Jimmy Kimmel, host of the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live," is tapped to host the new primetime game show SET FOR LIFE, premiering later this season on the ABC Television Network.
"I tried to tell ABC that it is too difficult to do a talk show every night and an hour-long primetime show too," Jimmy Kimmel said. "Unfortunately, there′s a 75-year-old man named Regis who seems to have no problem with it."
"We′re thrilled to have Jimmy join SET FOR LIFE as the host," said Andrea Wong, executive vice president, Alternative Programming, Specials & Late-Night for ABC-TV. "He brings a unique voice to the show along with intelligence, great comedic talent and an irreverence that′s bound to make the experience memorable for the contestants and the audience."
"Jimmy Kimmel is the perfect choice to host SET FOR LIFE," said David Goldberg, president of Endemol USA. "He′s got a great everyman quality that is as funny as it is relatable, and beyond that he′s just a huge talent who naturally connects with his audience. He brings all of the intangibles that we look for when hiring a host, and then some. We are delighted to announce this news."
In the unpredictable, innovative new game show, SET FOR LIFE contestants have the opportunity to win a monthly payout for the rest of their lives. The contestants will never know if they have won or lost a fortune until their isolated partner joins them on stage at the end of the game.
In addition to his work on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Kimmel co-created and executive-produces "Crank Yankers," which was recently picked up for a fifth season by MTV2, and "The Andy Milonakis Show," recently picked up for a third season by MTV2. Kimmel co-hosted Comedy Central′s "The Man Show" for four seasons, served as on-air prognosticator for "Fox NFL Sunday" for four years, and for four seasons co-hosted Comedy Central′s long-running and popular game show, "Win Ben Stein′s Money." Kimmel received two Emmy nominations for his work with Ben Stein and won Best Game Show Host in 1999.
Kimmel′s company, "Jackhole Industries," formed with partners Daniel Kellison and Adam Carolla, is responsible for "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Man Show," "Crank Yankers," "The Andy Milonakis Show" and the feature film "Windy City Heat," set for release on DVD September 26th, 2006. Kimmel also serves as creative consultant to Adam Carolla′s nationally syndicated morning radio show.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Kimmel began his career in morning radio and rose to prominence as "Jimmy the Sports Guy" on KROQ′S "Kevin and Bean Show."
