Jimmy Kimmel Biography: Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Wife, Height, TV Shows, Parents, Siblings, Children

Jimmy Kimmel is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for hosting the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which debuted on ABC in 2003.

He initially gained recognition through his work on the game show Win Ben Stein’s Money on Comedy Central, where his quick-witted and relatable persona contrasted with Stein’s dry style, earning the pair an Emmy Award.

He later co-hosted The Man Show, which expanded his visibility in the entertainment industry. Beyond late-night television, Kimmel has hosted major events like the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Profile

• Full name: James Christian Kimmel
• Nickname: Jimmy Kimmel
• Date of birth: November 13, 1967
• Age: 56 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Television host, comedian, writer, producer
• Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)
• Parents: Joan Iacono (mother), James John Kimmel (father)
• Siblings: Jonathan Kimmel (brother), Jill Bryan (sister)
• Spouse: Molly McNearney (current), Gina Maddy (ex-wife)
• Children: Katherine Kimmel, Kevin Kimmel, Jane Kimmel, William “Billy” Kimmel
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Catholic Christianity
• Ethnicity: Mixed (Italian, German, Albanian ancestry)
• Net worth: $50 million

Early Life and Education

Jimmy Kimmel, now 57, was born to Joan and James John Kimmel on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York.

His father worked for companies like American Express and IBM, while his mother, of Italian descent, came from a family originating from Ischia, Naples.

When Kimmel was nine, his family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he grew up alongside his younger brother Jonathan and his sister Jill. He attended Ed W. Clark High School in Las Vegas.

After high school, Kimmel enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for a year before transferring to Arizona State University.

Although he did not graduate, he received an honorary degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 2013. In a Catholic household, Kimmel served as an altar boy during childhood.

Personal Life

Jimmy Kimmel married his first wife, Gina Maddy, in 1988, and they had two children, Katherine (born 1991) and Kevin (born 1993).

However, the couple divorced in 2002. After the divorce, Kimmel had a high-profile relationship with comedian Sarah Silverman until 2009.

Later that year, Kimmel started dating Molly McNearney, a co-head writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live! The couple got engaged in 2012 and married in July 2013.

They have two children together, Jane, born in 2014, and Billy, born in 2017. Billy’s birth garnered widespread attention as he underwent multiple heart surgeries shortly after being born due to a congenital condition.

Kimmel has spoken openly about the emotional experience and has used his platform to advocate for healthcare reforms.

Career

Kimmel’s career began in radio during his high school years. He hosted a Sunday night show on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’s station, KUNV.

This led to several stints in local radio, and by the late 1980s, he was co-hosting a morning radio show in Seattle.

However, Kimmel’s big break came when he joined the game show Win Ben Stein’s Money on Comedy Central in 1997.

His role as a comedic counterpart to Stein helped the show win an Emmy Award. Kimmel’s success on the show led to more television opportunities, including co-hosting and co-producing The Man Show with Adam Carolla.

In 2003, Kimmel launched Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, a late-night talk show that has become a staple of American television.

Kimmel has hosted the Academy Awards multiple times, including the 2023 and 2024 ceremonies, and has helmed several other notable events like the Primetime Emmy Awards.

His ability to mix humor with social commentary and his occasional political monologues has made him a prominent voice in late-night television.

Awards

• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for Win Ben Stein’s Money (1999)
• Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2013)
• Multiple Emmy nominations for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and as a host for major award shows

Net Worth

Jimmy Kimmel’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. His wealth has largely been amassed through his long-running television host, producer, and comedian career.

His success with Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a significant contributor, along with his work hosting high-profile events like the Oscars and producing other television shows.

Controversy

Throughout his career, Kimmel has been no stranger to controversy. One of his earliest scandals occurred in 2004 during the NBA Finals when he joked about the potential for the city of Detroit to burn if the Pistons won the championship.

His remarks led to ABC pulling his show from the air that night. Kimmel quickly apologized, but the incident sparked criticism about the responsibility of entertainers when making public remarks.

Another significant controversy occurred in 2013 when a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Involving children in discussing political issues led to outrage from the Chinese-American community.

In the segment, a child suggested “killing everyone in China” as a solution to the U.S. debt problem.

Although the segment was intended to be comedic, it was viewed as offensive and racist, leading to protests and an apology from both Kimmel and ABC.

Kimmel’s feuds with various public figures, including his long-running fake rivalry with Matt Damon, have often played out humorously but sometimes sparked real tensions.

His political monologues, especially those touching on healthcare and gun control, have also attracted praise and backlash, reflecting the increasingly political tone of late-night television.

Social Media

• Instagram: @jimmykimmel
• Twitter: @jimmykimmel

Filmography

• Garfield: The Movie
• Road Trip
• Pitch Perfect 2
• The Aristocrats
• Windy City Heat

Books

• The Serious Goose