Who is Gina Maddy? Inside Jimmy Kimmel's first marriage in the wake of ABC controversy

Carol Burnett Hand And Footprint In The Cement Ceremony At TCL Chinese Theatre - Source: Getty
Carol Burnett Hand And Footprint In The Cement Ceremony At TCL Chinese Theatre (Image via Getty)

Jimmy Kimmel has been in the spotlight for many years as a late-night host. With the recent controversy involving ABC and his suspension, his personal life has been in the spotlight. Jimmy Kimmel is currently married to Molly McNearney, but information regarding his previous marriage remains largely undiscussed.

Kimmel was first married to Gina Maddy, his college sweetheart. The couple started dating as students at Arizona State University and got married in 1988. The pair was together during Kimmel’s early career struggles as a radio host.

As per ABC, the marriage ended in 2002, and both moved on in different directions. While Kimmel continued to rise in television, Gina chose to keep a private life. Her story is now being revisited as part of Kimmel’s personal history.


Jimmy Kimmel's early relationship and family life

96th Academy Awards Live Telecast - Source: Getty
96th Academy Awards Live Telecast - Source: Getty

Gina Maddy and Jimmy Kimmel fell in love during college at Arizona State University. They got married quite young, in 1988. Maddy was Kimmel's first girlfriend and later wife.

They have two children together: their daughter, Katherine "Katie" Kimmel, was born in 1991, and their son Kevin Kimmel was born in 1993.

With Kimmel's initial job instability, the family switched locations multiple times and suffered financial strain. In an interview with Vulture, Kimmel elaborated on the unstable nature of his early career, when he worked as a radio host and had to move homes constantly.

Read More: Why did ABC suspend ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and how is it linked to Charlie Kirk’s death?


Gina Maddy’s career and divorce

Gina Maddy's revolves around costume designing, as per IMDb. She has worked as a costume designer, most notably for Party Like the Queen of France (2012), The Man Show (1999), and Party Like the Rich and Famous (2012). Although, she also launched a vintage loungewear business called Maddy James in 2014, it remains unclear if the business line is still active.

As per reports, after 14 years of marriage, the couple divorced due to incompatible differences in 2002. Following the divorce, Kimmel got involved with comedian Sarah Silverman. He also got married to Molly McNearney, a writer and producer on his program, in the year 2013.

Read More: What will Sinclair replace ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ with? The company demands an apology and a donation


Gina Maddy played a significant role in the life of Jimmy Kimmel prior to his household recognition. The couple was married for 14 years before their separation. They have two children together, named Katie and Kevin.

Kimmel also dated the comedian Sarah Silverman from 2002 to 2009, before dating and getting married to Molly McNearney in July 2013. McNearney and Kimmel have a daughter named Jane, who was born in 2014.

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Edited by IRMA