Gina Kimmel (born Gina Maddy on December 13, 1964) is an American costume designer, entrepreneur, former actress, and widely known as the ex-wife of late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel. While many recognize her name through her past marriage, Gina has quietly built a creative and independent identity in fashion and media, choosing substance over spotlight.
Born in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Gina’s journey spans acting on The Man Show, a successful transition into costume design, and the launch of her own fashion brand, Maddy James Vintage Inspired Loungewear. Her life story reflects resilience, creativity, and a deliberate decision to maintain privacy while shaping a meaningful career behind the scenes.
Early Life of Gina Kimmel
Gina Kimmel was born on December 13, 1964, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA, into a middle-class American family that valued education and personal growth. From an early age, she showed a natural interest in creativity, style, and media, passions that would later influence her career in entertainment and fashion.
She began her higher education at Northern Illinois University before transferring to Arizona State University, where her life took a defining turn. It was during this period that she met Jimmy Kimmel, and her academic focus on communications and journalism helped lay the foundation for her future work in television, design, and entrepreneurship.
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Personal Background Details
Full Name / Real Name: Gina Maddy Kimmel (née Gina Maddy)
Birth Date / Birth Place: December 13, 1964, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA
Family Background: Raised in a middle-class American family; father James Maddy (mother’s name not publicly disclosed)
School / University: Attended Northern Illinois University, later transferred to Arizona State University, where she graduated in Communications and Journalism
Career Journey of Gina Kimmel
Early Career and Breakthrough
Gina Kimmel began her professional journey as an actress, stepping into the entertainment industry at a time when television comedy was rapidly evolving. Her breakthrough came with The Man Show (1999–2002), where she appeared alongside Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla. This exposure introduced her to a national audience and opened doors behind the scenes, where her interest in styling and costume design truly began to flourish.
Peak Years and Creative Transition
Rather than remaining in front of the camera, Gina strategically shifted her focus to costume design, marking the most defining phase of her career. Her peak creative years emerged in the early 2010s, when she worked as a costume designer for Party Like the Queen of France (2012) and Party Like the Rich and Famous (2012). This transition highlighted her versatility and established her credibility in fashion and visual storytelling.
Notable Work and Entrepreneurship
Building on her design expertise, Gina Kimmel founded Maddy James Vintage Inspired Loungewear, a fashion brand named in honor of her father. Launched through a successful Kickstarter campaign raising approximately $16,000, the brand reflected her love for vintage aesthetics and comfort-focused fashion. Her entrepreneurial success solidified her reputation as a self-made designer and businesswoman, independent of her former celebrity association.
Physical Appearance of Gina Kimmel
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Age: 61 years old
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Weight: Approximately 65 kg
Body Measurements: Not publicly disclosed
Physical Attributes: Blue eyes, brown hair, and a naturally elegant appearance that reflects her background in fashion and design.
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Major Achievements of Gina Kimmel
While she has never chased mainstream awards, Gina Kimmel’s major achievements lie in her ability to reinvent herself and build a sustainable career beyond celebrity association. Her successful transition from television actress to professional costume designer.
One of her most notable accomplishments is the launch of Maddy James Vintage Inspired Loungewear. A brand brought to life through a successful Kickstarter campaign raising around $16,000. This milestone reflects her entrepreneurial mindset, independence, and lasting influence in vintage-inspired fashion. Earning respect for carving out her own identity on her own terms.
Personal Life of Gina Kimmel
Family, Background, and Personal Details
Family: Mother of two children — daughter Katherine (Katie) and son Kevin, shared with former husband Jimmy Kimmel.
Nationality: American.
Religion: Christian.
Ethnicity: White / Caucasian.
Marital Status / Relationship: Previously married to Jimmy Kimmel (1988–2002); currently in a long-term .relationship with Chris Jones.
Net Worth: Estimated at $500,000, earned through fashion design and television work.
Social Media Presence: Maintains a very low public profile with no active or verified social media accounts.
Interesting Facts About Gina Kimmel
- Gina Kimmel prefers a private life, staying largely out of the media spotlight despite her connection to a famous TV host.
- She successfully shifted careers from acting to costume design and fashion entrepreneurship.
- Her fashion brand, Maddy James Vintage Inspired Loungewear, was funded through Kickstarter, not traditional investors.
- The brand name “Maddy James” honors her father, reflecting her strong family values.
- She has been in a long-term relationship for over 18 years, showing stability beyond her publicized marriage.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Gina Kimmel
Gina Kimmel’s journey from actress to costume designer and entrepreneur highlights a life defined by creativity, resilience, and independence. Despite early fame linked to her marriage with Jimmy Kimmel, she successfully carved her own path in the fashion and entertainment industries, proving that personal reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
Her story also underscores the importance of privacy, family, and self-made success, with achievements like Maddy James Vintage Inspired Loungewear reflecting both her entrepreneurial spirit and vintage fashion influence. Gina Kimmel remains an inspiring figure for those looking to balance personal fulfillment, creative ambition, and meaningful family life.
FAQS About Gina Kimmel
1. Who is Gina Kimmel?
Gina Kimmel is an American costume designer, entrepreneur, and former actress, best known as the ex-wife of Jimmy Kimmel.
2. When and where was Gina Kimmel born?
She was born on December 13, 1964, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA.
3. What is Gina Kimmel’s career background?
She started as an actress on The Man Show, then became a costume designer and founded Maddy James Vintage Inspired Loungewear.
4. How many children does Gina Kimmel have?
Gina has two children with Jimmy Kimmel: daughter Katherine (Katie) and son Kevin.
5. What is Gina Kimmel’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $500,000, earned through television work and fashion entrepreneurship.
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