Molly McNearney’s Journey from Insulted Assistant to Jimmy Kimmel’s Partner and Co-Writer

A Memorable First Impression

“When I first met him, he insulted me!” Molly McNearney recalled of her first day at ABC in 2004, where she started as a writer’s assistant for Jimmy Kimmel Live! The culprit? Jimmy Kimmel himself, her then-boss and now-husband, who unknowingly set the stage for a rocky start. When the executive producer introduced Molly, mentioning her participation in triathlons, Kimmel barely looked up from his desk before quipping, “That is really stupid! What a waste of time.” That blunt remark was the only thing he said to her for nearly a year, branding him as a “difficult boss” in her eyes for the next six years.

From Workplace Tension to Romance

Jimmy, now 57, and Molly, 47, didn’t see eye-to-eye at first. Hired in 2004, Molly worked diligently behind the scenes while Jimmy, fresh off his divorce from college sweetheart Gina Maddy in 2002, was navigating his own path. It wasn’t until 2010, after Jimmy’s five-year relationship with comedian Sarah Silverman ended, that sparks began to fly. Their professional dynamic slowly evolved into a personal one, culminating in their marriage in 2013. “At 10 a.m., he’s my boss, not my husband,” Molly told Glamour in 2014, emphasizing her ability to compartmentalize work and romance. She humorously rejected Jimmy’s self-proclaimed title of “husboss,” keeping their home life distinct from the writers’ room.

Power Couple of Late-Night TV

Molly’s role at Jimmy Kimmel Live! grew significantly over the years. Now the co-head writer, she’s credited with 469 episodes, pouring her wit and perspective into the show’s sharp humor. “I love late-night television,” she told Script Mag in 2024. “There’s magic in waking up with a blank page, writing jokes I’d share with friends, and getting paid to put them on TV.” Her work extends beyond the show, including writing for the Oscars in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024, and contributing to Freeform’s Chrissy & Dave Dine Out in 2024.

Molly’s writing often reflects her outspoken views, particularly on political issues. She’s used the show’s platform and her social media to call out former President Donald Trump, criticizing his influence on the Supreme Court and abortion bans. In 2022, she tweeted her support for gun control, writing, “Today I #WearOrange because taking our kids to school shouldn’t be a life-or-death decision. Ban assault weapons. Pass universal background checks.”

Navigating Chaos and Returning to Air

The couple’s professional partnership faced a test in September 2025 when Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pulled off the air “indefinitely” following Jimmy’s controversial comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. After five days of intense discussions, ABC announced the show’s return on September 25, 2025. “Some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive,” the network stated, noting that “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy” led to the decision to resume airing.

A Partnership Beyond the Spotlight

Despite their high-profile careers, Molly and Jimmy cherish a low-key personal life. Parents to two children, they describe their ideal date night as “lying in bed watching TV,” with Molly joking to People in 2024, “Postmates and Netflix, or Hulu, of course—that’s perfect for us.” Their ability to balance a demanding professional collaboration with a grounded marriage has solidified their status as a late-night power couple.

From an awkward insult to a 12-year marriage and creative partnership, Molly McNearney’s journey with Jimmy Kimmel proves that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to a lasting legacy in love and laughter.