Comedian Adam Carolla credits Jimmy Kimmel as the first person to recognize his comedic talent and encourage him to pursue a career in entertainment. Their unlikely friendship began with boxing lessons that took place outside the KROQ radio station, where Kimmel was then known as "Jimmy the Sports Guy."
Carolla recounted on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" that Kimmel's encouragement was the impetus for his career, stating, "He wasn't a good boxer, but he was a good comedian, and he was the first guy in my entire life to ever go, 'You are funny, man. You should be doing this.'"
The connection started when Carolla, a boxing trainer, found himself locked out of the KROQ station early one morning. He managed to get a message to Kimmel, who then let him in for their training session. "I ended up talking to him more about comedy than I did about boxing," Carolla said.
Comedians as Truth Tellers
Beyond his personal career narrative, Carolla also voiced concerns about the role of comedians in society, particularly in the face of increasing calls for cancellation. He warned that society faces serious trouble when comedians stop being able to speak honestly and challenge power.
"I think comedians need to sort of be truth tellers," Carolla stated. He expressed dismay over what he perceived as comedians succumbing to pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "Once they get to the comedians, we're in trouble."
Carolla suggested that while other professionals like union members, teachers, and politicians may be influenced by job security, comedians serve a different function. "But when you get to the comedians, that's a bad sign for society. And I was saddened to see that they had gotten to some of the comedians," he added. He has previously referred to those applying cancel culture in Hollywood and government as "cowards."