Celebrities react to the death of Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader Cleto Escobedo III
Several stars shared tributes Jimmy Kimmels old friend and Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader Cleo Escobedo III after his death at the age of 59.
Kimmel took over Instagram on Tuesday, November 11 to reveal that Escobedo had died.
“Early this morning we lost a good friend, father, son, musician and husband, my old bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” he wrote. “To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we had to work together every day is a dream that neither of us could have ever imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
That evening, Kimmel dedicated an emotional monologue to the late musician Jimmy Kimmel Live!
“It’s just not fair,” said the talk show host. “He was the kindest, most humble, friendly and always funny person.”
Keep scrolling to see more celebrities who have responded to Escobedo’s tragic death:
Jimmy Kimmel
During an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!Kimmel dedicated a monologue to his close friend, noting that he’s had to do “some hard monologues” over the years, “but this one is the hardest because we lost someone very special late last night and early this morning who was way too young to go.”
“There was a boy living in my neighborhood,” Kimmel recalled of meeting Escobedo at age 9 after moving from Brooklyn to Las Vegas. “He was a little older than me. He was a year older than me. His name was Cleto.”
Kimmel said they became fast friends — and “not just casual friends.”
“We became 24/7 ‘Mommy, please let me sleep over,’ kind of like friends,” he said. “One summer I actually slept at the Escobedo house for 33 nights in a row. My mother used to make me get down on my knees and beg to sleep in his house for him, and I was happy to do that because we were never bored.”
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When Kimmel launched his own ABC talk show in 2002, Escobedo became the leader of Kimmel’s house band, Cleto and the Cleotones.
“I wanted Cleo to lead my band,” Kimmel said. “The idea of someone other than him leading the band was terrifying. It had to be him. I was so afraid they would say no and I would have to have another band. I had to find the courage to bring it up. Because I knew [saying]’My best friend from childhood plays the saxophone, he could lead the band’ wasn’t a great pitch.”
Kimmel went on to honor Escobedo’s widow, Loriand their two children before saying his death was “just not fair.”
“He was the kindest, most humble, friendly and always funny person,” he noted, thanking the hospital staff who cared for Escobedo in the last months of his life. “Cherish your friends. We’re not here forever.”
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul
Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for MPTF“My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo II. 💔,” Paula Abdul wrote via Instagram on November 11, she shared a video of herself and Escobedo on tour. “I first met Cleto when he was playing the saxophone in a small bar at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.”
The “Forever Your Girl” singer went on to say that she knew she “had to hire” Escobedo for her band “the moment” she heard him play, “even though he had no touring experience.”
“His talent and energy were undeniable, and he had a stellar career, reuniting with his best friend Jimmy Kimmel as bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!she shared. ‘Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage. Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him ❣️🎷.”
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Sheila E.
‘It is with heavy hearts that we have lost a dear friend Cleto Escobedo’ Sheila E. wrote via Instagram on November 11. “I met Cleto in 1994 and in 1995 I produced a song on his album. We always joked about our kinship and we tried to figure it out. He was a true brother and a great musician and artist. I am so heartbroken 💔 there are no words. My prayers go out to his wife and children, Jimmy Kimmel, family and friends. You will be missed. I love you 🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽rest well 🕊️🙏🏽.”
Adam Scott
Adam Scott
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for WSJ. Prize for Journal Innovators‘RIP the great Cleto Escobedo III,’ Adam Scott wrote via Instagram on November 11. “Such a kind, talented man who will be greatly missed. Lots of love to Cleto’s family and everyone at @jimmykimmellive 💔.”
Eric Steenstraat
“I’m sorry to hear this, Jimmy,” Eric Steenstraat wrote under Kimmel’s Instagram tribute. “He was AMAZING. Love for his family.”
Johnny Knoxville
Johnny Knoxville
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association“❤️❤️❤️I love you Cleto and his whole family,” Johnny Knoxville wrote under Kimmel’s Instagram post.
Johannes Stamos
The Full house actor reshared Sheila E.’s post on his Instagram Story, writing, “Heartbreaking.”
Wanda Skyes
Wanda Sykes
Maya Dehlin Spach/Getty Images“Heartbreaking,” Wanda Skyes commented under Kimmel’s tribute on Instagram. “I’m so sorry. ❤️🙏🏾.”
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Jeffery Ross
“I love you, I love his incredible family,” Jeffery Ross shared under Kimmel’s Instagram post.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
VALERIE MACON / EPISODE“Oh no,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus responded to Kimmel’s Instagram post. “I’m so sorry. ❤️.”
Ike Barinholtz
“I’m so sorry man,” Ike Barinholtz wrote via Instagram under Kimmel’s Instagram tribute. “I love you Cleto❤️.”
Jaime Camil
Jaime Camil
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images“Jimmy, your monologue yesterday was beautiful and moving,” Jaime Camil wrote under Kimmel’s Instagram post. “Our hearts go out to you and your loved ones 🙏 ❤️.”
Olivia Munn
“💔💔💔💔,” Olivia Munn shared under Kimmel’s post.
Hey Mandel
Hey Mandel
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images“Sorry 💔,” Hey Mandel wrote on Kimmel’s Instagram post.
Jim Jeffries
“One of the biggest guys,” Jim Jeffries commented on Kimmel’s account. “I am so sorry for his friends and family.”
Kaitlin Olson
Kaitlin Olson
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Go campaign“I’m so sorry 💔,” Kaitlin Olson wrote under Kimmel’s post.
Scott Wolf
“💔❤️,” Scott Wolf commented.
