Jimmy Kimmel's rise to cultural icon hits roadblock

LOS ANGELES — In a crowded late-night field, Jimmy Kimmel rose to become a cultural fixture.

For two decades, he's been one of the most familiar faces on television. He's the kind of entertainer who could blend slapstick humor with sharp political satire and still find himself entrusted with hosting Hollywood's most prestigious ceremonies. His career arc is impressive, rising from radio gigs in Las Vegas to rubbing elbows at the Oscars and turning world leaders into punch lines on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

In an industry that thrives on turnover, Kimmel's staying power has been rare. His voice helped anchor ABC in the late-night arena until now, with his show indefinitely suspended over his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10. Government-poli