Let’s face it—Jimmy Kimmel may not have won over every critic as the host of this year’s Academy Awards, but he's not letting that get him down. Instead, Jimmy's looking ahead, focusing on what's next. And what’s next? Well, it’s mentoring the next generation of late-night talent. Specifically, he's got his sights set on Lou Wilson, his on-air announcer and rising star protégé.
Lou Wilson: The Next Big Thing in Late-Night TV
According to an insider close to the Jimmy Kimmel Live! team, Jimmy used the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 to shake things up. Like many talk-show hosts, he brought in fresh voices to revitalize the show. One of those voices belongs to Lou Wilson, a relatively unknown comedian at the time. Lou, now 32, grew up in California and started his journey with Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a writer in 2020. Just two years later, in 2022, he made the leap to on-air announcer—a role that was practically tailor-made for him.
From Writing Jokes to Stealing the Show
As the insider explains, Lou was so impressive with his writing work during those mostly-remote pandemic days that he quickly caught the attention of Jimmy and his wife, Molly McNearney, who also works on the show. "Jimmy and Molly began talking to Lou about transitioning from writing jokes for the series to actually being on camera," the source reveals. "And let me tell you, Jimmy personally took on the task of training Lou for his new role." It’s clear that Jimmy sees something special in Lou—a fresh perspective that resonates with younger audiences and brings a much-needed injection of energy to the sidekick department.
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ABC’s Support: A Vote of Confidence
What’s even more encouraging is how supportive ABC has been of Jimmy’s decision to elevate Lou. The insider notes, "Lou really does come across as the future of late-night in some ways. He’s plugged into youth culture and comedy in a way that nobody else on Jimmy’s staff is." It’s not just about talent—it’s about bringing a new voice to the table, one that can keep the show relevant and engaging for years to come.
But here’s the thing: Lou’s rise could also signal the beginning of the end of an era with Jimmy at the helm. "It’s another sign that Jimmy is devising his exit plan," the source suggests. For Jimmy, legacy is everything. He knows firsthand the importance of mentorship, having been mentored by legends like Howard Stern and David Letterman early in his career. Those mentors were always there for him, offering advice and guidance whenever he needed it. Now, it’s Jimmy’s turn to pay it forward.
Meet Lou Wilson: The Future of Late-Night
Lou’s background is impressive, to say the least. Before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he wrote for Playboy and acted in multiple TV and film projects, including Netflix’s American Vandal and Judd Apatow’s King of Staten Island. With a résumé like that, it’s easy to see why Jimmy is so excited about him. "Jimmy just loves the guy and loves how he’s slotted into the show," the insider shares. "People joke about Jimmy only hiring family members for key roles, but Lou Wilson proves that’s not true." Lou is the real deal—a talented comedian and actor who’s earned his place on the show.
So, as Lou continues to shine on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, it’s clear that the future of late-night TV is in good hands. With Jimmy’s guidance and ABC’s support, Lou is poised to become the next big name in the world of comedy. And who knows? Maybe one day, he’ll be the one mentoring the next generation of late-night hosts.
