- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Jimmy Kimmel is a father once again.
On April 21, Kimmel and his wife, Jimmy Kimmel Live! co-head writer Molly McNearney, welcomed their second child together, William “Billy” Kimmel. But at just 3 days old, the littlest Kimmel had to undergo open-heart surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Fortunately, all went well, and Billy is now home with his parents and older sister, Jane.
Kimmel opens up about the complications on tonight’s show and encourages those watching to donate to the Children’s Hospital. Later in the show, he’ll be joined by guests Dr. Oz and Shaun White, who suffered from the same heart troubles as a child. In fact, the Olympian had to have three open-heart surgeries when he was born — a subject he’ll surely discuss on the show.
Kimmel referenced President Donald Trump’s proposed $6 billion cut in funding to the National Institute of Health and said he was glad “our congressmen made a deal last night not to go along with that.” He said his son was born with congenital heart disease and also expressed that partisans from both sides should come together in providing everyone with access to health insurance.
“If your baby is going to die, and it doesn’t have to, it should not matter how much money you make,” said Kimmel, who teared up during his monologue.
Related Stories
Given the circumstances, Kimmel has decided to forgo his annual appearance at ABC’s May 16 upfront presentation to Madison Avenue ad buyers. Instead, he will remain at home with his family.
Without any sort of announcement or fanfare, Kimmel quietly went to repeats last week when his son was still in the hospital. Assuming there isn’t a writers strike, he will go out on paternity leave for the remainder of this week. If there is a work stoppage, the ABC late-night show, like those on the other networks, is expected to go dark.
In his stead, Kimmel’s friends have lined up to guest-host Jimmy Kimmel Live! Will Arnett is set for Tuesday’s show, with a special appearance from his Gong Show host, Tommy Maitland. Anthony Anderson is on board for Wednesday, while Kristen Bell and David Spade will take over on Thursday and Friday, respectively. The guest list for the week includes Maya Rudolph, Charlie Hunnam, Adam Scott and Guy Ritchie.
Video from Monday’s show is below.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, McNearney tweeted out a photo of Kimmel with their newborn son:
I am thankful to love and be loved by these two brave guys. Both criers. pic.twitter.com/NL0C3K3Q4E
— Molly McNearney (@mollymcnearney) May 2, 2017
And many in Hollywood are tweeting well wishes to the Kimmel family:
Things got a bit dusty in the Meyers’ house this morning. Love to the entire Kimmel family. https://t.co/1VlaTMn2SP
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) May 2, 2017
Thank you @jimmykimmel for your honesty, your words, your bravery. All should watch this!!! https://t.co/HixCTVxqLQ
— christina applegate (@1capplegate) May 2, 2017
Hey @jimmykimmel, thanks for this. You are the best of the best. @mollymcnearney & Billy, too. https://t.co/ZrUhgqtk6v
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) May 2, 2017
Do watch Jimmy Kimmel talking about his baby son’s heart surgery in a plea for healthcare for all – video https://t.co/tOR5udB2oE
— Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) May 2, 2017
Watch & prepare to tear up. Thanks @jimmykimmel for sharing your story & reminding us what’s at stake w/health care.https://t.co/2kTEeUEG2f
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 2, 2017
Well said, Jimmy. That’s exactly why we fought so hard for the ACA, and why we need to protect it for kids like Billy. And congratulations! https://t.co/77F8rZrD3P
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 2, 2017
Welcome, Billy Kimmel! You have amazing parents – funny, kind, beautiful. Your dad has some good qualities too. @JimmyKimmel @MollyMcNearney
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 2, 2017
Updated 7:31 a.m. Tuesday, May 2: McNearney’s and other tweets added.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day