The late-night world is feeling the weight of a lost star as Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader for“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”and Kimmel’s childhood friend, has passed away at the young age of 59. With a bond forged during their Las Vegas youth, this friendship blossomed into a long-lasting partnership on late-night television, bringing joy to countless fans. It’s safe to say that the duo shared some serious chemistry—Kimmel even fought hard to get Cleto onboard for his show when it first launched.
Cleto had been absent from the show for months due to illness, prompting Kimmel to cancel an episode just to be by his friend’s side. The heartfelt tributes pouring in are a testament to the impact Cleto had, not just on Jimmy, but on the entire late-night community. If love for your buddy could conjure up musical magic, they would’ve dropped an album together, no problem!
As we reflect on Cleto’s legacy and the laughs shared over the years, it’s a bittersweet reminder to cherish the friendships that shape our lives. So what do you think—how important are those childhood friendships that follow us throughout our lives? Feel free to share your thoughts below!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
