Costume designer Rodney Muñoz, a regular collaborator on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since its launch, has died at 60. The news was confirmed by Jimmy Kimmel himself, who dedicated an emotional public tribute to him on Friday.
Muñoz, an Emmy winner, was linked to the ABC program for nearly three decades, overseeing costumes for Kimmel and many of the show's most memorable sketches and segments.
Jimmy Kimmel’s tribute to Rodney Muñoz
Jimmy Kimmel announced the death of Rodney Muñoz via Instagram, accompanying the message with photographs of Muñoz's work behind the scenes over the years.
"Our dear friend and costume designer for nearly 30 years, Rodney Muñoz, has sadly passed away," Kimmel wrote in the post.
The host described Muñoz as one of the most talented people he has ever had the pleasure of knowing. "Rodney was a funny, grumpy, and hardworking man, whose tough exterior hid a huge and generous heart. Rodney helped many of us through difficult times. He was a devoted son, brother, and uncle, a great baker, and a loving friend. No man saw me in my underwear as many times as he did," added Kimmel, who closed his message by noting that Muñoz will be reunited with his parents in whatever comes next.
How Rodney Muñoz died
Kimmel's tribute followed an announcement by Joe Dietl, a friend of Rodney Muñoz, who shared the news of his passing the previous weekend. According to Dietl, Muñoz had faced many health problems in recent years after contracting COVID-19, an infection that forced him to be placed in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator.
Kimmel's post confirms the death occurred on October 2, though no further details regarding the final circumstances have been provided.
Who was Rodney Muñoz
Rodney Muñoz was born on September 4, 1966, in Los Angeles. He studied costume design at New York University (NYU), where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA), graduating in 1993.
Before joining Kimmel's team, Muñoz worked as a costume designer on The Late Show with David Letterman between 1995 and 2000. He later collaborated with Jimmy Kimmel on The Man Show, the Comedy Central program, before becoming the official costume designer for Jimmy Kimmel Live! when the show premiered in 2003.
His work on the ABC talk show earned him a Primetime Emmy in 2010 in the category of Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Program.
Other work by Rodney Muñoz in television and theater
In addition to his extensive career alongside Kimmel, Rodney Muñoz worked in the costume department for NBC's Fear Factor in 2002 and the gay-themed independent series Where the Bears Are between 2012 and 2018.
Muñoz also developed his career in off-Broadway theater, designing costumes for the productions I Sent a Letter to My Love (1995), The Preservation Society (1996), and Ancient History/English Made Simple (1996).
Frequently asked questions about Rodney Muñoz and Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Who was Rodney Muñoz?
Rodney Muñoz was an American Emmy-winning costume designer, best known for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he managed costumes from the show's premiere in 2003 until his death.
At what age did Rodney Muñoz die?
Rodney Muñoz passed away at age 60 on October 2, as confirmed by his friend Joe Dietl and later by Jimmy Kimmel in a public message.
What was the cause of death for Rodney Muñoz?
Available information does not confirm a specific cause of death. His friend Joe Dietl noted that Muñoz suffered from numerous health issues in recent years after being diagnosed with COVID-19, which required him to be placed in a coma and on a ventilator.
What did Jimmy Kimmel say about the death of Rodney Muñoz?
Jimmy Kimmel described him as a person of enormous talent, with a generous heart behind a tough exterior, and highlighted his role as a friend, designer, and close figure to the show's team for nearly 30 years.
What awards did Rodney Muñoz win?
Rodney Muñoz won a Primetime Emmy in 2010 for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Program for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
What other shows did Rodney Muñoz work on?
Before Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Muñoz worked on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Man Show. He also collaborated on NBC's Fear Factor and the series Where the Bears Are, in addition to various off-Broadway theater productions.
