Escobedo, who led the Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band since the show premiered in 2003, died at age 59
Jimmy Kimmel has launched two fundraisers in memory of Cleto Escobedo III, his childhood friend and the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Escobedo died on Tuesday at the age of 59.
“Cleto was always kind and eager to help others. As we mourn his loss, we have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back,” wrote Kimmel in a social media post alongside photos of Escobedo and his family with their dog, and an image of Kimmel and his friend. “The first is for UCLA Medical Center where he received such incredible care. Together we can help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during hard times,” continued the late-night host. “And to honor his love of animals, the @TheAnimalFoundation in our hometown of Las Vegas.”
In his bio, Kimmel linked to the UCLA Health fundraiser page, which reads, “In memory of our friend Cleto, we’d like to thank all the hardworking specialists, doctors, and nurses at UCLA. They worked tirelessly and generously to give him the best care. … To honor his generous spirit, we’d like to help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial assistance during hard times.”
The host also pointed fans to the Animal Foundation, which is based in Las Vegas, where he and Escobedo grew up. “Cleto was a compassionate animal lover. He loved each of his rescue dogs like they were family,” read the foundation’s page. “Cleto would have loved his friends and family helping to provide safety, healing and homes for pets in need.”
Escobedo died at UCLA Medical Center following complications related to a liver transplant. His cause of death was later revealed to be due to cardiogenic shock.
Kimmel paid tribute to his pal during his Tuesday night monologue. “It’s just not fair,” Kimmel said, breaking into tears. “He was the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person.” The host added, of the their shared success, “He loved me. He loved seeing all of this happen. He loved being a part of it. He never took it for granted…. He was just a great older brother. No baggage, all love. There’s no one in my life I felt more comfortable with.”
