Cleto Escobedo, the leader of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! orchestra, has passed away
12 november 2025 в 20:37
Cleto was the longtime leader of the orchestra and saxophonist on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a role he proudly held from the show’s debut in 2003 until his death in 2025. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Cleto was a talented musician who toured with artists such as Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Santana before joining Kimmel’s late-night show.
Cleto passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59, as confirmed by Jimmy in an emotional post and tearful tribute on air. In his emotional tribute, Kimmel said: «Late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special, who was too young to go».
Although the official cause of death was not publicly confirmed, several sources reported complications following a liver transplant.
Cleto left behind two children, Cruz and Jessie Escobedo, whom he shared with his wife.
Cleto was married to Lori Escobedo. In Kimmel’s tribute, he said: «He met a girl… a waitress across the street. Her name was Lori. She was from Minnesota».
Cleto and Jimmy Kimmel’s friendship spanned five decades. «There was a boy who lived on my block… just over a year older than me… his name was Cleto», - Jimmy said on his show. Their friendship turned into a creative partnership when Kimmel invited Cleto to join his late-night show in 2003.
He recalled countless sleepovers, backyard brawls, and late-night phone calls — describing their professional milestone as «we've been working together every day for almost 23 years now»
Cleto passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59, as confirmed by Jimmy in an emotional post and tearful tribute on air. In his emotional tribute, Kimmel said: «Late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special, who was too young to go».
Although the official cause of death was not publicly confirmed, several sources reported complications following a liver transplant.
Cleto left behind two children, Cruz and Jessie Escobedo, whom he shared with his wife.
Cleto was married to Lori Escobedo. In Kimmel’s tribute, he said: «He met a girl… a waitress across the street. Her name was Lori. She was from Minnesota».
Cleto and Jimmy Kimmel’s friendship spanned five decades. «There was a boy who lived on my block… just over a year older than me… his name was Cleto», - Jimmy said on his show. Their friendship turned into a creative partnership when Kimmel invited Cleto to join his late-night show in 2003.
He recalled countless sleepovers, backyard brawls, and late-night phone calls — describing their professional milestone as «we've been working together every day for almost 23 years now»
© Smirnova Olga
