Jimmy Kimmel Hints at Retirement from Late-Night TV After Two Decades on Air
As Jimmy Kimmel prepares to return as host of the Academy Awards for a fourth time, the beloved late-night personality is also opening up about what may be the final stretch of his television career. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kimmel, 56, revealed that his current contract with Jimmy Kimmel Live! could be his last.“I think this is my final contract,” Kimmel said, acknowledging how often he’s made similar remarks in the past. “I hate to even say it because people laugh at me every time I do — and then somehow, I end up sticking around.”
Having just celebrated 21 years of hosting his Emmy-winning show, Kimmel is feeling reflective. While he’s proud of the success and longevity of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he shared that the two-plus years remaining on his contract may be just the right amount. “That seems like enough,” he noted.
Looking toward the future, Kimmel admits he doesn’t have a clear plan for what comes next. He’s joked that his post-TV life could involve anything from cooking to sketching or even sculpting—personal passions he hasn’t had much time to explore during his busy career.This desire for change has been influenced by personal experiences, including the recent passing of his grandfather. The moment served as a reminder of life’s brevity and inspired Kimmel to think more deeply about his own goals and aspirations. “I know that when I die, if I’m lucky enough to go peacefully in my own bed, I’ll still be thinking, ‘There were things I never got around to,’” he said.
Whether or not this marks the beginning of his farewell to late-night television, Jimmy Kimmel is clearly beginning to think about life beyond the spotlight—focusing more on fulfillment, family, and the next chapter of his creative journey.