Cleto Escobedo, Jimmy Kimmel’s Beloved Band Leader, Dies at 59

Cleto Escobedo III, the band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on November 11, 2023, at the age of 59. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues alike, as Kimmel honored Escobedo with an emotional tribute during the show’s episode that day.

During the tribute, Kimmel described the moment as the “hardest” he has experienced in his career. He shared heartfelt memories of their childhood, recalling how they became inseparable friends. Kimmel reflected on summers spent at Escobedo’s home, where he once stayed for 33 consecutive nights. They enjoyed afternoons playing whiffle ball and Nerf football, and their evenings were filled with prank calls and pizza orders to unsuspecting neighbors.

Kimmel expressed his devastation, stating, “It’s just not fair. He was the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person.” Following the announcement of Escobedo’s passing, Kimmel also took to Instagram to share his grief, writing, “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.”

The duo collaborated for nearly 23 years, creating a unique bond that transcended their professional lives. Escobedo had previously described his role on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as the “best gig ever,” reflecting on the joy he found in his work during an ABC feature for Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month in 2021.

According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Escobedo’s immediate cause of death was identified as cardiogenic shock. The document also listed underlying conditions, including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Additional contributing factors included chronic kidney disease, sepsis, pneumonia, and immunosuppressed status.

The loss of Cleto Escobedo has left a significant impact on those who knew him and the larger community of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. His legacy as a talented musician and a cherished friend will be remembered fondly by many.