Overview
- Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death early Nov. 11 in an Instagram post, calling him a lifelong friend and asking for prayers for his family.
- During Tuesday’s broadcast, Kimmel delivered an extended tribute recalling their childhood in Las Vegas and their two decades working side by side on ABC.
- No cause of death has been released, though Kimmel thanked caregivers at UCLA Medical Center and Sherman Oaks Hospital for treating Escobedo.
- Variety reported that Escobedo’s condition prompted the sudden Nov. 6 taping cancellation, and this week’s guest schedule is being reworked as the show pauses for a couple of nights.
- Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones since the show’s 2003 launch with his father in the band, following a touring career with artists including Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey.