Jimmy Kimmel had a long career before he became the host of a TV show and an enemy of President Trump. He’s developed close relationships with many of his co-workers over the years. While speaking at a major event, the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host joked about a “gay” bond with a former colleague. Keep reading for the full context of the unexpected joke.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Many Careers Before Talk Show Host
Jimmy Kimmel grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of his first jobs was at a college radio station. He later dropped out of school to pursue a career in radio. However, he was reportedly fired from several stations due to his pranks. Pranks eventually became his claim to fame.
His breakthrough came at the Los Angeles rock station KROQ-FM, where he was “Jimmy the Sports Guy” on the Kevin & Bean morning program. Jimmy Kimmel eventually made the jump from radio to TV.
He spent five years as Ben Stein’s sidekick on Comedy Central’s Win Ben Stein’s Money. He later starred on the network’s sketch comedy show The Man Show.
Jimmy Kimmel made a lot of friends and enemies over his career, including fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert. Jimmy Kimmel made an appearance on Stephen Colbert’s final show.
He Refused To Let Politics End Friendships
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show found itself in the crosshairs of President Trump and his supporters. ABC temporarily suspended the host in September 2025 after his comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder.
Despite his dislike of President Trump and his policies, Jimmy Kimmel refused to let politics change one of his longest friendships. He first met Adam Carolla on the Kevin & Bean radio show. They later co-hosted The Man Show together. Adam Carolla is a frequent guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Jimmy Kimmel Jokes About ‘Gay’ Bond With Former Colleague
Adam Carolla has an equally impressive career. He received a huge honor this week and Jimmy Kimmel was part of it. The comedian received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. The ABC talk show host received his in 2013.
As a longtime collaborator and friend, Jimmy Kimmel had the honor of giving a speech at the ceremony. He got emotional while celebrating his close friend. He began his speech by recounting how they first met at KROQ-FM. According to Entertainment Weekly, he told a story about how Adam Carolla pranked him into getting beaten up by a boxer.
“We would box for about eight minutes and then drink Snapple and go to lunch. As a result, I lost that fight, but I gained a life partner. And if that sounds gay to you, it was, and it is,” he said about their time together on the Kevin & Bean radio show.
“Adam and I, as you probably know, don’t agree much when it comes to politics. But I love him dearly. I’ve never worked with anyone funnier,” the late-night host said while getting emotional.
The talk show added, “I am pleased to welcome the Laverne to my Shirley, my friend Adam Carolla, to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
Some friendships can overcome anything, even starkly different political beliefs.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
