Jimmy Kimmel’s Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Passes Away at 59
Jimmy Kimmel is honoring his lifelong friend and Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, following the musician’s passing at the age of 59.
“This morning, we lost an incredible friend, father, son, musician, and man—my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel, 57, wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday, November 11. “Saying we are heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
Kimmel shared that he and Escobedo III “have been inseparable” since the age of 9.
“The reality that we were able to work together every day feels like a dream we never thought would come true,” Kimmel added. “Treasure your friendships and keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your thoughts.”
Many of Kimmel’s well-known friends quickly took to the comments to express their condolences.
“So sorry, man,” actor Ike Barinholtz commented. “Love you, Cleto.”
Comedian Jeff Ross remarked, “Love you and sending love to his amazing family.”
News of Escobedo III’s death came just days after an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! scheduled for Thursday, November 6, was unexpectedly canceled. David Duchovny, Joe Keery, and Madison Beer were planned as guests on the show.
Entertainment Weekly later reported that the cancellation was due to a “personal matter,” though no additional details were provided at that time. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned on Monday, November 10, without any information being disclosed about the canceled episode.
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