Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has been seen in public for the first time since the devastating death of his childhood friend and longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. The 57-year-old television presenter appeared subdued while stepping out with his wife, Molly McNearney, in Los Angeles on Friday.
A Sombre Public Appearance
Jimmy Kimmel maintained a low profile during the outing, dressing casually in a slate-coloured button-down shirt, jeans, dark sunglasses and a baseball cap. The couple appeared close but quiet as they navigated the rainy sidewalks after making a brief stop at a Bank of America branch.
At one point during their walk, Kimmel briefly stepped away toward a nearby planter before rejoining his wife, who maintained a supportive presence throughout their time together. The appearance came just days after Kimmel abruptly cancelled a full week of his popular programme, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, to grieve the profound loss.
Heartbreaking On-Air Tribute
The emotional public sighting follows Kimmel's deeply moving on-air tribute to Escobedo, who had been a fixture on the show for more than two decades. During Tuesday's broadcast, a visibly distressed Kimmel honoured his friend of nearly fifty years, describing the monologue as the most difficult he's ever delivered.
"We've been on the air for almost 23 years, and I've had to do some hard monologues along the way - but this one's the hardest," Kimmel told viewers while fighting back tears. "Late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young to go. Everyone loves Cleto… it's just not fair. He was the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person."
Decades of Friendship Remembered
Kimmel went on to reflect on their extraordinary bond, which began when his family moved to Las Vegas and the two boys became inseparable. He recalled one summer where he stayed at Escobedo's house "33 nights in a row", filling their days with wiffle ball, Nerf football, pranks and childhood mischief involving Hot Wheels and matches.
The television host shared touching anecdotes about their lifelong connection, including how Escobedo served as godfather to Kimmel's son Kevin and was the best man at his wedding. When ABC hired Kimmel in 2002, he revealed that Escobedo was the only person he envisioned leading the show's band, saying "We grew up watching Dave and Paul, it had to be him."
Kimmel invited Escobedo's elderly parents, Cleto Sr., 82, and Sylvia, 80, to the emotional taping, calling them his "second parents" and praising their tight-knit family. He also thanked the medical team at UCLA Medical Center for caring for his friend during his final days.
Following the tribute, Kimmel announced he would be taking the rest of the week off to grieve properly. The death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, musicians, and Hollywood colleagues, all mourning the warmth, humour and generosity Escobedo brought to the programme.
Fans flooded the show's YouTube page with praise for the heartfelt memorial, with one commenter writing: "No one has ever delivered a better tribute to a lifelong friend." Another added: "I'm 79 and was sobbing listening to Jimmy share his story."
Cleto Escobedo III is survived by his wife Lori and their two children.
