Jimmy Kimmel Delivers Heartfelt Farewell to Lifelong Best Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III

The lights of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" studio usually illuminate laughter, but on Tuesday night, they shone on raw grief. Jimmy Kimmel, fighting back tears, shared an incredibly emotional tribute to his longtime bandleader and childhood friend, Cleto Escobedo Iii, who passed away at 59. The beloved late-night show is now taking a temporary break to mourn this profound loss.

TL;DR: The Essentials on Kimmel's Heartbreaking News

• Jimmy Kimmel delivered what he called the "hardest monologue" of his career, honoring his late bandleader and best friend, Cleto Escobedo III.
• Escobedo, 59, had been an inseparable friend to Kimmel since they were nine years old and led "Cleto and the Cletones" for nearly 23 years.
• "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is pausing production for the rest of the week, and numerous celebrities have shared their condolences for the esteemed musician.

A Silence Spoke Volumes: Kimmel's Unprecedented Emotional Monologue

Imagine the usual lively buzz of a late-night talk show audience suddenly hushed, the energy shifting to solemnity. That's the scene Jimmy Kimmel faced on Tuesday night, November 11, 2025. Usually adept at quick-witted banter and comedic timing, Kimmel's voice cracked, and his eyes welled as he began what he described as "the hardest monologue" in his almost 23 years on air. This wasn't a political statement or a celebrity interview; it was a deeply personal, tearful eulogy for his closest friend, Cleto Escobedo III.

Cleto, the phenomenal saxophone player who had led Kimmel's house band, "Cleto and the Cletones," since the show's inception, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59. Kimmel's poignant address revealed the depth of a friendship spanning five decades, a bond that began long before the bright lights of Hollywood.

The Unbreakable Bond Forged in Las Vegas Childhood Shenanigans

Their story began in 1977, when Kimmel's family moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas. Nine-year-old Jimmy quickly found a kindred spirit in Cleto, who lived just a few houses down in Spring Valley. What started as neighborhood playmates quickly escalated into an unbreakable bond. Kimmel recalled their friendship becoming "like 24/7, 'Mom please let me sleep over,' kind of friends," a sentiment many can relate to from their own childhoods. He even recounted one summer where he slept at the Escobedo house for an astonishing 33 nights in a row. Source: TheWrap, "Jimmy Kimmel Fights Back Tears to Give ‘Hardest’ Monologue of His Career: ‘We’re Going to Take the Next Couple of Nights Off’", November 11, 2025.

Their early years were filled with typical boyhood mischief and shared passions. They'd box in the backyard, shoot pool, and even shared a profound admiration for late-night legend David Letterman. Kimmel once affectionately joked that their friendship was "the kind of torture that you can only inflict — an older brother can inflict on you without being arrested," a testament to their playful, teasing dynamic that only true brothers could share.

From Child Prodigy to Touring Titan: Cleto's Remarkable Musical Journey

Even as a child, Cleto Escobedo III possessed an undeniable gift for music. He was a phenomenal saxophone player, often hailed as a child prodigy who earned standing ovations in junior high—a rare feat, to say the least. This profound love for music was a legacy from his father, Cleto Escobedo II, who had put his own professional musical career on hold in 1966 to focus on raising his family.

Cleto Junior dedicated himself to his craft, honing his skills playing in various bars, clubs, and lounges across Las Vegas. His talent soon caught the attention of bigger names, leading him to tour with music icons like Paula Abdul, Luis Miguel, Marc Anthony, and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire. He even landed a record deal and released an album, though his heart truly belonged to the intricate melodies of jazz and R&B, not the sometimes-fickle world of pop stardom. Paula Abdul, recalling their first meeting at Caesars Palace, praised his "undeniable" talent and energy, noting she hired him for her first world tour despite his lack of touring experience. Source: E! Online, "Cleto Escobedo, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Band Leader, Dead at 59", November 11, 2025.

The Birth of "Cleto and the Cletones" and a Father-Son Dream Fulfilled

When Jimmy Kimmel landed his eponymous late-night talk show in 2002, his vision for the house band was singular: it had to be Cleto. Kimmel admitted his pitch to the network, "My best friend from growing up plays the saxophone. He could lead the band," wasn't exactly a corporate slam-dunk. But for Kimmel, the idea of anyone else leading the band was "terrifying." He knew the profound chemistry they shared was indispensable. Source: Associated Press, "Jimmy Kimmel mourns death of show's bandleader Cleto Escobedo III", November 11, 2025.

Kimmel didn't stop there. He orchestrated an audition not just for Cleto, but also for his father, Cleto Escobedo II, who hadn't played professionally since 1966. The father-son duo, along with their talented band, completely won over the ABC executives at a restaurant gig. "Cleto and the Cletones" was officially born, launching a nearly 23-year run where they performed together every single day.

For Kimmel, one of the greatest joys of hosting the show was "getting the opportunity to allow Cleto Senior to pick up where he left off in 1966 and become a musician again with his son." This created a unique, heartwarming dynamic on set, a testament to Kimmel's loyalty and Cleto's family's shared musical passion. Cleto himself, in a 2022 interview, expressed gratitude for the stability the show offered, noting that touring was "more of a young man’s game" and not conducive to family life.

"To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers." — Jimmy Kimmel, Instagram tribute (November 11, 2025)

An Unspoken Language: The Deep Chemistry That Transcended Words

Their bond extended far beyond the stage. Kimmel often spoke of their "own language that like almost no one else understood," a connection so profound that they didn't need to speak or even look at each other to communicate. This deep, almost telepathic understanding was the bedrock of their professional and personal relationship, allowing for seamless collaboration even in the fast-paced, improvisational world of live television.

Kimmel reminisced about their escapades, including Cleto once gluing the steering column of Kimmel's homemade go-kart, sending him careening "right into traffic," or steering Kimmel, who was in a bicycle sidecar, directly into trash cans. These anecdotes, shared during a segment for Cleto's 50th birthday in 2016, illustrate a friendship built on robust affection and good-natured mischief.

Example: Imagine a chaotic rehearsal day on set, with last-minute script changes and an unexpected musical cue. Instead of a frantic conversation or a detailed explanation, Jimmy simply catches Cleto’s eye across the stage. With a subtle nod and an almost imperceptible shift in posture, Cleto intuitively signals the band for a sudden, upbeat jazz flourish that perfectly transitions into the next segment, leaving the crew wondering how they communicated so flawlessly. That was the magic of their unspoken language, honed over five decades of friendship.

A Show on Pause: Temporary Hiatus and Industry-Wide Condolences

In the wake of Cleto's passing, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is taking the remainder of the week off to allow Kimmel and the entire crew to grieve. This means scheduled appearances from guests like Danny DeVito, Jason Bateman, Mr. T, Howard Jones, and Debbie Gibson will be rescheduled. Kimmel's closing words during his monologue underscored the gravity of the situation: "Cherish your friends, we’re not here forever."

The news prompted a wave of condolences from across Hollywood. Comedians like Wanda Sykes, Howie Mandel, and Jeffrey Ross expressed their sorrow. Musicians who had worked with Cleto also shared their grief. Sheila E., who collaborated with Cleto on his 1995 album, wrote, "I’m so heartbroken there are no words... You will be missed. I love u." Paula Abdul reiterated that Cleto was "pure light and soul, both on and off stage." Actors such as Adam Scott, Eric Stonestreet, Johnny Knoxville, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus also extended their sympathies, highlighting the widespread respect and affection Cleto commanded throughout the entertainment industry.

Considering the Broader Impact: Challenges and Respect for Privacy

While "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is taking a short, necessary break, the long-term impact of losing such a central figure, both personally and professionally, will likely extend well beyond a few nights. Cleto was not just a bandleader; he was a co-anchor of the show's spirit, a source of consistent chemistry, and Kimmel's closest confidant on set. Rebuilding that specific dynamic and chemistry in the demanding environment of live television will undoubtedly be a significant challenge for the show moving forward.

Regarding the cause of Cleto's death, no official statement has been released by his family or the show. One report from Page Six suggested complications stemming from a liver transplant, but it's important to note that this remains unconfirmed by official sources. In these sensitive times, respecting the privacy of Cleto's family, including his wife Lori and their two children, is paramount as they navigate their grief.

Kimmel's emotional monologue was more than just a tribute; it was a powerful reminder to cherish the people who make our lives richer. His honesty about the pain of loss resonated with countless viewers, underscoring the universal truth that even in the most public of lives, personal connections are what truly matter. Cleto Escobedo III leaves behind a legacy of incredible music, unwavering friendship, and a profound impact on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleto Escobedo III and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" When did Cleto Escobedo III pass away? Cleto Escobedo III passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. What was Cleto Escobedo III's role on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"? Cleto Escobedo III was the longtime bandleader for "Cleto and the Cletones," the house band for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" since the show's premiere nearly 23 years ago. Is "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" currently on air? "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is taking the remainder of the week off following Cleto Escobedo III's passing to allow the cast and crew time to grieve. Who is Cleto Escobedo II? Cleto Escobedo II is Cleto Escobedo III's father and a fellow saxophone player who also performed in "Cleto and the Cletones," fulfilling a dream for both father and son to play music together professionally.

Sources:

• TheWrap, "Jimmy Kimmel Fights Back Tears to Give ‘Hardest’ Monologue of His Career: ‘We’re Going to Take the Next Couple of Nights Off’"
• NBC News, "Jimmy Kimmel remembered his dear friend, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' bandleader Cleto Escobedo III"
• E! Online, "Cleto Escobedo, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Band Leader, Dead at 59"
• Associated Press, "Jimmy Kimmel mourns death of show's bandleader Cleto Escobedo III"

Practical Takeaways from This Heartbreaking News

• Cherish Your Connections: Life is unpredictable, so make time for the people who matter most.
• Champion Your Friends' Talents: Like Kimmel did for Cleto, actively help your friends pursue their dreams, even if it seems unconventional.
• Recognize Unseen Bonds: The strongest partnerships often rely on an unspoken understanding that goes beyond the obvious.
• Allow Time for Grief: It's okay to step back and process loss, both personally and professionally.