Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down in Tears During Tribute to Cleto Escobedo

by

Jimmy Kimmel is honoring his late bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.

The comedian recently paid tribute to his close friend in a monologue. This friend had been the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show began in 2003, and Jimmy had known him since childhood. The tribute came just hours after news of his friend’s passing at age 59.

Jimmy started his show on November 11th by saying that in the almost 23 years he’s been on television, he’s had to deliver difficult speeches, but this one was the hardest. He explained that they’d recently lost someone very dear to them, someone who died far too young, and he wanted to share a bit about this person, if the audience didn’t mind hearing it.

The 57-year-old remembered being neighbors with Cleto growing up in Las Vegas, and fondly shared stories from their childhood together.

He fondly remembered all the adventures they shared, recalling how easily they’d make each other laugh. They developed a special connection, almost a private language, where a look or a shared silence spoke volumes. Every day during rehearsals, they didn’t even need to glance at each other – they just knew.

Jimmy shared that Cleto had a music career, including playing saxophone for Paula Abdul. Later, when the comedian got his own talk show, he asked Cleto to be the bandleader.

Jimmy recalled being really worried about anyone besides himself taking over as bandleader. It absolutely had to be him. He remembered hesitating to suggest someone else, knowing that saying, ‘My childhood friend plays the saxophone, maybe he could lead,’ just didn’t sound right.

I was so thrilled to hear Cleto got the job! And even better, his dad’s been playing with Jimmy’s band since 2003, so these two childhood friends have actually been working side-by-side almost every day for nearly 23 years – it’s amazing to see such a long-lasting partnership!

Jimmy, visibly upset, shared that everyone at the show was heartbroken by the news. He described the person as incredibly kind, humble, and always a joy to be around, adding, “It just doesn’t seem right.”

He concluded his speech by expressing his condolences to Cleto’s parents, who were present in the audience, and then announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be taking a break due to the sensitive circumstances.

Jimmy expressed his gratitude to Cleto’s parents, Cleto and Sylvia, for raising their son and for welcoming him like family. He encouraged everyone to appreciate their friends, reminding them that life is fleeting. He thanked them for allowing him to share his feelings and announced they would be taking a short break, but he wanted to make sure he could tell them about his friend tonight.

Following the death of Cleto, numerous celebrities shared their sympathy and paid tribute to him online. See below for more messages…

Following the death of Cleto, numerous celebrities shared their sympathy and paid tribute to him online. You can find more messages of remembrance below…

Jimmy Kimmel announced on Instagram November 11th that his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, had passed away. Kimmel described the loss as devastating, saying they were all heartbroken.

The talk show host added that he and Cleto “have been inseparable since I was nine years old.”

Jimmy went on to say how incredible it was that they had the chance to work together daily, something they’d both only dreamed of. He urged everyone to value their friendships and asked for continued support and prayers for Cleto’s family – his wife, children, and parents.

The artist behind “Glamorous Life” shared the sad news of Cleto Escobedo’s passing on Instagram on November 11th. They first met Cleto in 1994 and produced a track for his album the following year. They often playfully suggested they were related and even tried to confirm it.

She wrote that he had “been a true brother and an amazing musician and artist.”

She expressed immense grief, saying she was completely devastated. She sent her deepest sympathy and prayers to Jimmy Kimmel’s wife, children, family, and friends, adding that he would be deeply missed and that she loved him. She wished him peace.

The singer of “Straight Up” posted a heartfelt message on Instagram on November 11th, sharing the sad news of Cleto Escobedo III’s passing.

Paula remembered first hearing Cleto play saxophone at a small bar in Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace. She was building her band for her first world tour and immediately knew she wanted to hire him, even though he hadn’t toured before.

She enthusiastically praised Cleto’s exceptional talent and energy, expressing her excitement to see him thrive in his career. She was especially happy he was able to rejoin his close friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

She described Cleto as a genuinely kind and radiant person, both when he was performing and in his everyday life. She also expressed her deep sympathy to his family and all those who cared for him.

Actor Zach Cherry announced the passing of Cleto Escobedo III on Instagram on November 11th, describing him as a kind and talented person who will be deeply missed. Cherry sent his condolences to Escobedo’s family and colleagues at Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Oh my gosh, when I saw that Jimmy posted, my heart just broke! And then Ariel Winter, from Modern Family – Modern Family! – left the sweetest comment! She just wrote ‘So sorry to hear this Jimmy,’ and called him ‘AWESOME’! It was so perfect. Seriously, sending all my love to his family too, it’s just… devastating.

The former star of Reboot posted three red hearts on Jimmy’s memorial post, and wrote, “Sending love to you, Cleto, and your entire family.”

“Heartbreaking,” the comedian posted. “So, very sorry.”

The comedian commented, “Love you Love to his incredible family.”

The Seinfeld star shared her condolences on Jimmy’s remembrance, writing, “Oh no. I’m so so sorry.”

“So sorry man,” the Studio star added on Jimmy’s post. “Love you Cleto.”

Read More

2025-11-12 16:48