Robert De Niro Shocks Fans with Surprise FCC Chair Cameo on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Los Angeles, CA — After nearly a week off the air, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned on Sept. 23 — and the comeback episode featured a shocking twist. Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, 82, surprised viewers with a hilarious cameo, playing a fictional “new FCC chair” in a sketch that immediately went viral.

De Niro as the FCC’s New Boss

Kimmel opened the bit expecting to interview real FCC chairman Brendan Carr. Instead, he was greeted by De Niro, who slipped seamlessly into a mob boss persona reminiscent of his most famous film roles.

When Kimmel suggested the FCC was acting like the mafia to suppress free speech, De Niro cut him off with a sharp response. As Kimmel reminded him that cursing wasn’t allowed on broadcast TV, De Niro waved it off with mock authority, insisting:

“I am the FCC. I can say whatever I want.”

In one of the sketch’s most memorable punchlines, De Niro told Kimmel:

“It’s just me, Jimmy, the chairman of the FCC, gently suggesting that you politely shut up.”

He even unveiled a new FCC motto:

“Sticks and stones may break your bones…”

When Kimmel jumped in to finish the phrase — “But words can never harm you” — De Niro smirked and replied:

“Well, they can harm you now. So choose your words wisely. Capisce?”

Kimmel’s Hiatus Explained

The cameo came after a controversial week for late-night television. On Sept. 17, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be placed on “indefinite hiatus” following backlash to Kimmel’s comments about the fatal shooting of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel had criticized political attempts to weaponize Kirk’s death, sparking strong reactions from both supporters and critics. ABC later stated the pause was to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”

On Sept. 22, The Walt Disney Company confirmed the show’s return, noting that “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy” led to the decision.

Network Backlash and Preemptions

Despite the show’s return, not all broadcasters welcomed Kimmel back.

• Sinclair Broadcast Group, the nation’s largest ABC affiliate operator, announced it would preempt Kimmel’s show and replace it with news programming.

• Nexstar Media, which runs 28 ABC-affiliated stations, also said it would continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! following what it called his “ill-timed and insensitive” remarks.

Nexstar emphasized its commitment to “respectful, constructive dialogue” and argued that Kimmel’s comments risked deepening divisions.

Hollywood Rallies Behind Kimmel

The suspension triggered a wave of support from fellow comedians and Hollywood heavyweights. Late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Jon Stewart all defended Kimmel, alongside industry icons David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and Howard Stern.

The co-hosts of The View also spoke out, warning that Kimmel’s suspension raised broader questions about free speech and government influence.

In a powerful show of solidarity, more than 400 celebrities — including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, Pedro Pascal, Diego Luna, Martin Short, and Meryl Streep — signed an ACLU letter defending Kimmel’s constitutional right to speak freely.

A Satirical Return

By inviting Robert De Niro to parody the FCC as a tough-talking, mob-style chairman, Kimmel delivered a clear message: he is not backing down. The sketch highlighted the absurdity of censorship while underscoring late-night comedy’s role in cultural and political debate.

Whether praised as satire or criticized as provocation, Kimmel’s return to the airwaves — capped by De Niro’s unforgettable cameo — has cemented this moment as one of the most talked-about in late-night TV history.