Jimmy Kimmel on David Letterman’s farewell: ‘Watch that instead of our show’
Kimmel idolized Letterman as a kid.
When Jimmy Kimmel was a teenager, he worshipped David Letterman the way other kids worship famous athletes and musicians.
He drew pictures of Letterman on the covers of his textbooks at school. When he turned 16, his mother baked him a “L8 Nite’’ cake. He blew the candles of that cake out while wearing a David Letterman letterman jacket. His first car had a “L8 Nite’’ vanity plate.
So a teary-eyed Kimmel had quite a bit to say about his idol ahead of the “Late Night With David Letterman’’ farewell show. Letterman, 68, is retiring after a 33-year reign on late night television. He’s the longest late-night talk show host in history. Stephen Colbert will take his place in September.
“Not only did I learn how to do everything from Dave,’’ said Kimmel during Tuesday night’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!’’ show. “The reason I have this show is because the executives at ABC saw me when I was a guest on Dave’s show — and hired me to host this show. So I want to thank Dave and his writers and producers.’’
Finally, Kimmel begged his audience not to watch his show tonight, to watch Letterman’s show instead.
“Dave is the best and you should see him,’’ said Kimmel.
Out of respect for Letterman, Kimmel will air a re-run.
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