The family life of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is a story of two distinct chapters, blending the private world of an adult family with the public challenges of raising young children, all while navigating a high-profile career. As of the current date in December 2025, Kimmel is a father of four and, most recently, a new grandfather, a role he embraced after his oldest daughter welcomed a child earlier this year. His current marriage to Molly McNearney, a powerhouse writer on his show, has brought two young children into his life, whose health and well-being have become a focal point of his public advocacy.
The Kimmel family narrative has evolved significantly from his early days in radio to his current status as a television icon. The ongoing journey of his youngest son, Billy, and his congenital heart disease is a deeply personal story that has profoundly influenced Kimmel’s public platform, turning the comedian into a passionate advocate for children's healthcare and affordable medical access. The following is a complete, up-to-date look at the entire Kimmel family tree.
James Christian Kimmel: A Full Biographical Profile
James Christian Kimmel, known professionally as Jimmy Kimmel, has built a decades-long career that spans radio, comedy, and late-night television. His personal life is marked by two long-term marriages and four children, whose ages currently range from their early 30s to single digits.
- Full Name: James Christian Kimmel
- Date of Birth: November 13, 1967
- Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Career Start: Began his career in radio as a host and personality in various U.S. markets, including Phoenix, AZ, and Seattle, WA.
- First Marriage: Gina Maddy (1988–2003)
- Second Marriage: Molly McNearney (2013–Present)
- Current Role: Host and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC.
The First Chapter: Marriage to Gina Maddy and Adult Children
Kimmel’s first marriage was to Gina Maddy, his college sweetheart from Arizona State University. The couple married in 1988 and were together for 14 years before divorcing in 2003. From this union, Kimmel has two adult children who have largely maintained a life out of the public spotlight, though they occasionally appear on his social media.
Daughter Katie Kimmel (Age 34)
Katie Kimmel, born in 1991, is the oldest of the Kimmel children. She is an artist and ceramicist whose creative work has garnered attention independent of her father's fame. In a major family milestone, Kimmel became a grandfather for the first time in May 2025 when Katie welcomed her first child.
Son Kevin Kimmel (Age 32)
Kevin Kimmel, born in 1993, is Jimmy Kimmel's oldest son. Like his sister, Kevin has pursued a career in the creative field, reportedly working as a video editor and producer. He maintains a private profile, focusing on his own career path outside of the late-night television circus.
Molly McNearney: The Powerhouse Behind the Late-Night Desk
Jimmy Kimmel’s second marriage is to Molly McNearney, a highly influential figure in his professional life. McNearney is a co-head writer and executive producer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the couple first met. Their professional and personal partnership is widely credited for much of the show’s success and Kimmel’s emotional depth in recent years. They married in 2013.
McNearney's influence extends beyond the show's script; she has been a strong emotional anchor for Kimmel, particularly through their family's health challenges. She is often the key creative force behind some of the show's most memorable and touching segments.
The Second Chapter: Jane and Billy Kimmel and Their Advocacy Story
Kimmel and McNearney have two young children together, whose lives have brought a new dimension of public and personal advocacy to the late-night host's life.
Daughter Jane Kimmel (Age 11)
Jane Kimmel was born in 2014 and is currently 11 years old. She has been described by her parents as having a strong personality and has made a few adorable, though brief, appearances on her father’s show during the pandemic and other special segments. She is known for her humorous, unfiltered reactions to her father's work, which McNearney has shared publicly.
Son Billy Kimmel (Age 8) and His Congenital Heart Condition
William "Billy" Kimmel, born in April 2017, is the youngest child and the most public face of the family’s health journey. Billy was born with a rare congenital heart disease (CHD) called Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. His condition required open-heart surgery just hours after his birth.
Kimmel has used his platform numerous times to share emotional and powerful updates on Billy's health, turning his personal tragedy into a national conversation about healthcare policy.
The Latest Health Update (2025):
Billy celebrated his 8th birthday in April 2025 and is reportedly "doing really well." This good news comes after he underwent his third open-heart surgery in May 2024, a major milestone in his ongoing treatment plan. Kimmel has provided rare but positive updates, emphasizing the strength and resilience of his son. The family’s transparency about Billy's condition has made him a symbol of the need for accessible, high-quality pediatric care.
Topical Authority: The Kimmel Family's Impact on Public Discourse
The Kimmel family has become a prominent entity in the intersection of celebrity life and political advocacy, specifically concerning healthcare. The emotional monologue Kimmel delivered after Billy’s first surgery remains one of the most powerful moments in late-night television history, directly addressing the need for the Affordable Care Act and protection for children with pre-existing conditions.
The family's decision to be open about Billy’s congenital heart condition has created a topical authority that extends far beyond entertainment. Every update on Billy’s health, from his third open-heart surgery recovery to his 8th birthday celebration, serves as a reminder of the millions of families facing similar medical challenges.
Furthermore, the family's willingness to take a public stand on other political issues, such as protesting against certain political figures, highlights their commitment to using their platform for broader social impact. Whether it’s through health advocacy or political commentary, the Kimmel family's story is one of profound public engagement and personal resilience.
The combination of his adult children's independent lives, his new role as a grandfather, the professional partnership with his wife Molly McNearney, and the ongoing, inspiring health journey of young Billy Kimmel paint a complete, modern portrait of one of television's most famous families.
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