Jimmy Kimmel

Television host Jimmy Kimmel achieved mainstream success with a combination of the lowest common denominator and an Everyman appeal. Inspired by his idol, David Letterman, Kimmel began his career as a radio personality in a multitude of U.S. markets, including stints in Arizona, Seattle, Florida and finally, Los Angeles. It was there that he began to make a name for himself as "Jimmy the Sports Guy" on KROQ's popular "Kevin & Bean" morning show and became fast friends with fellow radio personality, Adam Carolla. Soon after, he landed his first big break on TV - in addition to a 1999 Daytime Emmy - as the co-host of the game show "Win Ben Stein's Money" (Comedy Central, 1997-2002). Along with Carolla, he gained exposure as one-half of the testosterone-fueled team of "The Man Show" (Comedy Central, 1999-2004), entertaining with a raucous style of semi-crude humor that appealed to both men and women. Defying all expectations, the formerly low-brow comic went on to great success in the rarefied world of late night talk shows with his hit offering, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (ABC, 2003- ). By the end of the decade, Kimmel's show had become the longest-running late night talk show in ABC history, solidifying his status as one of America's favorite TV personalities.