Yes, Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman dated for roughly seven years, from 2002 to 2009. As two prominent figures in the comedy world, they became one of Hollywood's most high-profile and beloved pairings during the mid-2000s, even earning media titles like "People's Funniest Couple Alive". While rumors and internet curiosity often resurface around old celebrity pairings, this relationship is well-documented history rather than fiction.
Below, we unpack how they met, the reality of their multi-year romance, why they ultimately split, and how they maintained a surprisingly resilient friendship long after breaking up.
How Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman Met
The paths of the two comedians crossed long before they became a romantic item. They officially crossed orbits in 2001 at the New York Friars Club Roast of Hugh Hefner. At the event, Jimmy served as the roastmaster, while Sarah performed on stage.
At the time, Jimmy was separated from his first wife, Gina Maddy, whom he divorced in 2002. Sparks didn't fly instantly into a romance that exact night, but by 2002, following his divorce finalized, the pair began dating. Their shared background in stand-up comedy and late-night television helped cement a fast and deep connection. More details on this are covered by Associated Press.
Relationship Timeline and Highlights
From 2002 onward, Jimmy and Sarah were fixtures in both the comedy community and pop culture headlines.
- 2002–2007: The couple established a domestic routine, living together in Los Angeles. During this period, Sarah's career surged with her Comedy Central show The Sarah Silverman Program, and Jimmy cemented his role hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC.
- 2008: The couple hit a rough patch and briefly broke up. However, they reconciled shortly after, attempting to give the relationship another chance.
- 2009: The reconciliation didn't stick permanently. By the summer of 2009, the couple called it quits for good.
The Famous Matt Damon Feud and "I'm Fucking Matt Damon"
One of the most memorable cultural artifacts of their relationship occurred right near the end of its run. In 2008, Sarah appeared as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and played a prerecorded music video titled "I'm Fucking Matt Damon."
The comedic bit featured Sarah and actor Matt Damon singing about a fictional affair. It became an instant viral sensation on early YouTube, winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. Jimmy responded with his own retaliatory star-studded video, "I'm Fucking Ben Affleck." While fans often wondered if the bit hinted at real tension, it was entirely scripted satire.
Why Did They Break Up?
Unlike many messy celebrity splits, Jimmy and Sarah kept the precise private details of their breakup out of the tabloid mud. Friends and colleagues noted that the separation was amicable, driven by the natural drifting apart of two busy individuals rather than a dramatic scandal or infidelity.
In subsequent interviews, both comedians reflected on the intense nature of spending nearly every day together for close to seven years. Transitioning out of the romance took an emotional toll, but they avoided public animosity.
Life After the Split: Friendship and Current Status
Few exes in Hollywood manage the transition from romantic partners to genuine friends as smoothly as Jimmy and Sarah.
- Returning to the Show: Sarah became a frequent, highly anticipated guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the two regularly traded witty banter about their shared history.
- Moving On: Jimmy married Molly McNearney, the co-head writer of his show, in 2013, and they share children. Sarah has maintained various high-profile relationships over the years, including dating actor Michael Sheen and comedian Rory Albanese.
- Ongoing Rapport: Decades after their split, they still poke fun at each other publicly. During guest appearances, Jimmy has noted that they view each other almost like family, joking that they spent so many formative years together that cutting ties completely would make zero sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman ever get married?
No. They dated for roughly seven years but never became engaged or married. Jimmy later married Molly McNearney in 2013.
Who did Sarah Silverman date after Jimmy Kimmel?
Sarah went on to date several notable figures in entertainment, including a multi-year relationship with Welsh actor Michael Sheen from 2014 to 2018, alongside other public figures.
Are Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman still friends?
Yes. They maintained a remarkably friendly dynamic, appearing on each other's projects, joking about their past on late-night television, and remaining supportive colleagues in the comedy industry.
Did the Matt Damon video cause their breakup?
No. Although the viral video aired in 2008 around the time of a brief temporary split, both parties confirmed it was a collaborative comedy bit created entirely for laughs. They even reconciled briefly after the video aired before separating permanently in 2009.
