Jimmy Kimmel Taps Rosie O'Donnell and Others to Fill In During Summer Break, Matt Damon Makes Surprise Appearance

Jimmy Kimmel signed off for a two-month summer hiatus from 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on ABC, announcing a lineup of guest hosts that includes Rosie O'Donnell, Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, and Jelly Roll. The announcement came during his final show before the break, which also featured an unexpected visit from Matt Damon, who crashed the set inside a Trojan Horse, according to Deadline. Kimmel specifically highlighted O'Donnell as a guest host, framing it as a deliberate jab at former President Donald Trump, with whom O'Donnell has a long-running feud. Decider reported that Kimmel joked about the hiatus being voluntary, referencing last year's controversy that sidelined the show after his comments about reactions to a death. "Rosie O'Donnell, a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, will serve as guest host during his absence." The move underscores Kimmel's willingness to keep his political edge even while off the air, as O'Donnell's history of clashing with Trump is well documented. Deadline noted that Kimmel specifically called O'Donnell a treat for Trump, adding a layer of provocation to the summer schedule. Matt Damon's appearance in a Trojan Horse was a playful callback to his long-running bit with Kimmel, where the actor has repeatedly interrupted the show in elaborate ways. The moment capped off Kimmel's last episode before the break, blending humor with a nod to the show's recurring gags. With a mix of comedians, actors, and musicians filling in, the summer lineup aims to keep the show fresh during Kimmel's absence. The two-month hiatus is a voluntary break, as Kimmel emphasized, giving the guest hosts a chance to steer the late-night ship through the summer months.

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