Before launching Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he gained attention as the co-host of several Comedy Central programs, including The Man Show and Win Ben Stein’s Money. His blend of humor and on-screen charisma in these earlier roles served as a springboard for his later solo success as a late-night host.

Early Life and Education

Born James Christian Kimmel on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York, Jimmy was the eldest of three children. His father, James Kimmel, was an IBM employee, and his mother, Joan Kimmel, was a homemaker. Raised in a Catholic household, he frequently attended church during his youth and even served as an altar boy.

The Kimmel family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Jimmy attended Ed W. Clark High School. While he was initially a shy student, his teachers encouraged him to participate in extracurricular activities, which helped him discover his passion for performing. This early exposure to public speaking and live performance laid the foundation for his future in entertainment.

Radio Career and Early Media Work

Following high school, Kimmel enrolled at Arizona State University, where he studied mass communications. During college, he became actively involved in campus radio and began radio hosting professionally. Radio personalities like Kent Voss and Mike Elliott heavily influenced his early career.

Kimmel’s first significant radio position was at KZOK-FM in Seattle, where he co-hosted The Me and Him Show. His natural comedic style quickly gained attention, paving the way for a successful transition to television.