As Jimmy Kimmel prepares for his fourth time hosting the Academy Awards, he drops hints that his days as the face of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” may be coming to an end. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the 56-year-old talk show maestro reveals that his current contract could potentially be his last.
“I think this is my final contract,” Kimmel confesses candidly, acknowledging the skepticism this statement might stir. “I hate to even mention it because everyone’s laughing at me now – each time I think that, and then it turns out to not be the case.”
Celebrating the 21st anniversary of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has prompted Kimmel to reflect on his television career. Despite this milestone, he views the remaining two-plus years on his contract as a satisfactory duration. “I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good,” he reflects. “That seems like enough.”
As he contemplates a potential shift from late-night television, Kimmel is uncertain about how he’ll fill his free time post-“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “It might not be anything that anyone other than me is aware of,” he muses, providing a glimpse into his diverse interests, including cooking, drawing, and even exploring the art of sculpture.
The passing of his grandfather has had a profound impact on Kimmel. Witnessing his grandfather’s unfulfilled aspirations leaves a lasting impression, stirring thoughts about his own journey. “I know that when I die, if I’m lucky enough to die on my own terms in my own bed, I’m going to think, ‘Oh, I was never able to get to this, and I was never able to get to that,’” he shares. “I just know it about myself.”
As the iconic host gears up for the upcoming Academy Awards, the possibility of this being his final contract adds a layer of intrigue to his fourth time hosting the show. Kimmel’s ability to seamlessly transition between humor and sincerity in his late-night career is evident, and his upcoming hosting gig may serve as a pivotal moment as he navigates the potential conclusion of this chapter.
While the specifics of Kimmel’s future ventures remain uncertain, his candid revelations about the finite nature of his current contract invite viewers to contemplate the legacy he might leave behind. As the countdown to the Academy Awards begins, Kimmel’s dual roles as host and potential career transition take center stage, making this upcoming Oscars broadcast a memorable chapter in the late-night luminary’s distinguished career.
