Tessa Everly
For over two decades, Jimmy Kimmel has remained a prominent figure in late-night television, captivating audiences as the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC since its inception in 2003. His unique blend of sharp humor and engaging hosting style has established him not only as a beloved television personality but also as a sought-after host for prestigious events such as the Oscars and the Emmys. In a notable achievement in September 2025, Kimmel received a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show, recognizing his exceptional work on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
This honor emerged during a tumultuous period, as ABC decided to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! following significant backlash concerning his comments about Tyler Robinson, the individual accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension elicited strong reactions, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr condemning Kimmel’s remarks as “some of the sickest possible” and commending affiliates that chose to pull the show from their lineup.
Despite the controversy, ABC reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live!, but just seven months later, Kimmel found himself in hot water again. This time, he made a joke about the White House Correspondents’ Dinner only two days before a tragic shooting occurred at the same event. As a result, many fans and critics alike are revisiting discussions about his salary, career earnings, and overall net worth. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what we know about Kimmel’s financial status.
What Is Jimmy Kimmel’s Net Worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Jimmy Kimmel’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This impressive figure reflects his extensive career in late-night television, which spans decades and includes hosting significant events like the Oscars, as well as producing various television projects. His multifaceted career has undoubtedly contributed to making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the entertainment industry.
Kimmel’s success can be attributed to his relentless work ethic, charisma, and the ability to connect with audiences. These qualities have not only enriched his personal finances but have also solidified his reputation as a leading figure in comedy and television. His ongoing projects continue to attract substantial viewership, further enhancing his career and financial prospects.
What Is Jimmy Kimmel’s Salary From ABC?
Jimmy Kimmel earns an impressive annual salary of $16 million for his role as the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. This substantial income reflects not only his popularity and talent but also the significant viewership that his show consistently attracts. Kimmel’s ability to engage audiences with humor and relevant commentary has made him a valuable asset to the network.
What Did Jimmy Kimmel Say About Charlie Kirk?
Kimmel ignited controversy following his comments during a monologue about Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect implicated in the murder of Charlie Kirk. On an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he accused “many in MAGA land” of attempting to “capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and remarked that conservatives were “desperately trying to portray this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them” in a bid to score political points. This statement provoked a significant backlash.
An ABC spokesperson confirmed on September 17 that Kimmel’s show “will be pre-empted indefinitely” as a consequence of his comments, demonstrating the serious repercussions of his words.
Prior to the monologue that sparked outrage, Kimmel had expressed a more somber sentiment on social media, stating, “Instead of angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents, and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.” This message reflected a deeper concern over the implications of gun violence in society.
Shortly thereafter, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return to the airwaves, albeit amidst ongoing discussions regarding Kimmel’s impact and the boundaries of comedy.
What Did Jimmy Kimmel Say About Melania Trump?
During a mock version of the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, just two days before the actual event in April 2026, Kimmel made an offhand joke about Melania Trump, suggesting she possessed a “glow like an expectant widow.” He then went on to quip about Donald Trump’s portrayal of himself as Jesus Christ, drawing both laughter and criticism.
Kimmel humorously stated, “Our first lady is here. Mrs. Trump … you have a glow like an expectant widow. By the way, in the unfortunate event that our president has a medical emergency tonight, do we have a doctor in the house — oh, I’m sorry. I mean, do we have a Jesus in the house? I always confuse them, too.” His remarks were designed to be humorous but were met with mixed reactions.
Four days later, Melania Trump reacted strongly, labeling Kimmel a “coward” in a post on X. This response followed the April 25, 2026, White House Correspondents’ Dinner, during which a gunman, identified as Cole Allen, opened fire, leading to heightened tensions surrounding Kimmel’s comments.
In her post, Melania asserted, “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy – his words are corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America.” Her statement underscored the serious implications of public discourse in today’s politically charged environment.
