The world of late-night television has lost one of its most vibrant spirits. Jimmy Kimmel is facing a profound personal tragedy with the passing of his best friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, at the age of 59. Kimmel shared the devastating news with his followers, expressing a grief that goes far beyond that of a colleague. He described Cleto as a great friend, father, son, and musician, stating that heartbreak doesn’t begin to cover the feeling of this loss. He asked everyone to cherish their own friends and to keep Cleto’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Their bond was the stuff of storybooks, a connection that began not in a Hollywood studio, but on the streets of Las Vegas when they were just nine years old. Cleto was not merely an employee on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”; he was a foundational part of Kimmel’s own life story. Their childhood was filled with the kind of adventures that forge lifelong friendships, from riding a bicycle with a sidecar directly into garbage cans to the kind of mischievous pranks that become legendary family tales. This was the joyful, chaotic beginning of a partnership that would last a lifetime.
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When the opportunity arose for Kimmel to launch his own late-night show in 2003, his first thought was of his oldest friend. He knew the soul of his show had to include Cleto’s musical talent, but he worried the network executives might not understand the magic this partnership would bring. In a leap of faith, Kimmel brought an ABC president to see Cleto perform with his band, and the decision was instantly validated. For over two decades, Cleto and the Cletones provided the show’s unforgettable soundtrack, turning the studio into a place of rhythm and joy every single night.
The bandstand became a beautiful family affair, with Cleto sharing the stage with his own father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., who played saxophone. This unique arrangement created a heartwarming dynamic rarely seen on television, a father beaming with pride as he performed each night alongside his son. Music was truly in Cleto’s blood from his earliest days, inspired by watching his father perform as a young boy. His raw talent took him from the Las Vegas Strip to world tours with major artists, but the call from his childhood friend brought him to the stage he was always meant to be on.
In his moving tribute, Kimmel reflected on the incredible fortune they shared, noting that being inseparable since age nine was one thing, but getting to work together every day was a dream they never imagined would come true. For more than twenty years, audiences were given a front-row seat to this extraordinary friendship, a connection that started with childhood laughter and built a legacy of music, loyalty, and love. Cleto Escobedo III leaves behind his parents, his wife Lori, his children Cruz and Jesse, and a void in the hearts of all who knew him, both on screen and off.
