'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' takes break after bandleader's shocking demise
What's the story
The popular late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, will be taking a break for the rest of the week. This decision comes after the emotional tribute paid by host Jimmy Kimmel to his childhood friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III (also known as Jr.), who passed away late Monday night. The show is expected to reschedule its upcoming guests due to this hiatus.
Tribute
Kimmel paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend
Kimmel opened Tuesday's show with a heartfelt tribute to Escobedo. He said, "We've been on the air for almost 23 years and I've had to do some hard monologs along the way." "But this will... This one's the hardest because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was too young to go." He also fondly remembered their shared admiration for David Letterman and Escobedo's exceptional saxophone skills.
Schedule changes
The unexpected hiatus will cause a shuffle in guest lineup
The unexpected hiatus will cause a shuffle in the show's guest lineup. Actors Danny DeVito, Howard Jones, and Debbie Gibson were scheduled for Wednesday's episode, while Jason Bateman, Mr. T, and Susanna Hoffs were slated for Thursday. The show has not yet announced when it will return to regular programming.
Legacy
Escobedo was an integral part of the show
Escobedo was not only Kimmel's friend but also an integral part of the show's identity. He joined the band in 2003 when Jimmy Kimmel Live! first aired and stayed with the show for nearly two decades. His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., also played in the band, performing tenor and alto saxophone. It was reported that his death was due to complications stemming from a liver transplant.