In one of the most emotional moments in late-night television history, Jimmy Kimmel broke down completely during Monday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (January 27, 2026), sobbing uncontrollably as he paid tribute to longtime crew member and beloved staffer Alex Pretto, who died suddenly over the weekend at age 42. The comedian, visibly shaken, struggled to speak through tears for nearly five minutes, calling Pretto “family” and “the heart of this show for 20 years.”
The studio audience sat in stunned silence as Kimmel recounted Pretto’s infectious laugh, his daily presence on set, and the countless moments he lifted everyone’s spirits. “Alex was the guy who made sure everyone was okay,” Kimmel said, voice cracking. “He’d bring coffee, crack jokes, fix problems before we even knew they existed. He was the first one here and the last one to leave. And now he’s gone, and I don’t know how we go on without him.”
Here are heartbreaking stills from the broadcast—Kimmel wiping tears, the quiet audience, and a photo of Alex Pretto smiling on set that was displayed behind the desk:
Pretto, a production coordinator and longtime member of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! crew since 2005, passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2026, from what friends described as a sudden cardiac event. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. No official cause of death has been released, but tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry.
Kimmel’s monologue was unscripted and raw. He paused multiple times, unable to continue, as co-host Guillermo Rodriguez stepped in to hug him on camera. The show then aired a pre-taped tribute reel featuring behind-the-scenes clips of Pretto laughing with the staff, dancing during rehearsals, and high-fiving guests over the years.
Celebrity reactions flooded social media within minutes:
- Jimmy Fallon posted: “Heartbroken for Jimmy and the whole team. Alex was one of the good ones.”
- Stephen Colbert wrote: “Sending love to Jimmy and everyone at Kimmel Live. Losing a family member like Alex leaves a hole that never fills.”
- Ryan Seacrest shared: “Alex was always the happiest person in the room. Rest in peace.”
The episode continued after a commercial break, but the tone remained somber. Kimmel ended the show by dedicating the night to Pretto and encouraging viewers to hug their loved ones. “Life is short,” he said quietly. “Tell people you love them while you still can.”
The moment has struck a chord with millions, trending nationwide under #JimmyKimmelAlexPretto and #RIPAlexPretto. Many viewers called it one of the most authentic, human moments ever seen on late-night TV.
In summary, Jimmy Kimmel’s tearful, unfiltered breakdown over the sudden death of longtime crew member Alex Pretto left viewers and the industry in shock. As tributes continue to pour in, the late-night community mourns a beloved behind-the-scenes figure who quietly made the show better every day.