Celebrities Rally Behind Jimmy Kimmel and Free Speech
Introduction
In a show of solidarity, over 400 celebrities have signed an open letter in support of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and free speech. The letter, organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), was prompted by Kimmel's recent suspension for a controversial on-air statement. Among the signatories are Hollywood heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston.
Key Details
The letter, which was published in The Hollywood Reporter, condemns Kimmel's suspension and calls for a reexamination of the role of free speech in the entertainment industry. It also highlights the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and not being silenced in the face of criticism. The long list of celebrity signatories reflects the widespread support for Kimmel and the value of free speech in society. The letter also serves as a reminder of the power and influence of Hollywood in shaping cultural and political discourse.
Impact
This open letter not only shows the backing for Kimmel, but also brings attention to the larger issue of free speech and its role in the entertainment industry. In a time when cancel culture and online backlash have become prevalent, it is more important than ever to protect and defend the right to express oneself. The support from such prominent figures in the industry sends a strong message that censorship and silencing of diverse voices will not be tolerated.
About the People Mentioned
Jimmy Kimmel
James Christian Kimmel, known as Jimmy Kimmel, is an American television host and comedian born on November 13, 1967. He is best known as the host and executive producer of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, a late-night talk show on ABC that has aired since 2003. Kimmel holds the distinction of having the longest tenure among current U.S. late-night hosts, with 23 seasons, second only to Johnny Carson’s 30 seasons[^1^]. Before *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, Kimmel gained recognition as co-host of Comedy Central’s *Win Ben Stein’s Money*, winning a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Game Show Host in 1999, and as co-host of *The Man Show*. He also co-founded Jackhole Industries, a production company behind shows such as *Crank Yankers*, *Sports Show with Norm Macdonald*, and *The Andy Milonakis Show*[^1^][^2^]. Kimmel has hosted major award ceremonies multiple times, including the Primetime Emmy Awards (2012, 2016, 2020) and the Academy Awards in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024. His style blends political satire with viral comedy segments, such as “Mean Tweets” and celebrity pranks, contributing to his widespread popularity[^1^][^4^]. In his personal life, Kimmel was first married to Gina Maddy with whom he has two children. Since 2013, he has been married to Molly McNearney, a co-head writer for his show, and they have two children together. Kimmel has publicly shared his experiences with his son Billy’s congenital heart condition, using his platform to raise awareness about healthcare issues[^4^]. Most recently, in September 2025, ABC suspended *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* for a week following controversial comments Kimmel made regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk during a monologue[^1^]. Despite this, Kimmel remains an influential figure in American late-night television and comedy. [^1^]: Wikipedia [^2^]: Biography.com [^4^]: Hausabeats.com
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is a renowned American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California. He rose to fame in the early 1980s with his role in the TV series *Bosom Buddies* and his film debut in *Splash* (1984). Hanks' breakthrough came with the fantasy-comedy *Big* (1988), earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor[1][3]. Hanks' versatility as an actor is evident in his wide range of roles. He gained critical acclaim for his portrayals in *Philadelphia* (1993), where he played a gay lawyer with AIDS, and *Forrest Gump* (1994), for which he won consecutive Academy Awards, becoming only the second actor to achieve this feat after Spencer Tracy[1][3][4]. His romantic comedies, such as *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993) and *You've Got Mail* (1998), solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood[1][4]. In addition to his acting career, Hanks has been recognized for his contributions to the film industry. He received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2002, the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award in 2004, a Kennedy Center Honor in 2014, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2016[1][6]. Hanks also voiced Woody in the *Toy Story* franchise, further cementing his appeal across generations[1][4]. Currently, Tom Hanks remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He continues to act in significant films and has been involved in various projects, including historical dramas and documentaries. His dedication to his craft and his lasting impact on cinema have made him one of the most respected actors of his generation[1][4]. In 2020, he received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement[1].
Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is an acclaimed American actress known for her exceptional versatility, mastery of accents, and deeply expressive performances. Born Mary Louise Streep on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey, she began her career on the New York stage in the late 1960s, graduating from Vassar College and the Yale Drama School. She made her Broadway debut in 1975 and transitioned to film in the late 1970s, gaining widespread recognition with her role in *The Deer Hunter* (1978) and winning an Emmy for the TV miniseries *Holocaust* the same year[2][3]. Streep holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor, with 21 nods spanning from 1978 to recent years. She has won three Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for *Kramer vs. Kramer* (1980), and Best Actress for *Sophie’s Choice* (1983) and *The Iron Lady* (2012)[1][3]. Her career spans a wide range of genres including drama, comedy, and musicals, with notable roles in *The French Lieutenant’s Woman* (1981), *Silkwood* (1983), *Out of Africa* (1985), and *August: Osage County* (2013)[2][4]. She is often recognized for portraying complex real-life figures such as Julia Child, Margaret Thatcher, and Lindy Chamberlain[6]. Streep has received numerous awards beyond the Oscars, including nine Golden Globes—holding the record for most wins by an actor—two BAFTAs, four Emmys, and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards. She has also been honored with lifetime achievement awards from the American Film Institute, the Kennedy Center, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014[1][5]. Currently, Meryl Streep remains a prominent figure in film and television, continuing to receive critical acclaim and nominations for her work. She is also noted for her influence on acting and her dedication to her craft over a career exceeding five decades[1][3].
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Joanna Aniston (born February 11, 1969) is an American actress widely recognized for her role as Rachel Green on the television sitcom *Friends* (1994–2004). This role brought her international fame and earned her prestigious awards including a Primetime Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Daughter of actors John Aniston and Nancy Dow, she began her acting career with an uncredited film role in 1988 before gaining prominence with *Friends*[2][4]. Following her television success, Aniston built a substantial film career, starring in both comedies and dramatic roles. Early notable films include *Leprechaun* (1993), *Office Space* (1999), and *Bruce Almighty* (2003). She gained commercial success with romantic comedies and ensemble casts in films such as *The Break-Up* (2006), *Marley & Me* (2008), *Just Go with It* (2011), *Horrible Bosses* (2011), and *We’re the Millers* (2013). Critically acclaimed performances include *The Good Girl* (2002), *Friends with Money* (2006), and *Cake* (2014)[1][2][4]. In recent years, Aniston returned to television with *The Morning Show* (2019–present) on Apple TV+, a drama series she also produces through her production company Echo Films, established in 2008. Her work on this series earned her further accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award. She continues to be a prominent figure in entertainment, frequently listed among the world’s most beautiful women and among the highest-paid actresses. Aniston has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an estimated net worth of approximately $300 million[2][3]. Her career spans over three decades, marked by a successful transition from television to film and back to high-profile streaming projects, maintaining her relevance and influence in the industry.
About the Organizations Mentioned
American Civil Liberties Union
The **American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)** is a prominent nonprofit organization founded in 1920 to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights. It emerged from the National Civil Liberties Bureau, which was established during World War I to protect free speech and support conscientious objectors against government repression[1][2][3]. The ACLU’s mission centers on protecting **First Amendment rights** (free speech, religion, assembly), **equal protection under the law**, **due process**, and **privacy rights**. It actively pursues this through litigation, legislation, public education, and community outreach, often taking on cases that involve marginalized groups traditionally denied rights, including racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and labor unions[2][4]. Historically, the ACLU has participated in numerous landmark civil liberties battles. Early on, it opposed the **Palmer Raids** targeting radical immigrants (1920), defended the right to teach evolution in the famous **Scopes Trial** (1925), and was virtually alone in opposing the **Japanese American internment** during World War II (1942)[6]. The organization also played a key role in the **Brown v. Board of Education** decision (1954), which ended racial segregation in public schools, and won major free speech victories like **Tinker v. Des Moines** (1969), protecting students’ rights to protest[6]. The ACLU has remained influential and sometimes controversial for its steadfast defense of civil liberties irrespective of political pressure. Today, it operates nationwide with affiliates in all 50 states, continuing to address modern issues such as government surveillance, racial profiling, LGBTQ+ rights, and education equality[3][4][6]. For business and technology audiences, the ACLU’s work intersects with digital privacy, government overreach, and free expression in the internet era, making it a key defender of constitutional freedoms amid evolving technological landscapes. Its
The Hollywood Reporter
**The Hollywood Reporter (THR)** is a leading entertainment industry publication that has been a cornerstone of Hollywood news and information since its inception in 1930. Founded by William R. "Billy" Wilkerson, THR was the first daily entertainment trade newspaper, revolutionizing the way the film industry disseminated news and insights to professionals and enthusiasts alike. ## History and Key Achievements THR was launched on September 3, 1930, and quickly became a trusted source for industry news, reviews, and analysis. Over the years, it has chronicled the evolution of the entertainment industry, from the golden age of Hollywood to the current era of streaming and global content creation. The publication has been instrumental in shaping industry trends and has played a significant role in cultural and social movements, such as influencing the Hollywood blacklist during the Red Scare with Wilkerson's "Billy's List" columns[1][3]. ## Current Status Today, THR continues to operate as a major media outlet, offering a wide range of content, including news, reviews, and in-depth analysis on film, television, and digital media. The publication has expanded its reach through digital platforms, providing real-time updates and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. The Hollywood Reporter Archive, available through ProQuest, offers a comprehensive digital collection of its past issues, serving as a valuable resource for researchers and scholars[2][4]. ## Notable Aspects One of the most notable aspects of THR is its ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining its core mission of providing authoritative coverage of the entertainment industry. The publication's commitment to quality journalism has earned it numerous awards and recognition. Additionally, its influence extends beyond the entertainment sector, offering insights into broader societal and technological trends that shape the media landscape[3][5]. In summary, The Hollywood Reporter is a pioneering media organization that has been a driving force in the entertainment industry for nearly a century, known for its in-depth coverage, historical significance, and continued relevance in
