Jimmy Kimmel Honors Late Costume Designer Rodney Muñoz After His Death at 60

The Jimmy Kimmel Live team is grieving the loss of one of its longest-serving and most beloved behind-the-scenes talents. Costume designer Rodney Muñoz, an Emmy winner who spent nearly three decades shaping the visual identity of the ABC late-night institution, died on October 2 at the age of 60.

A Tribute From the Heart

Jimmy Kimmel took to Instagram on Friday to share a heartfelt farewell, posting candid behind-the-scenes photos that captured Muñoz's creative spirit and his unmistakable presence on set. "Our dear friend and Costume Designer for almost 30 years, Rodney Muñoz, has sadly passed away," Kimmel wrote, describing him as someone with "a huge and generous heart." The news was first shared publicly by a close friend of Muñoz's before Kimmel added his own tribute, according to Deadline.

The words were simple, but they carried the weight of a nearly three-decade partnership — a creative bond that helped define what Jimmy Kimmel Live looked like, sketch after sketch, season after season.

Nearly 30 Years Behind the Seams

Muñoz joined Jimmy Kimmel Live when the show launched in 2002 and remained a cornerstone of its production team right up until his passing. For a late-night program that leans heavily into comedy sketches, elaborate bits, and celebrity cameos, a talented costume designer isn't just a nice-to-have — they're essential to making the magic land. Muñoz's work earned him Emmy recognition, a testament to the craft and dedication he brought to every costume rack and fitting.

Think about all the wild characters, parody segments, and Halloween specials the show has pulled off over the years — that's the kind of legacy Muñoz leaves behind, even if most viewers never knew his name.

The 'Kimmel' Family Feels the Loss

Late-night television can sometimes feel like a revolving door of guests and segments, but the people working behind the cameras often form incredibly tight-knit communities. Muñoz was clearly one of those irreplaceable figures — someone whose creativity and warmth made Jimmy Kimmel Live feel like a family operation rather than just a TV production.

Kimmel himself has navigated plenty of moments in the public eye recently. From facing FCC scrutiny in a broader late-night conversation to hosting memorable guest spots like Jacob Elordi opening up about Euphoria's intense storylines and Jelly Roll getting candid about his political views, the show has remained a cultural touchstone. Behind every one of those moments is a crew of dedicated professionals — and Muñoz was one of the very best of them.

Remembering a Creative Force

Muñoz was 60 years old at the time of his death. While the cause has not been publicly detailed, the outpouring of remembrance from those who worked alongside him paints a picture of someone who was as beloved as he was talented. An Emmy win is a career highlight for anyone in the industry, but the tributes from colleagues suggest that Muñoz's real legacy was the warmth and generosity he brought to every single workday.

For a show that has seen so many chapters — including Rosie O'Donnell stepping in to guest host and breaking summer records during Kimmel's time away — continuity behind the scenes has always been part of what keeps Jimmy Kimmel Live running smoothly. Muñoz represented that continuity more than almost anyone.

His memory will live on in every frame of the show he helped dress for nearly three decades. The Jimmy Kimmel Live family, and the broader television community, is a little quieter without him.