Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel’s Relationship: From Romance to Lifelong Friendship

Comedian Sarah Silverman recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote her new Netflix special, Post Mortem. During the episode, Kimmel introduced her by saying she was “one of a small handful of guests who has seen me in a towel,” reminding viewers of their shared history.

But many fans still wonder — did Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel actually date?

Yes, They Were in a Long-Term Relationship

Sarah Silverman and Jimmy Kimmel started dating in the early 2000s. They reportedly met in 2001 at the Friars Club Roast of Hugh Hefner, where Kimmel was the host and Silverman performed. That night, she joked about Kimmel’s looks, calling him “fat” and lacking “charisma,” a moment she later laughed about in interviews.

Their friendship soon turned romantic. In 2007, Silverman told Esquire that their first kiss happened while watching the movie Broadway Danny Rose. She described the moment as long-awaited, saying, “Once we did, we started making out like crazy.”

A Public and Playful Couple

The couple was known for their humor and chemistry. In 2008, People magazine named them the “Funniest Couple Alive.” They created viral videos like “I’m Fing Matt Damon”** and “I’m Fing Ben Affleck,”** which became internet sensations.

Silverman often appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and joined him at events such as the Emmys, the Pamela Anderson Roast, and the show’s 1,000th episode.

Why Did They Break Up?

They announced their breakup in July 2008, though they briefly reconciled later that year. By March 2009, they had separated for good. The couple never publicly shared the reason for their split, and their reps chose not to comment.

However, they remained close friends. Over the years, Silverman has returned to Kimmel’s show several times. In 2017, Kimmel told GQ that they still cared deeply for each other. “It doesn’t make sense to erase a big part of your life,” he said. “We spent every day together for years.”

Moving On – But Staying Connected

Silverman is not married, but in 2020 she shared that she was dating comedian Rory Albanese. Kimmel, meanwhile, is married to Molly McNearney, a co-head writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live. They have been together since 2009 and share two children. Kimmel also has two older children from his first marriage to Gina Maddy.

On May 20, 2025, Kimmel shared joyful news on his show — his daughter Katherine had just given birth, making him a grandfather for the first time.