Born in Brooklyn and raised in Las Vegas, this quick-witted funnyman honed his comic skills at radio stations across the country before becoming the cohost of the unconventional game show
Win Ben Stein's Money in 1997, scoring a Daytime Emmy for the program in the process. During his tenure, Kimmel and his former radio cohort Adam Carolla created and hosted their own signature series in 1997 titled
The Man Show, a testosterone-charged affair that celebrated drinking beer, watching sports and ogling women bouncing on trampolines. In 2003, he made the leap from cable to network TV with his own eponymous late-night show,
Jimmy Kimmel Live, a prank-packed chatfest boasting a hip atmosphere. His behind-the-camera pursuits blossomed as well, as this cofounder of the Jackhole Industries production company produced the shows
Crank Yankers and
The Andy Milonakis Show. Off-screen, he was involved in an on-and-off relationship with hipster comedienne Sarah Silverman, but the couple reportedly split up in 2009. In addition, Kimmel considers his idol to be fellow talk-show host David Letterman.
Jimmy Kimmel Fast Facts:
- Fired from morning radio shows in Seattle, Tampa, Tucson and Phoenix at the start of his career.
- Won a Daytime Emmy in 1999 for Outstanding Game Show Host for Win Ben Stein's Money.
- Created, wrote and co-hosted Comedy Central's The Man Show with Adam Carolla in 1999.
- Runs his own production company, Jackhole Industries, with Daniel Kellison and Carolla.
- Produced the shows Crank Yankers, The Adam Carolla Project and The Andy Milonakis Show.
- His idol is David Letterman.
- Was asked if he sees himself as "the modern-day Hugh Hefner" in a Comedy Central webchat promoting The Man Show. He replied, "Not really. His life is much better than mine. I'm more of a modern-day Hugh Downs."
- Served as a sports prognosticator on Fox NFL Sunday.
- Hosted the American Music Awards no less than five times.
- Has the sleep disorder narcolepsy.
- Jimmy Kimmel Relationships:
- Sal Iacono - Cousin
- Kevin Kimmel - Son
- Sarah Silverman - Ex-significant Other
- Jonathan Kimmel - Brother
- Molly McNearney - Fiancée
- Gina Kimmel - Ex-wife
- Katherine Kimmel - Daughter
- Joan Kimmel - Mother
- Jill Kimmel - Sister
- Jim Kimmel - Father
- Jimmy Kimmel Awards:
- 2012 Emmy: Outstanding Variety Series - Nominee
- College:
- Attended University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV; attended Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ