In the realm of American late-night television, Jimmy Kimmel stands as a prominent figure. His razor-sharp wit, unapologetic political commentary, and engaging celebrity interviews have endeared him to millions of viewers. Yet, one question often crops up in discussions about Jimmy Kimmel: Is he Jewish? In this comprehensive article, we delve into the details of Jimmy Kimmel’s life, upbringing, and religious beliefs to dispel the misconceptions surrounding his heritage.
Table of Contents
Summary of “What Religion is Jimmy Kimmel”?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Christian Kimmel |
| Date of Birth | November 13, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York |
| Family | Parents: James and Joan Kimmel |
| Siblings: Brother Jonathan, Sister Jill | |
| Early Religion | Catholic |
| Early Education | Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic School |
| Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas) | |
| Career Highlights | Radio Host in Various Cities |
| Co-host of ‘The Man Show’ on Comedy Central | |
| Creator and Host of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ | |
| Hosted Major Events like Emmy Awards, Oscars | |
| Film Appearances | ‘Road Trip,’ ‘Ted 2,’ ‘Pitch Perfect 2,’ |
| ‘The Boss Baby,’ ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies’ | |
| Notable Achievements | Emmy Award for ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’ (1999) |
| Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2013) | |
| Honorary Degree from UNLV (2013) | |
| Belief | Practicing Catholic |
| Associations | Dated Sarah Silverman (2002-2009) |
| Married Molly McNearney (since 2013) | |
| Co-hosted with Ben Stein (‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’) | |
| Public Statements | Emphasized he is not Jewish |
| Expressed respect for Judaism and other religions | |
| Used humor to address misconceptions | |
| Philanthropy | Supports various charitable causes |
| AIDS research, autism awareness, | |
| children’s health care, gun control, | |
| climate change | |
| Legacy | One of America’s most influential |
| late-night talk show hosts | |
| Known for comedy, politics, and interviews |
Jimmy Kimmel’s Early Life and Family
James Christian Kimmel, popularly known as Jimmy Kimmel, entered this world on November 13, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York. He was born to parents James and Joan Kimmel and is the elder sibling to a brother named Jonathan and a sister named Jill. His father, James, held executive positions at IBM and American Express, while his mother, Joan, was a homemaker.
Jimmy Kimmel’s formative years were steeped in Catholicism. He actively participated as an altar boy in his local church. His early education took place at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic School in Brooklyn, where he immersed himself in the tenets of Catholicism. However, when he was nine years old, his family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, prompting a change in his educational journey. There, he continued his Catholic education at St. Francis de Sales School and later attended Bishop Gorman High School.
The Path to Comedy and Television
From a young age, Jimmy Kimmel exhibited a deep-seated passion for comedy and radio. His idol, David Letterman, served as a significant source of inspiration. While still in high school, Kimmel began hosting a radio show on a local college radio station. Although he briefly attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Arizona State University, he decided to drop out and pursue a career in radio and television.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Prolific Career and Achievements
Kimmel’s journey in the world of media commenced as a radio host in various cities across the United States, including Seattle, Phoenix, Tucson, and Los Angeles. Notably, he gained recognition as “Jimmy the Sports Guy” on ‘The Kevin & Bean Show’ on KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, where he crossed paths with his future co-host, Adam Carolla. Kimmel’s talent was further validated when he co-hosted ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’ on Comedy Central from 1997 to 2002, earning him an Emmy Award in 1999.
His breakthrough moment came as the co-creator and co-host of ‘The Man Show’ on Comedy Central, which aired from 1999 to 2003 alongside Adam Carolla. The show’s irreverent humor found a dedicated following among young male audiences. Kimmel’s impact extended beyond ‘The Man Show’ as he ventured into producing other successful shows like ‘Crank Yankers,’ ‘The Andy Milonakis Show,’ and ‘Sports Show with Norm Macdonald.’
In 2003, Jimmy Kimmel made his mark in late-night television by launching ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on ABC. This groundbreaking show featured celebrity guests, comedy sketches, musical performances, and iconic segments such as ‘Mean Tweets,’ ‘Lie Witness News,’ and ‘Unnecessary Censorship.’ The show garnered numerous accolades, including several Emmy Award nominations and two Critics’ Choice Television Awards for Best Talk Show.
Kimmel’s prowess extends beyond the late-night realm; he has hosted major events like the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards, solidifying his presence as a multifaceted entertainer. His cinematic ventures include appearances in films such as ‘Road Trip,’ ‘Ted 2,’ ‘Pitch Perfect 2,’ ‘The Boss Baby,’ and ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies.’ Furthermore, he lent his voice to animated characters in ‘Garfield: The Movie,’ ‘The Smurfs 2,’ ‘The Lego Batman Movie,’ and ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet.’
Debunking the Myth: Is Jimmy Kimmel Jewish?
Despite his immense popularity, Jimmy Kimmel has occasionally been mistaken for being Jewish by some individuals. Several factors contribute to this misconception. For starters, his last name, “Kimmel,” may sound reminiscent of Jewish surnames like “Kimel” or “Kemel.” Additionally, his associations with prominent Jewish celebrities, such as Sarah Silverman (his former girlfriend from 2002 to 2009), Molly McNearney (his current wife since 2013), and Ben Stein (his co-host on ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’), may have fueled these assumptions.
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However, it is essential to clarify that Jimmy Kimmel is not Jewish. He identifies as a practicing Catholic who regularly attends church services with his family. Furthermore, he has publicly expressed respect for Judaism and other religions but maintains that he does not share their beliefs. Kimmel’s self-deprecating humor has often been a platform for addressing this misconception. He once quipped about his non-Jewishness, stating, “I’m not Jewish, but I am circumcised. I don’t know why. My parents just decided to do that to me. Maybe they thought it would make me more aerodynamic.” Such humorous comments further emphasize his genuine background.
Conclusion: The True Identity of Jimmy Kimmel
In conclusion, Jimmy Kimmel stands as one of the most accomplished and influential late-night talk show hosts in America. His career is marked by comedy, political commentary, and engaging interviews, all rooted in his Catholic upbringing. Despite misconceptions, Jimmy Kimmel is not Jewish; instead, he holds a deep respect for diverse faiths. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband, father, and philanthropist, leveraging his platform to champion various charitable causes, including AIDS research, autism awareness, children’s health care, gun control, and climate change.
FAQs
Is Jimmy Kimmel Jewish?
No, Jimmy Kimmel is not Jewish. He was raised in a Catholic family and practices Catholicism.
What is Jimmy Kimmel’s date of birth?
Jimmy Kimmel was born on November 13, 1967.
Who has Jimmy Kimmel dated or married?
Jimmy Kimmel dated Sarah Silverman from 2002 to 2009 and is currently married to Molly McNearney since 2013.
Has Jimmy Kimmel won any awards?
Yes, he won an Emmy Award for his work on ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’ in 1999.