Who Is Hosting Jimmy Kimmel Tonight? Meet Comedian Chris Distefano

If you’re tuning into Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, and wondering who the guy behind the desk is — you’re not alone. Jimmy Kimmel is officially on his annual summer break, and comedian Chris Distefano is stepping in as tonight’s guest host.

Distefano’s run on the late-night stage isn’t a one-off either. He’s set to lead the show for several nights this week, bringing his trademark Brooklyn-born humor and high-energy storytelling to ABC’s long-running series. Tonight’s guest lineup includes Happy Gilmore 2 star Julie Bowen, NBA champion Isaiah Hartenstein, and a musical performance by Cuco.

Who is Chris Distefano and why is he everywhere lately?

Chris Distefano has been grinding in the comedy world for over a decade, and his moment is finally hitting the mainstream. Born August 26, 1984, in Brooklyn, NY, Chris first gained national attention through MTV’s Guy Code and Girl Code. His blend of old-school NYC energy, family stories, and self-deprecating humor struck a chord with viewers.

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He’s since moved far beyond MTV. His stand-up specials — Size 38 Waist (Comedy Central) and Speshy Weshy (Netflix) — have been fan favorites, and his podcasts Chrissy Chaos and Hey Babe! (with Sal Vulcano) consistently land high on podcast charts.

With a doctorate in physical therapy and a background in sports, Chris’s route to comedy wasn’t typical. But once he hit the stage in 2009, he never looked back.

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What’s Chris Distefano’s personal life like?

Off-stage, Chris keeps it just as real. He’s engaged to Jasmin Canuelas, a Queens-based fitness trainer he’s been with since 2014. The couple shares two daughters — Delilah (born 2015) and Violette (born 2021) — and Jasmin’s son Tristan from a previous relationship. Chris often jokes about his blended family in his stand-up and podcasts, adding warmth and relatability to his material.

He also regularly shares hilarious stories about his father, Tony Distefano — a no-nonsense Brooklyn guy who’s practically become a character of his own in Chris’s comedy universe.

Why is Jimmy Kimmel taking a break again?

If you’ve been watching Jimmy Kimmel Live! over the last few years, you know this is nothing new. Since 2020, Kimmel has stepped away during the summer to unwind. He jokingly said in June that he might be at “fat camp” or the Newark airport — but in reality, he’s likely spending time with family, fishing, and enjoying a well-earned breather.

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That opens the door for rotating guest hosts, and Distefano is bringing a fresh twist to the gig. He joins a list of recent guest hosts who’ve used the spotlight to show off their personality, wit, and timing — all while keeping the Kimmel vibe alive.

Chris Distefano may not be a household name in every living room yet, but with appearances like this one, that’s quickly changing. Whether you know him from MTV, his stand-up specials, or his podcasts, one thing’s clear: he’s loud, he’s honest, and he’s got that old-school New York charm that’s hard not to love.