Kimmel's "Meet-Cute" Began With Remembered Foods

Jimmy Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney, detailed their initial courtship, which began with a memorable culinary gesture. McNearney recalled a staff meeting at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' where she listed her favorite foods. Approximately six months later, Kimmel surprised her by preparing all five of her favorite dishes at his home, demonstrating he had remembered her preferences. This thoughtful act marked a significant turning point in their relationship.

McNearney confessed that she felt both excited and nervous about this development, primarily because Kimmel was her boss. She expressed apprehension about how dating him might affect her career and the established dynamic within the writers' room. The couple subsequently engaged in some "sneaking" to keep their romance private, as McNearney was worried about the potential professional repercussions.

Despite McNearney's initial worries about statistics and career impact, the couple eventually disclosed their relationship to colleagues and later married in July 2013. They are now parents to two children, with Kimmel also having two children from a previous marriage. McNearney acknowledged that while she still playfully challenges Kimmel in the writers' room, she sometimes finds herself moderating her feedback.