Jimmy Kimmel announced the death of his longtime bandleader and childhood friend Cleto Escobedo III on Tuesday morning. Escobedo, who led Cleto and the Cletones on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', passed away at age 59, with the cause not disclosed. Kimmel shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on their lifelong bond.
Background and Relationship
Cleto Escobedo III and Jimmy Kimmel grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas, forming an inseparable friendship since Kimmel was 9 years old. When Kimmel launched 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in 2003, he insisted on bringing Escobedo on board as the leader of the show's house band, Cleto and the Cletones. To secure the role, Kimmel even took the ABC president to see Escobedo perform live.
Kimmel later explained his decision, stating, 'I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.' The duo's partnership turned what could have been a professional gig into a daily realization of a shared dream.
Recent Events and Tribute
Escobedo had been absent from the show for months due to illness, prompting Kimmel to cancel a Thursday episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to stay by his side. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Kimmel expressed his devastation: '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.'
The announcement has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a key figure in late-night television, known for his musical contributions and close ties to Kimmel. No further details on the cause of death were provided.