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Jimmy Kimmel Takes Time Off Following the Passing of Beloved Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III
Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel announced on Tuesday that he is taking the remainder of the week off after the death of his best friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, known affectionately as ‘Jr.’
In a heartfelt tribute, Kimmel opened up about his deep bond with Escobedo during his show, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ which also features Escobedo’s father as a band member.
Kimmel expressed his feelings during his emotional closing monologue, stating, “Cherish your friends, we’re not here forever.” He continued, “Thank you for indulging me, we’re going to take the next couple of nights off. I wanted to be here tonight to tell you about my friend. Cleto loved Eddie Murphy, and he wouldn’t have wanted us to miss this.”
Tributes Pour In as Kimmel Reflects on Their Longstanding Friendship
The late-night host began the show by delivering the news of Escobedo’s passing and recounting their decades-long friendship. Kimmel remarked, “We’ve been on the air for almost 23 years and I’ve had to do some hard monologues along the way. But this will… This one’s the hardest because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was too young to go.”
During the monologue, Kimmel also thanked fans and supporters who rallied around him and Escobedo’s family. Recognition was given to Escobedo’s family for their enduring kindness, treating him as one of their own.
A Special Connection With Escobedo’s Family
Kimmel expressed deep gratitude towards Cleto’s parents, saying, “And mostly, I want to thank Cleto’s parents, Cleto and Sylvia, for making him and for sharing him with me and with all of us. And for treating me like their own son, always.” He delivered these words as he glanced at Escobedo’s mother, who was present in the audience, while his father sat among the band members.
Reflecting on their shared love for comedy, Kimmel recalled that both he and Escobedo admired David Letterman growing up. They felt a profound sense of pride when Kimmel made his debut appearance on ‘The David Letterman Show’ back in 1999.
Escobedo’s Musical Legacy
Known for his musical talent, Escobedo played the saxophone and was celebrated as a child prodigy by Kimmel. The late-night host fondly remembered that Escobedo’s mother would regularly attend tapings of nearly every show to support her husband and son.
Kimmel humorously described how she would work on her rosary beads during the performance, noting, “She’s probably halfway through a Hail Mary right now. This is a very tight family. This is the kind of family that when they aren’t together, they call each other 15 times a day.”
A Life Cut Short
While specific details regarding Escobedo’s passing remain private, Kimmel shared that the bandleader was 59 years old at the time of his death and had recently received treatment at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Kimmel’s decision to pause the show prompted plans to reschedule upcoming guests booked for this week. Notable names included Danny DeVito, Howard Jones, Debbie Gibson, Jason Bateman, Mr. T, and Susanna Hoffs.
Honoring a Friend and Colleague
As fans, colleagues, and the entertainment community mourn the loss of Cleto Escobedo III, Kimmel’s tribute highlights not just the personal grief of a best friend but the broader impact of a revered musician and performer. Their friendship symbolizes a shared journey filled with laughter and creativity.
Escobedo’s absence will leave a significant void, both in Kimmel’s life and on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Following the break, the show aims to honor this cherished bandleader in a way that resonates with the heartfelt connections forged over the years.
