Introduction

Cruz Escobedo is emerging into the spotlight—not as the famous sax-wielding frontman of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, but as the son of the late bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away on November 11, 2025 at age 59. While the world mourns his father’s untimely death and speculates about his cause of death, Cruz’s own story remains his: a young individual shaped by family, legacy and a future still unwritten. In this deep-dive biography we explore Cruz’s background, his family ties—his father Cleto, his sister Jesse and his mother Lori—and how the recent trend of his father’s passing casts a new light on his life.

Who He Is

Cruz Escobedo is the son of famed musician Cleto Escobedo III and his wife, Lori Escobedo. His older sister is Jesse Escobedo. The family lived in Studio City, California, where the children grew up in the orbit of late-night television and music. When Cleto’s death made headlines, Cruz and his sister became part of the broader narrative of their father’s legacy. Although the exact date of birth for Cruz has not been publicly confirmed, it is known that his sister Jesse celebrated her 10th birthday in May 2019—placing Cruz likely a few years younger.

Early Life & Childhood

Cruz’s childhood was distinct—enchanted by the sounds of saxophones, enveloped by the backstage life of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, and anchored by family traditions. While his father led the band and his mother maintained the home front, Cruz witnessed both the glamour of the stage and the everyday normalcy of father-son moments. The family’s private views of fishing trips or father-daughter birthday posts (like the one Cleto made for Jesse) provide clues to the warmth of their home.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Cruz grew up as one of two children born to Cleto and Lori. His sister Jesse, born around May 2009 (based on her 10th-birthday post in 2019), is slightly older. Through his father’s successes and his mother’s quiet role, Cruz inherited a legacy of music, love and loyalty. The family dynamic was rooted in the idea that while the father may fill arenas, it is the home where true identity is formed.

Education

While specific information about Cruz’s schooling is not publicly available, his upbringing suggests a youth divided between normal schooling and exceptional access. With a father on national television and a mother working to keep family rhythms stable, Cruz likely experienced an education shaped by both performance and privacy—an unusual blend of public limelight and domestic grounding.

Career or Profession

At this stage, Cruz is still at an age where career details remain private or undeveloped. What we know is that his father’s influence—leading the house band on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003—provided a creative environment. While Cruz may choose his own path, he carries the imprint of a musician father who toured with Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony before helming the late-night show’s music.

Connection to the Celebrity

The reason Cruz enters public view now is tied to the moment of his father’s death—Cleto Escobedo III’s passing at 59 on November 11, 2025. The cause of death remains officially unconfirmed, though media reports note complications following a liver transplant. As the son of the man who spent decades behind the bandstand, Cruz now finds himself part of a legacy narrative. His father’s wife, Lori, and sister Jesse are also survivors in this story, framing a family navigating grief and public attention together.

Personal Life / Relationships

Cruz’s personal life is still largely out of the public spot-light. What we do know is that he shared a home with his parents and sister in Studio City. His father once reflected that the band-leader job helped him be more present—“touring… is not really conducive for family life” he said, noting the value of time at home with children. For Cruz, this meant growing up with a father who emphasized presence, even as his career demanded attention. As his future unfolds, the relationship dynamics with his sister Jesse, mother Lori and the memory of his father will shape his journey.

Interesting Facts

1. Cruz’s father, Cleto Escobedo III, once publicly honored his daughter Jesse’s 10th birthday with a deeply personal post: “This little girl changed my life … you ARE my world Jesse!”

2. The Escobedo family preferred private life despite public careers—Lori, Jesse and Cruz are rarely featured in major media.

3. Cleto credited the band-leader role on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with enabling more family time—a rare vantage point for his children.

4. Cruz grew up as the younger sibling of Jesse, born about 2009, making him likely born around 2010-12, though no official DOB is public.

5. Though the cause of Cleto’s death remains unconfirmed, the attention it brought to his family means Cruz is now part of a broader legacy story in entertainment.

 

Recent News / Updates

The passing of Cleto Escobedo III triggered a wave of tributes, including host Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional monologue. Reports indicate Cleto died after “several months of illness” at UCLA and Sherman Oaks hospitals, though no official cause has been disclosed. For Cruz, the loss of his father becomes a turning point—marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another where his own identity takes shape amid remembrance and possibility.

Conclusion

Cruz Escobedo stands at an unexpected crossroads: the son of a late-night television music legend, now navigating grief and family memory while still young. His father’s death brought him into public focus—but the story ahead is his own. With sister Jesse and mother Lori alongside him, Cruz steps forward into a future shaped by love, legacy and the silent hum of saxophone notes that once filled the stage.

FAQ

Q1: Who is Cruz Escobedo?
A: Cruz Escobedo is the son of musician Cleto Escobedo III and his wife Lori. His older sister is Jesse.

Q2: How is Cruz connected to Cleto Escobedo III’s death?
A: Cleto Escobedo III died on November 11, 2025 at age 59. His passing has brought Cruz and his family into public view.

Q3: What is known about Cruz’s upbringing?
A: He grew up in Studio City, California, in a home guided by his father’s music career and his mother’s steadiness. While his sister Jesse’s approximate age is known (born around 2009), Cruz’s exact date of birth isn’t publicly confirmed.

Q4: What future might Cruz have?
A: While still young, Cruz inherits a legacy of music, family value and presence over performance. His personal path remains open but rooted in the influence of his father and sister.

Q5: Why is Cruz becoming known now?
A: The trend of his father’s passing has sparked public interest in the family behind the band-leader. Cruz’s name now surfaces as part of that story—but his own narrative remains his to define.