Robert De Niro drew attention after making a surprise cameo on Jimmy Kimmel Live! during the host’s first episode back on air. The actor appeared as a fictional FCC chairperson in a sketch, delivering sharp lines and mob-style banter as part of Kimmel’s return, which followed a hiatus tied to controversy over his recent on-air remarks.
Robert De Niro appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Robert De Niro made a surprise appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! during the host’s Sept. 23 return to television.
Kimmel’s show had been placed on “indefinite” hiatus nearly a week earlier following comments he made about the fatal shooting of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk. In the sketch, De Niro appeared via video as a fictional new FCC chairperson, adopting a mob-style persona. When Kimmel asked if the FCC was using intimidation, De Niro replied, “What the f**k did you just say to me?” and declared, “I am the f***ing FCC, I can say whatever the f**k I want.”
Kimmel reminded him that cursing would typically result in a fine, to which De Niro responded, “It’s just me, Jimmy, the chairman of the FCC, gently suggesting that you gently shut the f**k up.” He later introduced a new FCC motto: “Sticks and stones may break your bones,” before adding, “Oh, well, they can harm you now. Let’s make sure you pick the right words. Capisce?”
The cameo coincided with Disney’s announcement that the show would resume Sept. 23 after conversations with Kimmel. A spokesperson said the original suspension aimed to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.” However, Nexstar Media and Sinclair Broadcasting confirmed they would continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! across their ABC-affiliated stations. Nexstar cited Kimmel’s Sept. 15 remarks as “ill-timed and insensitive” and said replacement programming would remain until there was assurance of “respectful, constructive dialogue.”
Kimmel had previously addressed the incident in his monologue, criticizing attempts to politicize the killing while showing clips of President Donald Trump discussing White House ballroom construction. He also posted condolences online, writing, “On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
