Jimmy Kimmel returned to the red carpet for the first time since the loss of his dear friend and colleague, Cleto Escobedo III.
The late night host attended The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Women In Entertainment Gala in support of his wife Molly McNearney.
McNearney, a co-head writer and executive producer of her husband’s late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, delivered the event’s keynote address.
And she had a special guest introducing her to the audience – her husband.
But Kimmel allowed his wife to shine as they walked the red carpet in Beverly Hills on Wednesday, giving her space to pose on her own.
McNearney used the opportunity to strike a goofy pose, kicking her leg up into the air – a move certain to cheer up her husband after the death of his friend.
Jimmy Kimmel returned to the red carpet for the first time since the loss of his colleague and dear friend, Cleto Escobedo III
His wife Molly McNearney, who was delivering the keynote address at the event, pulled a silly move on the red carpet that certainly cheered up Kimmel
On the red carpet, McNeary struck a business chic figure in a brown velvet suit and classic red manicure while her husband opted for a traditional suit and tie.
The outing comes several weeks after Kimmel delivered a deeply emotional on-air tribute to Escobedo, 59, who had been a fixture on the show for more than two decades and one of his closest friends.
His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, musicians, and Hollywood colleagues, all mourning the warmth, humor and generosity he brought to the program.
‘We’ve been on the air for almost 23 years, and I’ve had to do some hard monologues along the way – but this one’s the hardest,’ Kimmel said during a broadcast last month, visibly choking up as he honored the man who served as godfather to his son Kevin.
‘Late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young to go,’ he continued. ‘Everyone loves Cleto… it’s just not fair. He was the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person.’
Kimmel went on to reflect on their decades-long friendship, recalling how they met after his family moved to Las Vegas and quickly became inseparable.
One summer, he said, he stayed at Escobedo’s house ’33 nights in a row,’ filling their days with wiffle ball, Nerf football, pranks and even the occasional childhood mischief, involving Hot Wheels and matches.
He also shared stories of Escobedo teaching him about the birds and the bees, ‘half of which was wrong,’ he joked and revealed that when ABC hired him in 2002, Escobedo was the only person he envisioned leading the show’s band.
Kimmel gave his wife a moment to shine on the red carpet
Kimmel was clad in a classic suit and tie while his wife opted for a velvet blazer and trousers
The accomplished writer enjoyed her own time in the sun
Molly is the co-head writer and executive producer of her husband’s late night show
McNearney is a co-head writer and executive producer of her husband’s late night show
The couple also mingled with Olivia Munn
Kimmel also spoke at the event, introducing his wife prior to her speech
The comedian was happy to shine the spotlight on his accomplished spouse
She delivered the keynote address to the star-studded crowd
Molly appeared to be delivering the speech with confidence
The outing comes several weeks after Kimmel delivered an emotional on-air tribute to Escobedo, 54, who had been a fixture on the show for more than two decades; seen together in 2012
His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, musicians, and Hollywood colleagues, all mourning the warmth, humor and generosity he brought to the program; pictured in 2016
‘We grew up watching Dave and Paul, it had to be him,’ he said.
Kimmel invited Escobedo’s parents, Cleto Sr., 82, and Sylvia, 80, to the emotional taping, calling them ‘second parents’ and praising the tight-knit family for their unconditional love. He thanked the medical team at UCLA Medical Center for caring for his friend in his final days.
‘There is no one in my life I felt more comfortable with,’ Kimmel said. ‘We were the best men at each other’s weddings. Cherish your friends. We’re not here forever.’
After delivering the tribute, Kimmel announced he would be taking the rest of the week off to grieve.
Escobedo’s death certificate indicated that the Jimmy Kimmel Live bandleader had died of cardiogenic shock, TMZ reported.
The condition occurs when the heart fails to pump enough blood to the rest of the body to sustain life, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While cardiogenic shock was listed as the immediate cause of death for Escobedo, several other underlying factors were also listed, including alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
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