Jimmy Kimmel, among the most prominent names in American television, has forged a career that stretches from radio to comedy to late night. Early life Born James Christian Kimmel on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York City to a Catholic family of Italian and German descent. His early passion for jokes and pranks helped set the tone of the distinctive humor he would eventually introduce into his late-night act.
At 9, Kimmel’s family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where he attended most of his youth. Jake attended Ed W. Clark High School and became interested in comedy at the age of 16 after watching late night host David Letterman. It was his love for media that first drew him to his college radio station where he had his first real taste of being on the air. He briefly enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Arizona State University but dropped out to become a radio personality.
Early Career: From Radio to Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel first found media attention as a radio host in the late 80s. His first big gig was co-hosting The Me and Him Show on KZOK-FM Seattle in 1989. He eventually landed at L.A.’s KROQ-FM and became a known personality on the Kevin and Bean morning show as “Jimmy the Sports Guy.”
He made the leap to television in 1997 when he co-hosted Win Ben Stein’s Money on Comedy Central, for which he collected a Daytime Emmy Award in 1999. Kimmel created the television show Crank Yankers (on which he occasionally appeared), and alongside Daniel Kellison and Adam Carolla, Kimmel created and hosted The Man Show on Comedy Central, serving as both executive producer and performer for five seasons, from 1999 to 2004. He co-founded Jackhole Industries with Carolla and Daniel Kellison and produced hits such as Crank Yankers.
Rise to Late-Night Fame
In 2003, Kimmel debuted as host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. The show became a hit for its mix of celebrity interviews, skits, and topical humor. Over two decades later, it remains ABC’s longest-running late-night talk show. Kimmel’s sharp commentary and approachable personality have made him a household name and earned him multiple Emmy Awards.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Family Life
⦁ Current Wife: Molly McNearney (married in 2013), co-head writer of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
⦁ First Wife: Gina Maddy (married 1988–2002), with whom he shares two children.
⦁ Children: Four (Katherine, Kevin, Jane, and William “Billy”).
His son Billy’s heart condition and surgery brought widespread public attention, with Kimmel using his platform to advocate for healthcare awareness.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Net Worth
Kimmel has an estimated net worth of $60 million as of 2025, thanks to his long-running late-night show, production company pursuits and endorsement deals.
Quick Facts About Jimmy Kimmel
Here are some facts about Jimmy
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | James Christian Kimmel |
| Born | November 13, 1967 (Brooklyn, New York) |
| Age (2025) | 57 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Nevada, Las Vegas / Arizona State University (no degree) |
| First Big Break | Win Ben Stein’s Money (1997, Comedy Central) |
| Late-Night Show | Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003–present, ABC) |
| Current Wife | Molly McNearney (m. 2013) |
| First Wife | Gina Maddy (m. 1988–2002) |
| Children | Katherine, Kevin, Jane, William (“Billy”) |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$60 million |
| Production Company | Jackhole Industries (with Adam Carolla & Daniel Kellison) |
| Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards |
Legacy
Despite challenges—including public controversies—Jimmy Kimmel remains a prominent figure in American comedy and late-night television. His journey from a prank-loving kid in Las Vegas to a late-night icon highlights tenacity, adaptability, and an enduring connection with audiences.
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