served as roastmaster for the New York Friars' Club Roast of Hugh Hefner and the Comedy Central Roast of Pamela Anderson. Additionally, he appeared on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars".
2011: Death of Uncle Frank Potenza
In 2011, Jimmy Kimmel's uncle, Frank Potenza, who was a regular on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, passed away. His presence on the show from 2003 until his death added a personal touch to the program.
August 2012: Kimmel and McNearney Get Engaged
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney got engaged in August 2012.
September 23, 2012: Kimmel Hosts 64th Primetime Emmy Awards
On September 23, 2012, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards.
2012: Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Primetime Emmy Awards
In 2012, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards, marking his first time hosting the event.
July 2013: Kimmel Marries Molly McNearney
Jimmy Kimmel married Molly McNearney in July 2013.
October 2013: Controversial 'Kids Table' Segment
In October 2013, a segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! called 'Kids Table,' where a child suggested 'killing all the people in China' to resolve U.S. debt, sparked controversy. The incident led to protests and demands for apologies from ABC and Kimmel, with Kimmel addressing the issue on air.
2013: Jimmy Kimmel Receives Honorary Degree from UNLV
In 2013, Jimmy Kimmel received an honorary degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, acknowledging his contributions and achievements in the entertainment industry.
July 2014: Kimmel and McNearney's Daughter Jane is Born
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney's daughter, Jane, was born in July 2014.
September 18, 2016: Kimmel Hosts 68th Primetime Emmy Awards and Criticizes Mark Burnett
On September 18, 2016, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards. With the presidential election looming, Kimmel used the platform to criticize Mark Burnett's role in the rise of Donald Trump.
2016: Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Primetime Emmy Awards Again
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards for the second time in 2016, solidifying his role as a significant figure in television hosting.
February 26, 2017: Kimmel Hosts 89th Academy Awards
On February 26, 2017, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 89th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony. This marked his first time hosting the prestigious event.
April 21, 2017: Kimmel and McNearney's Son William is Born with Heart Defect
On April 21, 2017, Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney's son William "Billy" John was born with a rare congenital heart defect, tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia. The condition was detected three hours after birth due to his purplish appearance. He underwent successful surgery at three days old. Following this experience, Kimmel used his platform to criticize a previous guest, Senator Bill Cassidy, for not supporting healthcare access for patients with pre-existing conditions. This ignited a wider debate about the American healthcare system.
2017: Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Academy Awards
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards for the first time in 2017, adding another prestigious event to his hosting portfolio.
March 4, 2018: Kimmel Hosts 90th Academy Awards
On March 4, 2018, Jimmy Kimmel returned to host the 90th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony, marking his second time in the role.
June 2018: Kimmel Faces Ted Cruz in Charity Basketball Game
In June 2018, following a comparison Kimmel made between Senator Ted Cruz and a blobfish, Cruz challenged Kimmel to a one-on-one basketball game. Kimmel accepted the challenge and the "Blobfish Basketball Classic" was held at Texas Southern University on June 16. The loser agreed to donate $5,000 to a non-political charity of the winner's choice. Cruz won the game 11–9, and over $80,000 was raised for charity.
November 2018: Kimmel Launches Kimmelot Production Company
In November 2018, Jimmy Kimmel launched his second production company, named Kimmelot.
2018: Named One of the World's Most Influential People by Time
In 2018, Time magazine recognized Jimmy Kimmel as one of "The World's 100 Most Influential People," reflecting his significant impact on entertainment and culture.
2018: Second Time Hosting Academy Awards
In 2018, Jimmy Kimmel once again hosted the Academy Awards, demonstrating his continued popularity and skill as a host.
2018: Kimmel Fundraises for Jacky Rosen
Jimmy Kimmel fundraised for Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Jacky Rosen in 2018. Rosen went on to win the election and become a Senator.
July 2019: Kimmel Releases Children's Book "The Serious Goose"
In July 2019, Jimmy Kimmel released his first book, "The Serious Goose". It is an interactive children's picture book, featuring Kimmel's own illustrations, that engages readers in helping a serious goose to smile.
April 8, 2020: Kimmel Hosts Celebrity Edition of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire"
On April 8, 2020, a celebrity edition of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire", hosted and co-executive produced by Jimmy Kimmel, premiered on ABC as part of the show's 20th-anniversary celebration.
June 2020: Kimmel Announced as Host for 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards
In June 2020, it was announced that Jimmy Kimmel would return to host the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards.
September 20, 2020: Kimmel Hosts 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards
Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards on September 20, 2020.
2020: Kimmel Discovers He is Cousins with Martha Stewart
In 2020, Jimmy Kimmel learned that he is cousins with Martha Stewart through a genealogy report featured on the TV show "Finding Your Roots".
2020: Third Time Hosting Primetime Emmy Awards
In 2020, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards for the third time, showcasing his consistent presence in the entertainment industry.
2021: Kimmel Becomes Title Sponsor of LA Bowl
In 2021, Jimmy Kimmel became the title sponsor of the LA Bowl, a college football bowl game played annually in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. The game was officially named the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
November 2022: Kimmel Reveals Near Departure From Show Due to Trump Jokes
In November 2022, Jimmy Kimmel revealed on the "Naked Lunch" podcast that he almost quit his show after Donald Trump's election. He told ABC executives he couldn't refrain from making Trump jokes, and acknowledged that the decision cost him about half his audience.
2022: Kimmel Remains Title Sponsor of LA Bowl
Jimmy Kimmel continued his role as the title sponsor of the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl in 2022.
March 12, 2023: Kimmel Hosts 95th Academy Awards
On March 12, 2023, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the 95th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony, his third time as host.
August 30, 2023: Kimmel Co-hosts "Strike Force Five" Podcast
On August 30, 2023, Jimmy Kimmel, along with Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and John Oliver, began hosting the comedy podcast "Strike Force Five". The podcast was created to support staff members who were out of work due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.
2023: Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Academy Awards Again
In 2023, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards for the third time, reinforcing his status as a prominent host in the entertainment industry.
March 10, 2024: Kimmel To Host 96th Academy Awards
Jimmy Kimmel is scheduled to return as host for the 96th edition of the Academy Awards ceremony on March 10, 2024. This will be his fourth time hosting the event.
2024: Fourth Time Hosting Academy Awards
Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the Academy Awards for the fourth time in 2024, highlighting his enduring relevance and talent in the field.