Jimmy Kimmel grew emotional on Wednesday while honoring his longtime friend and former colleague Adam Carolla at Carolla’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles. Kimmel traced their friendship back to 1994, when he was working on the Los Angeles radio show “Kevin and Bean” and Carolla, then a boxing instructor, called into KROQ before being brought in to help train Kimmel for a boxing match. Kimmel joked that their first training sessions were brief and often ended with the two of them drinking Snapple and going to lunch, adding that although he lost the fight, he gained a lifelong friend.
During his speech, Kimmel described Carolla as one of the funniest people he has ever met and called him the “Laverne to my Shirley,” a reference that drew laughs from the audience. He also reflected on the pair’s long history of working together, noting that they have remained close for decades despite disagreeing on politics. Kimmel said he deeply admires Carolla’s work ethic and career path, praising him for building success from humble beginnings and becoming a millionaire through his own effort. He said Carolla is a “true original” whose name is now permanently tied to the Hollywood intersection where his star is placed.
Kimmel’s remarks also highlighted Carolla’s early career and the beginnings of their entertainment partnership. The two co-founded Jackhole Productions, which led to the creation of the Comedy Central sketch series “The Man Show” and later “Crank Yankers.” Carolla later hosted the late-night program “Too Late” on the network before launching “The Adam Carolla Podcast,” which helped establish him as one of the early major figures in podcasting. He has also become a bestselling author, adding to a media career that spans radio, television, comedy, and publishing.
The ceremony recognized Carolla in the Radio category. Along with Kimmel’s tribute, the event featured remarks from Dr. Drew Pinsky and was emceed by Adam Weissler. The occasion marked a public celebration of Carolla’s long career and his impact across multiple entertainment platforms, from radio and television to podcasting and books.
Kimmel’s emotional praise underscored the personal and professional bond between the two comedians, who first crossed paths more than 30 years ago and went on to collaborate on several successful projects. Despite their differences, Kimmel made clear that his affection and respect for Carolla remain strong. The ceremony served as both a milestone for Carolla’s career and a reminder of the friendships that helped shape his rise in entertainment.
