Jimmy Kimmel is undoubtedly one of the most beloved faces on television. Best known as the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live, he has also had the honor of hosting the Oscars four times, a feat only a select few have achieved. While many fans expected him to return to the Dolby Theatre this year to host the Academy Awards once again, that wasn’t the case.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times while preparing for the 2024 Oscars, Kimmel opened up about why he agreed to host again, saying, “I didn’t think I’d ever do it again. I did two of them, and they went well, something crazy happened at one of them that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I know how much work goes into them, so I thought, ‘I’m not sure I want to do this again.’”
Jimmy Kimmel Live debuted in 2003, and although he was a newcomer at the time, Kimmel quickly earned a reputation as one of the best in the business. He has since become America’s longest-running current late-night talk show host.
But does he ever think about stepping away from it all? In fact, during an episode of Strike Force Five, a podcast he co-hosted with other late-night hosts during the writers’ strike, Kimmel admitted he had considered quitting his show. However, the strike made him realize how much he actually enjoys hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live.
“It’s hard to miss it when you’re doing it,” he explained. “One Wednesday night, I was exhausted, had all these scripts to go through, had to rewrite and pitch ideas for the Oscars, and I literally nodded off onto my computer. In those moments, I think, ‘I can’t wait for my contract to end.’ But then, I take the summer off or go on strike, and I start thinking, ‘Yeah, I miss the fun stuff.’”
Kimmel went on to say, “I think this is my final contract. I hate even saying it because everyone laughs at me, since every time I think that, it turns out not to be true. I’ve still got a little more than two years left on my contract, and that feels good. That seems like enough.”
When asked about what his future might look like, Kimmel shared a playful vision of his post-TV life: “He’s very accomplished. He speaks Italian, plays the harmonica beautifully, and is an expert fly fisherman. He’s written graphic novels that were very well received. He’s very busy, it’s funny, whenever I think about what I’ll do when I stop working, it always involves more work.”
