Jimmy Kimmel has been a familiar and beloved figure on television for years. As the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and one of the few stars trusted to host the Oscars multiple times, he’s cemented his place in entertainment history. Many assumed he would return to the Dolby Theatre stage for the 2024 Academy Awards, but that didn’t happen this time around.
In a recent conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Kimmel opened up about his journey back to the Oscars, admitting, “I didn’t think I’d do it again. I hosted twice and things went well — though something unforgettable happened at one of them that I’ll always remember. I knew how much work it takes, and I thought, ‘I don’t really need to do this again.'” Still, despite the heavy workload, Kimmel eventually agreed to return.
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! launched in 2003, Kimmel was still a fresh face in the crowded late-night scene. Over time, he became a staple of American television and now holds the title of the longest-serving current late-night host.
Lately, however, there’s been talk that Kimmel might be considering stepping away. During an episode of Strike Force Five—the podcast he co-hosted alongside fellow late-night hosts during the writers’ strike—he revealed he had seriously thought about leaving the show. Ironically, it was the unexpected downtime during the strike that reignited his love for the work.
“It’s hard to miss it when you’re in the middle of it,” he shared with the Los Angeles Times. “On Wednesday night, I was exhausted, going through tons of scripts, rewriting Oscar pitches, and literally dozing off at my computer. In moments like that, I think, ‘I can’t wait for my contract to end.’ But then, when summer comes around or there’s a break, I start to miss the good parts.”
Kimmel was honest about his future, saying, “I think this is my last contract. I hate to say it because everyone always laughs — every time I think that, it doesn’t end up being true. I still have a little over two years left, and that feels about right. That seems enough.”
As for what’s next, Kimmel painted a humorous and ambitious picture of his future: “This version of me speaks Italian, plays the harmonica really well, and is an expert fly-fisherman. He’s even published some well-received graphic novels. He’s very busy — it’s funny, because every time I imagine retiring, it somehow still involves more work.”
Although nothing is set in stone yet, one thing is clear: whether it’s fly-fishing, graphic novels, or something entirely different, Jimmy Kimmel’s next chapter promises to be just as full of life as the impressive career he’s already built.
