James Christian Kimmel, born on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, serves as one of the most enduring figures in American late-night television. As the host and executive producer of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he maintains the longest tenure of any current late-night presenter in the United States, spanning 23 seasons since the show’s debut in January 2003.
Early Development and Radio Foundations
Raised in the Mill Basin neighborhood before relocating to Las Vegas at age nine, Kimmel attended Ed W. Clark High School and spent time at UNLV, Arizona State University, and Mesa Community College. Influenced by the career trajectory of David Letterman, he pursued radio work during high school. His professional broadcast career included roles in Seattle, Tampa, Palm Springs, and Tucson, eventually leading to a five-year stint at KROQ-FM in Los Angeles as "Jimmy The Sports Guy."
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Kimmel moved into television writing and on-air promotions before gaining recognition as the comedic foil to Ben Stein on the game show Win Ben Stein's Money. The partnership secured a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host. Alongside Adam Carolla and Daniel Kellison, he co-hosted and co-produced The Man Show. Under their Jackhole Productions banner, the team also created Crank Yankers, where Kimmel voiced characters including Elmer Higgins and Terrence Catheter, and produced The Andy Milonakis Show.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Industry Recognition
In 2003, ABC launched Jimmy Kimmel Live! to replace Politically Incorrect. While the program’s title suggests live broadcasting, it shifted to a taped format in 2004 following censorship difficulties. Kimmel’s career includes high-profile hosting duties for the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards. In 2018, Time magazine included him in its 100 most influential people. Despite his prominence, the show faced a suspension in September 2025 following comments Kimmel made regarding Charlie Kirk.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 November 1967, Brooklyn
- Citizenship: United States; Italy
- Education: Arizona State University, University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Known for: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Awards: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host
- Notable production: Crank Yankers
- Career start: 1989, KZOK-FM
- Language: English, Italian
Questions readers ask
What shows did Kimmel produce besides his own?
He produced The Man Show, Crank Yankers, Sports Show with Norm Macdonald, The Andy Milonakis Show, and the film Windy City Heat.
How many times has Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards?
He has hosted the Academy Awards four times, specifically in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024.
Achievements
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host
- Educated at Mesa Community College, Ed W. Clark High School and University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Worked as television presenter, comedian and television actor
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