Jimmy Kimmel and the staff of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be taking the rest of the week off as they mourn the loss of the show’s bandleader Cleto Escobedo, who died early Tuesday.
In a new episode Tuesday night, Kimmel delivered a riveting and emotional tribute to Escobedo, his childhood neighbor and best friend, calling him “the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person” and adding, “Everyone loved Cleto… he was just a great older brother. No baggage. All love.”
Balancing tears with laughter, Kimmel shared stories from their childhood in Las Vegas—riding bikes, making prank calls, and, as he put it, “cutting off each other’s air supply and knocking each other out for fun.” “We would laugh so hard,” he said. “We had our own language that almost no one else understood.”
Near the end of his remarks, Kimmel noted, “We’re going to take the next couple of nights off. But I wanted to be here tonight to tell you about my friend.”
Escobedo had been quietly absent from the ABC show for several months after falling ill. LateNighter understands that Kimmel canceled last Thursday night’s scheduled taping after Escobedo’s condition worsened.
Kimmel is scheduled to return with new episodes next Monday, November 17. There’s been no word yet on whether his scheduled guests for later this week—which were to include Jason Bateman, Danny DeVito, Mr. T, and Debbie Gibson as part of an ’80s-themed week—will be rescheduled.
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Completely understandable. You know, with Cleto’s death, it wouldn’t surprise if, in the near future, he announces that he’s done with late night. This guy’s been through a lot in the 23 years he’s had his show, and I can’t imagine that it hasn’t taken a toll on him. I know Jimmy’s also a big family man, so perhaps he’d also like to get some lost time back with his wife and kids. Either way, take as much time off as you need, Jimmy. You definitely need it, and RIP Cleto.
Kimmel is such a stand-up guy!
Really can’t imagine what Late Night comedy would be without his touching, intelligent, kind, sincere, and true to himself hour of entertainment!
Love the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show!!