Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned host of late-night television, has recently shared insights about his experience hosting the iconic game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” The 58-year-old comedian took over as the show’s host in April 2020, an undertaking that has proven both rewarding and challenging.
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One of the unexpected difficulties Kimmel faces while hosting the series is the intricacies of verbal communication. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he candidly acknowledged, “Pronunciation! Even the word pronunciation is hard to pronounce.” This revelation sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by television presenters, revealing that even seemingly straightforward tasks can present hurdles.
Kimmel also took this opportunity to express his enthusiasm for potential celebrity contestants. When asked which famous individuals he would like to see on the show, he suggested that the Obamas would make an entertaining team and expressed interest in having the musical duo Hall & Oates join the game. His enthusiasm for star-studded competition reflects Kimmel’s fondness for entertainment and celebrity culture.
Before his tenure on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” Kimmel started his career in the game show genre co-hosting “Win Ben Stein’s Money” on Comedy Central from 1997 to 2000. This experience laid the groundwork for his current role and gives context to his admiration for the format. His successful transition into this new role demonstrates his versatility as a performer and host.
Kimmel’s contributions to “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” were rewarded last year when he received the 2025 Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Game Show. During his acceptance speech, he took a moment to honour Regis Philbin, the original host of the U.S. version, whom he regards as instrumental to the show’s enduring popularity. “I don’t think this show would still be on the air if Regis hadn’t hosted it to start with,” Kimmel remarked, emphasising Philbin’s legacy.
Reflecting on his relationship with Philbin, Kimmel expressed gratitude for the guidance he received. He fondly recalled how Philbin, initially an unexpected choice to host the show, transformed it into a massive cultural sensation. Kimmel’s appreciation for Philbin goes beyond mere admiration, as he views receiving the Emmy as part of a larger legacy—one that Philbin contributed to significantly.
Despite his accolades, Kimmel has a light-hearted approach to trivia questions. He has previously joked that while he enjoys guiding contestants, he is often relieved they don’t turn to him for answers on topics he is less familiar with. “Most of the game, I’m sitting there kind of twisting, hoping they don’t ask me to answer the questions I don’t know,” he confessed, indicating that his strength lies more in entertainment than in exhaustive trivia recall.
Kimmel’s love for television as a medium has been longstanding. Following his Emmy win, he shared how integral TV has been in his life since childhood, stating, “TV is more important to me than anyone in my family. I love television.” His affection for the medium is so profound that he joked about placing televisions in every room of his house, a testament to his lifelong passion.
Kimmel reminisced about the early days of watching television, recalling the excitement of claiming his family’s old 12-inch black-and-white set, which he later upgraded to connect with wider cultural conversations. His fond memories of watching shows such as “Hill Street Blues” and being inspired by David Letterman demonstrate the profound influence that television has had on his journey.
Currently, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” continues to air weekly on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with Kimmel at the helm bringing his unique blend of humour and charisma to the iconic programme. His ability to connect with both contestants and viewers reflects his deep-rooted love for the format and its cultural significance, ensuring that the show’s legacy continues to thrive.