What Is Jimmy Kimmel’s Net Worth?
Jimmy Kimmel, a prominent American television host and comedian, has accumulated a net worth of $50 million. A significant portion of his wealth is attributed to his role as the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” a late-night comedy talk show that has been a staple on television since 2003.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Earnings and Career Highlights
Kimmel’s annual salary for hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is $15 million. This figure underscores his significance in the late-night television landscape. Before helming his own show, Kimmel gained experience as a co-host of “The Man Show” and as a comedic sidekick on “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” showcasing his versatility and comedic timing.
His journey in the entertainment industry began in radio, demonstrating his early passion for broadcasting and entertainment. Kimmel’s career trajectory reflects his ability to adapt and succeed in various media formats, from radio to television and even digital platforms.
In 1997, Kimmel joined Comedy Central’s “Win Ben Stein’s Money” as the comedic counterpart to Ben Stein. Their on-screen chemistry earned them an Emmy Award for Best Game Show Host, marking a significant milestone in Kimmel’s early television career. While working on “Win Ben Stein’s Money,” Kimmel co-hosted and co-produced “The Man Show” with Adam Carolla starting in 1999. The success of “The Man Show” paved the way for the creation of “Crank Yankers” for Comedy Central, where Kimmel lent his voice to several characters.
In 2013, Kimmel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6840 Hollywood Blvd., a testament to his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Beyond his regular hosting duties, Kimmel has also hosted several high-profile award shows, including the Academy Awards in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024, as well as the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2012 and 2016. He also hosted the American Music Awards for five consecutive years. His ability to engage audiences and deliver memorable moments has made him a sought-after host for these prestigious events.
In August 2023, Kimmel expanded his media presence by launching a comedy podcast called “Strike Force Five” in collaboration with fellow late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and John Oliver.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Real Estate Portfolio
Kimmel’s real estate holdings include multiple properties in the Los Angeles area. In 2004, he purchased a home near the beach in Hermosa Beach, California, for $2.175 million. A decade later, in 2014, he acquired a second home in Hermosa Beach for $2.25 million. At some point, he deeded this home to his wife’s sister. In 2018, Kimmel invested $8.2 million in another property in Hermosa Beach, which currently houses a 2,200-square-foot structure. According to sale plans, a future home on this lot could potentially span 20,000 square feet.
Outside of Hermosa Beach, Kimmel owns a property in the Hollywood Hills above the Chateau Marmont, consisting of two parcels and valued at $7.1 million. In 2020, Kimmel and angler Oliver White jointly purchased a fishing lodge in Idaho known as the South Fork Lodge. The details about the name and value of the fishing lodge is a key detail.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
James Christian Kimmel was born on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York. He is the eldest of three children and spent his early childhood in Mill Basin before his family relocated to Las Vegas when he was nine years old. Kimmel graduated from Ed W. Clark High School and briefly attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), for one year, followed by two years at Arizona State University. He later received an honorary degree from UNLV, acknowledging his achievements in the entertainment industry.
Inspired by David Letterman’s early career in radio, Kimmel started working at a radio station during his high school years. He continued to pursue radio opportunities during college and secured his first paid radio job as a morning co-host on “The Me and Him Show” on KZOK-FM in Seattle. However, he and his co-host, Kent Voss, were fired in 1990 due to costly on-air stunts. Undeterred, Kimmel decided to create his own show in Palm Springs, California, and recruited his childhood friend Carson Daly as his intern.
Kimmel eventually joined KROQ-FM in Los Angeles and spent five years as “Jimmy the Sports Guy” on the “Kevin and Bean” morning show, solidifying his presence in the Los Angeles radio scene.
Transition to Television and Hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Initially, Kimmel was not interested in pursuing a career in television. However, he began writing promotional material for Fox announcers and was subsequently recruited to do the on-air promotions himself. This experience led to an opportunity on Comedy Central’s “Win Ben Stein’s Money” in 1997, where he served as the “funny everyman” comedic counterpart to Ben Stein.
In 2003, Kimmel made the decision to leave “The Man Show” permanently and embark on his own venture as the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. The show gradually gained popularity and success, becoming a prominent fixture in late-night television. Kimmel’s hosting style, characterized by his quirky persona and interviewing techniques, has resonated with audiences.
Like many talk show hosts, Kimmel has encountered his share of controversies and feuds throughout his career. He has cited David Letterman and Howard Stern as his biggest influences in hosting.
In addition to his own show, Kimmel has also served as a guest host for “Larry King Live” and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” For the latter, he commuted between New York and Los Angeles for five consecutive days, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled in one work week.
Other Ventures and Appearances
Kimmel served as the roastmaster for the New York Friars’ Club Roast of Hugh Hefner and has hosted various Comedy Central roasts. He also appeared on a season of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” In 2007, Kimmel hosted a game show for ABC called “Set for Life.”
Kimmel managed the National League in the 2007 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game in San Francisco. He had previously played in the game in 2004 and 2006. Kimmel also hosted the 2007 ESPY Awards with LeBron James.
He has provided voice work for numerous animated projects, including “Robot Chicken,” often voicing dog characters. In July 2019, Kimmel released a children’s book titled “The Serious Goose.” In April 2020, he hosted a series of episodes of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”
Personal Life and Family
Kimmel’s cousin, Sal Iacono, frequently appears on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, and his uncle, Frank Potenza, also made frequent appearances until his death in 2011.
Kimmel was married to Gina Maddy from 1988 to 2002, and they have two children, Katherine and Kevin. He was in a relationship with Sarah Silverman from 2002 to 2009. In July 2013, he married Molly McNearney, and the couple has two children, Jane and William John. Their son was born with a rare congenital heart defect and underwent successful surgery at just three days old. Kimmel shared the experience with his audience upon his return to the show.
In 2020, Kimmel discovered that he is related to Martha Stewart on the TV show “Finding Your Roots.” Kimmel is a practicing Catholic and a supporter of the Democratic party. He has spoken publicly about his experience with narcolepsy.
In 2021, Kimmel became the title sponsor of the LA Bowl, which was officially renamed the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.
Philanthropy
While the provided document does not explicitly detail Kimmel’s philanthropic activities with specific monetary figures, the details about Kimmel’s donations of his time and public platform to causes such as children’s health and heart health are available.
Net Worth Milestones
Details regarding specific net worth milestones and dates, beyond his current net worth of $50 million, are not available in the provided document.
Personal Investments
Apart from his real estate investments, the document does not provide details about Jimmy Kimmel’s personal investments, including specific names and amounts invested.
Luxury Assets
The provided document does not contain details about Jimmy Kimmel’s ownership of private jets or luxury cars, including specific models and names.