From The Man Show to becoming one of the most recognizable names in late night, Jimmy Kimmel’s career has spanned radio, comedy, and television. He got his start in radio, hosting a Sunday night interview show on UNLV’s college station before moving through stations like KROQ-FM in Los Angeles. While working as “Jimmy the Sports Guy” for the Kevin and Bean morning show, he befriended comedian Adam Carolla. That friendship led to co-hosting The Man Show after Kimmel had already made a mark as the wisecracking sidekick on Comedy Central’s Win Ben Stein’s Money.
In 2003, Jimmy left The Man Show to launch his own late-night program, Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, where he developed his signature style of sharp monologues and celebrity interviews. His growing reputation landed him hosting gigs at major events like the 2007 ESPY Awards, the Primetime Emmys in 2012 and 2016, and the Academy Awards in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024.
Most recently, Kimmel made headlines in 2025 when Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended indefinitely by ABC following backlash over his comments about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. The move sparked national debate about free speech and political discourse in late night. Still, Kimmel remains a decorated figure in the industry — in 2025 he also took home a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show thanks to his work on the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire revival.
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