Jimmy Kimmel biography

Synopsis

Early Life

Television personality, comedian. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on November 13, 1967 to parents Jim and Joan Kimmel. Kimmel's family moved to Las Vegas when Kimmel was nine years old. The eldest of three, young Kimmel proved to be a meticulous artist and an excellent student, earning straight A's throughout high school. It was during his teenage years that Kimmel discovered his idol: David Letterman.

Kimmel's first real foray into performance was as a college radio disc jockey. After testing the airwaves at UNLV and Arizona State University, Kimmel began his professional radio career at age 21. Bouncing from market-to-market in cities like Seattle, Phoenix and Tucson, Kimmel eventually found a home at Los Angeles' famed KROQ as Jimmy the Sports Guy on The Kevin and Bean Show.

Television Debut

In 1997, Kimmel made the leap to television, debuting on the small screen as the host of Comedy Central's game show, Win Ben Stein's Money. Kimmel provided a comic counterpoint for the show’s eponymous challenger. Stein and Kimmel won a 1999 Daytime Emmy for Best Game Show Host and a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2001.

The Man Show

Two years into his game show success, Kimmel, in cooperation with longtime friends Adam Carolla and Daniel Kellison, established a production company under the name Jackhole Industries. The trio began developing comedy shows through Jackhole, and pitching them to various networks. In 1999, the company pitched one of its projects, The Man Show, to Comedy Central. Billed as the "anti-Oprah," the half-hour comedy show glorified testosterone and featured beer chugging, models bouncing on trampolines, and unabashed toilet humor. Hitting new heights in puerile comedy, the show was a runaway success for the network and led to Kimmel's frequent appearances as a commentator on Fox NFL Sunday.

After their Man Show achievements, Kimmel and his company created the 2002 show, Crank Yankers, on Comedy Central. The show depicted puppets acting out previously recorded prank phone calls voiced by comic celebrities such as David Alan Grier, Dane Cook, Seth MacFarlane, Wanda Sykes, Sarah Silverman, and even Kimmel’s own children.

Personal Life

Unfortunately, as Kimmel's show and career thrived, his marriage began to dissolve. In 2003, Gina filed for divorce, and Kimmel sought solace in friend and Crank Yankers compatriot, Sarah Silverman. The two began dating shortly thereafter, making an alternately sweet and antagonistic team - one with an unusual penchant for sharing personal details in a highly public way. In spite of a 2008 split, the amicable couple appears to be reconciling.

Late Night Success

With several hit shows under his belt, ABC showed an interest in Kimmel as a potential late night host. Jimmy Kimmel Live hit the air on January 26th, 2003, to mediocre reviews. However, 1,000 episodes later, Kimmel has earned the respect of A-list guests and beat out rival late-night talk shows in the ratings. ABC also announced recently that it is extending Kimmel's contract for an additional year, keeping him on the air through at least 2010.

© 2012 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.