Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made his first public appearance on a red carpet since the devastating loss of his dear friend and longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. The emotional outing took place at The Hollywood Reporter's annual Women In Entertainment Gala in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, where Kimmel was present to support his wife, Molly McNearney.
A Supportive Spouse and a Silly Pose
McNearney, who serves as co-head writer and executive producer on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was delivering the event's keynote address. Kimmel himself had the honour of introducing her to the star-studded audience. On the red carpet, however, the comedian deliberately stepped back, allowing his accomplished wife to take centre stage.
Seizing the moment, McNearney struck a playful and goofy pose, kicking one leg high into the air. The lighthearted gesture was a welcome sight, seemingly designed to lift her husband's spirits following a period of profound grief. McNearney cut a business-chic figure in a brown velvet suit with a classic red manicure, while Kimmel opted for a traditional suit and tie.
An On-Air Tribute to a Decades-Long Friendship
The gala appearance comes several weeks after Kimmel delivered a deeply moving, on-air tribute to Escobedo, who died at age 59. Escobedo had been a fixture on Kimmel's show for more than two decades and was one of the host's closest friends.
"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 said during the broadcast last month, visibly emotional. He revealed that Escobedo was the godfather to his son, Kevin, and described him as "the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person."
Kimmel reflected on a friendship that began in childhood after his family moved to Las Vegas, recalling a summer where he stayed at Escobedo's house for "33 nights in a row." Their bond was sealed through games, pranks, and mischief. When ABC hired Kimmel in 2002, he knew immediately that Escobedo was the only person he wanted to lead his show's band.
A Community in Mourning
Escobedo's death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, fellow musicians, and Hollywood colleagues, all of whom cherished the warmth and generosity he brought to the programme. During his tribute, Kimmel invited Escobedo's elderly parents to the taping, calling them his "second parents," and thanked medical staff at UCLA Medical Center for their care.
He concluded with a poignant message: "Cherish your friends. We're not here forever." Following the tribute, Kimmel took the rest of the week off to grieve.
According to reports, Escobedo's death certificate listed the cause of death as cardiogenic shock, a condition where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood. Underlying factors, including alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, were also noted.
This week's red carpet event, marked by a supportive partnership and a moment of deliberate silliness, signifies a tentative step back into public life for Kimmel as he navigates his loss.
