Jimmy Kimmel has entertained TV viewers for more than 20 years with his quick wit and on-screen charm. He famously hosts ABC’s popular late night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live! Outside of the television screen, Kimmel leads a rewarding home life with his wife, Molly McNearney, and their two young children. He deeply values the connection he has established with his two oldest children, who were born from a previous marriage.
Kimmel and McNearney wed in 2013. Their wedding certainly sparkled — with stars like Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Ellen Degeneres, and her wife Portia de Rossi, and Matt Damon. This glamorous and high-profile collective marriage therefore represented not just their romantic coupling, but their mutual dedication to family and artistic expression. McNearney is the head writer for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” She is a producer who, unlike many of her predecessors, truly left her stamp on the Oscars’ production.
Together, Kimmel and McNearney have two children: Jane and Billy Kimmel. Born in July 2014, Jane has appeared on her dad’s show, revealing her growing and colorful personality. Their son Billy fought extraordinary health challenges from the very beginning. Over the course of his life he needed multiple open-heart surgeries to treat a rare cardiac defect known as Tetralogy of Fallot.
A Blended Family
In addition to Jane and Billy, Kimmel has two older children from his first marriage to Gina Maddy: Katie and Kevin Kimmel. Katie, born in August of 1991, was Kimmel’s first daughter and Kevin soon came along in 1993. Kimmel often tells audiences how important family is to him. He really enjoys the time he gets to spend with his four kids.
Kimmel’s ability to do it all—be a great performer and a great father—has been the touchstone of Kimmel’s public persona for several years. As a parent, he has been candid about the realities of parenting, particularly in light of Billy’s own health struggles.
“You can not get away from it. We don’t.” – Molly McNearney
As McNearney’s statement illustrates, the way that this couple approaches the struggle of raising young children in the public eye is refreshing. They struggle with their own health challenges along this journey.
Billy’s Health Journey
The experience has been especially transformative for the Kimmel family. Soon after birth, physicians identified the little child as one with Tetralogy of Fallot. In order to fix his heart condition, he needed multiple surgeries. In May of 2023, Kimmel announced that Billy had recently had a third open-heart surgery.
“We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid,” – Jimmy Kimmel
Kimmel’s heartfelt reflections on Billy’s health journey highlight for us the emotional toll and the strength shown by their family. The solidarity they experienced from people in their medical network has proven priceless.
Then, in October 2024, Kimmel posted this real talk about losing his baby. Below that was the photo of Billy at Dodger Stadium, looking at home in his new Mookie Betts T-shirt. In the last picture, Billy was standing behind the table holding a huge plastic bag, filled with the drink he made on his own.
“He invented a new sports drink: Cotton Candy and Water in a plastic bag.” – Jimmy Kimmel
This playful remark is an example of Kimmel’s talent for creating laughter in the face of adversity.
Milestones and Celebrations
Billy’s eighth birthday was the first important milestone for the Kimmels since receiving Billy’s diagnosis. Billy’s recovery has been a team effort and Kimmel was thankful to everyone who was involved in that process.
“Today is Billy’s 8th birthday. He is very healthy and strong thanks to the doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff at @ChildrensLA & @CedarsSinai and to those of you who have sent prayers, well wishes and donations through the years,” – Jimmy Kimmel
This very public acknowledgment goes a long way toward showing both gratitude and recognition of the community’s role in helping families who are experiencing the same challenges.
In addition to this, Kimmel has been documenting his family’s milestones. He just posted this adorable vignette wishing McNearney a very happy 30th birthday.
“Happy 30th birthday to this talented and delightful baby,” – Jimmy Kimmel
This sentiment highlights Kimmel’s affectionate nature as he honors his spouse’s achievements while encouraging a supportive family environment.
