In a heart-wrenching moment that left fans across the nation in tears, Jimmy Kimmel announced an indefinite break from his late-night show following the devastating loss of his childhood friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. But here’s where it gets even more poignant: Kimmel’s emotional tribute during Tuesday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! wasn’t just a monologue—it was a raw, unfiltered expression of grief for a bond that spanned nearly five decades. ‘This is the hardest one I’ve ever had to do,’ Kimmel confessed, his voice cracking as he revealed Escobedo’s passing. And this is the part most people miss: their friendship wasn’t just about the show; it was a lifelong connection that began when they were just nine years old, growing up across the street from each other in Las Vegas. Is it possible for a friendship to shape not just a career, but an entire legacy?
For nearly 23 years, Escobedo wasn’t just the bandleader—he was the heartbeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, fronting Cleto and the Cletones since the show’s premiere in 2003. His absence from the show in recent months had sparked concern, and Variety confirmed that last Thursday’s cancellation was due to Escobedo’s declining health. Yet, his passing still came as a shock, leaving Kimmel and his team reeling. ‘He was proud of me. He loved me. He never took any of this for granted,’ Kimmel shared, his words echoing the depth of their bond. But here’s the controversial question: In an industry often criticized for its superficial relationships, can a friendship like theirs truly stand the test of time and tragedy?
Kimmel’s Instagram post earlier that day laid bare his grief: ‘We lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man… Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your prayers.’ Escobedo’s cause of death remains undisclosed, but his legacy is undeniable. Before joining Kimmel’s show, he toured with music icons like Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Yet, it was Kimmel who fought to bring him on board, even convincing a network executive by showcasing Escobedo’s talent live. ‘I wanted somebody I had chemistry with,’ Kimmel explained in 2015. ‘And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.’
Escobedo’s loyalty was equally profound. In a 2014 interview, he reflected, ‘Jimmy is very loyal to his friends… He trusted me, and I don’t take it for granted. For me, as the father of young children, this is the perfect job. I will always stay by Jimmy’s side.’ But here’s the counterpoint: In an era where career moves often trump personal relationships, is such unwavering loyalty a relic of the past?
As Kimmel and his team take time to mourn, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain. Escobedo leaves behind his wife, Lori, and their two children, a family now grappling with an unimaginable loss. This isn’t just a story about a TV show—it’s a reminder of the power of friendship, loyalty, and the indelible mark one person can leave on another’s life. So, we ask you: What’s the most enduring friendship in your life, and how has it shaped who you are today? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s honor Cleto’s legacy by celebrating the bonds that define us.