Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s host regularly talks about the most controversial topics of the day, like when he called Donald Trump's posts and comments about Rob Reiner "hateful and vile." Given that the talk show's host tackles some attention-grabbing topics, it makes sense that most coverage about Jimmy Kimmel Live! focuses on his monologues. However, fans should realize that Kimmel's celebrity interviews can be remarkable too.
In December 2025, Kimmel welcomed a true legend on his show, David Letterman. It makes sense that the icon would make that appearance since Letterman has revealed he wants Kimmel to appear on My Next Guest. During the duo's conversation on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Letterman made the audience laugh as he described being confused for one of the most beloved movie stars of all time.
David Letterman told Jimmy Kimmel he gets mistaken for Dick Van Dyke
Between hosting Late Night with David Letterman and Late Show with David Letterman, the titular host of those series spent decades as a talk show star. Over that time, viewers saw Letterman looking a certain way. After Letterman retired from hosting a talk show most weekdays, he shocked many viewers by embracing a new look. Letterman is now recognizable for sporting gray hair and a sizable beard.
On Dec. 10, 2025, the YouTube channel for Jimmy Kimmel Live! published footage of David Letterman appearing on the talk show while he sported that look. While talking with Kimmel, Letterman explained that he no longer gets recognized by people the way he did at the height of his career. Letterman then told a story about thinking a fan recognized him, only to realize it was a case of mistaken identity as the person thought he was Dick Van Dyke.
“A guy comes up to me, and he says, ‘Excuse me, are you who I think you are?’ And now, I'm all loaded up and I respond, 'Well, that depends on who you think I are.’ That always gets a big laugh,” he said. “He said, ‘Dick Van Dyke,’ and I said, ‘No.’”
When Letterman and Van Dyke were younger men, their getting confused for one another wouldn't have made much sense. However, considering how both legends have changed, it is easy to see why the person may have thought they were talking to Van Dyke. After all, they both sport similar hair and beard styles, which makes them easier to mistake for each other.
No matter if specific observers think Van Dyke and Letterman currently look alike, there is one thing that nobody can deny. Being mistaken for Van Dyke should be considered a compliment given how beloved and impressive the iconic movie star has always been. At the very least, there are a lot worse celebrities for someone to be mistaken for. That said, given how recognizable Letterman has been, it makes sense that people not knowing who he is could be weird.
Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights at 11:35/10:35c on ABC.