Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader Cleto Escobedo III dies

Kimmel shared a statement on social media announcing his death.

ByMason Leibvia
November 11, 2025, 4:24 PM ET
• 2 min read

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Jimmy Kimmel returns to late night televisionKimmel made his return to television, clarifying his remarks on the Charlie Kirk shooting and praising Kirk’s widow, after a one-week suspension by Disney amid pressure from the Trump administration.Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader, and childhood friend, Cleto Escobedo III died on Tuesday morning, Kimmel announced on social media.

Escobedo, who led the band Cleto and the Cletones on Kimmel's show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was 59.

No cause of death was provided.

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