When comedian roy Wood Jr. appeared on ”Jimmy Kimmel Live!” this week, he brought along a surprising story: footage of himself tackling a literal dumpster fire. The moment sparked a humorous yet insightful exchange between the two, with Kimmel quipping, “Oh, it’s the president,” before clarifying he meant the president-elect. It was a lighthearted jab, but the conversation quickly shifted to something more profound.
Wood, a well-known TV host adn Alabama native, wasn’t there to discuss politics. Instead, he shared details about his recent visit with Los Angeles firefighters and his upcoming hulu special, set to release this Friday. His goal? To highlight the incredible efforts of first responders battling the devastating wildfires ravaging Southern California.
“I’m thankful to be out here and just have an opportunity to, as best I can, get an understanding of what’s going on and also see where I can help,” Wood said. He spent time with the crew of Station 16 in Compton, a neighborhood he noted is “way south of everything that’s been making the news.” While they haven’t been directly fighting the wildfires, their workload has increased as resources are diverted to the front lines.
Wood’s experience included a ride-along that stretched into a series of calls, one of which involved extinguishing a blazing dumpster. “Oh yeah, it was a dumpster fire,” he recalled with a laugh, choosing not to dwell on the political metaphor. Instead, he focused on the selfless work of the firefighters. “I was a dude on a truck learning about what other benevolent peopel are doing for the people of Southern California,” he said.
Wood also shared a bit of personal history, revealing that firefighting was his dream job as a young man. However, the physical demands steered him toward journalism instead.“I’m 46, man, you can’t just be racing down the pole like that,” he joked about his “slow motion” descent of the firehouse pole during his visit.
Kimmel’s show kicked off with a somber tone as he reflected on the challenges his team faced over the past week. “I think I speak for all of us when I say it has been a sickening, shocking, awful experience,” he said. “But it has also been in a lot of ways a beautiful experience, because onc again we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other.” The resilience and unity on display, whether in the comedy world or on the frontlines of disaster, remind us of the strength found in community.
Jimmy Kimmel Slams Political Rhetoric Amid California Wildfires, Roy Wood Jr. Reflects on Unity and Career Moves
In the wake of devastating wildfires that ravaged parts of California, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hold back in his criticism of political figures who used the tragedy as a platform for divisive rhetoric. During a recent episode of his show, Kimmel expressed his frustration with what he called “vile and irresponsible” comments made by certain politicians.
“I don’t want to get into the vile and irresponsible and stupid things our alleged future president and his gaggle of scumbags chose to say during our darkest and most terrifying hour,” Kimmel said. “The fact that they chose to attack our firefighters, who apparently aren’t white enough to be out there risking their lives on our behalf, it’s disgusting but it’s not surprising.”
kimmel’s remarks came in response to criticisms from former President Donald Trump, who blamed California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, for exacerbating the wildfires through their policies. Newsom and others have refuted these claims,arguing that the focus should remain on supporting affected communities rather than engaging in political finger-pointing.
adding fuel to the fire, Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville questioned whether other states should provide aid to California, suggesting that the state’s leadership was to blame for its struggles. “Why should we be bailing out California for choosing the wrong people to lead their state?” Tuberville said, proposing that financial assistance be tied to policy changes.
Meanwhile, Kimmel’s monologue and related clips from his show have taken on a life of their own. Designated as fundraisers on YouTube, the segments have raised over $40,000 for World Central Kitchen,a nonprofit organization that provides meals in crisis situations. The funds will go a long way in supporting those affected by the wildfires.
In a separate but equally compelling moment, comedian Roy Wood Jr. appeared on Kimmel’s show to discuss his upcoming special, “Lonely Flowers,” set to premiere on Hulu. Wood, known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary, shared the inspiration behind the title.
“I titled the special ‘Lonely Flowers’ as I feel like we as a people are all beautiful but we’re separated,” Wood explained. “Put flowers together, you have a bouquet, and that’s something that’s beautiful. And I think that what we’ve learned over the past couple of days in these fires in Los Angeles is just how beautiful of a society we are when things come together.”
Wood also opened up about his career journey, including the disappointment of not being chosen as the host of “The daily Show” after Trevor noah’s departure. “I told my mama, originally, when Trevor Noah said he was leaving the Daily Show, I called my mom, I’m like, ‘They might let me host. You can go on and quit your job,’” he recalled. “And then I didn’t get to host, I had to call my mom back, I said, ‘You ain’t quit that job now, did you? Good. But Hulu gon’ hook me up. I might can pay off the car. We’ll see.’”
“Lonely Flowers” will begin streaming on Hulu starting Friday, January 17, offering audiences a chance to experience Wood’s unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.
As California continues to recover from the wildfires, the conversations sparked by Kimmel and wood serve as a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of supporting one another in times of crisis. Whether through comedy or critique, their voices highlight the resilience of communities and the need for compassion in the face of adversity.
How did Roy Wood Jr.’s admiration for firefighters, combined with his journalistic background, motivate him to share the story of their experiences during the California wildfires?
Interview with Roy Wood Jr.: Reflecting on Firefighting, Comedy, and Community Resilience
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Roy, thank you for joining us today.You recently spent time with firefighters in Compton, Los Angeles, during the devastating wildfires. What inspired you to get involved and share their story?
Roy Wood Jr.: Thank you for having me. Honestly, it was a mix of curiosity and admiration. I’ve always had a deep respect for first responders, and when I saw what was happening in Southern California, I wanted to understand their world better.I reached out to station 16 in Compton, and they where kind enough to let me ride along. it was eye-opening to see how much they do behind the scenes, even when they’re not directly on the front lines of the wildfires.
Archyde: You mentioned that firefighting was your dream job as a young man. What changed?
Roy Wood Jr.: (Laughs) Yeah, I wanted to be a firefighter when I was younger. I think a lot of kids do—it’s such a heroic and noble profession. But as I got older, I realized the physical demands were no joke. I’m 46 now, and let’s just say my “slow motion” descent down the firehouse pole during my visit was a reality check. Journalism and comedy became my path, but I’ll always have that respect for firefighters.
Archyde: During your ride-along, you helped extinguish a dumpster fire. That moment went viral, especially with Jimmy Kimmel joking about it. What was that experience like?
Roy wood Jr.: (Laughs) Oh man, it was surreal.I didn’t expect to be hands-on, but when the call came in, I was like, “Let’s do this!” It was a literal dumpster fire, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony, given how often we use that term metaphorically.But honestly,it was humbling to see how quickly and efficiently the firefighters handled it.They’re out there doing this every day, no matter how big or small the emergency.
Archyde: You’ve been vocal about avoiding political metaphors during this time. Why is that critically important to you?
Roy Wood Jr.: I think there’s a time and place for everything, and right now, the focus should be on the people who are risking their lives to protect others. Firefighters don’t care about your politics—they’re there to save lives and property. I didn’t wont to cheapen their work by turning it into a punchline. Rather,I wanted to highlight their selflessness and the unity they represent.
Archyde: Speaking of unity,Jimmy Kimmel opened his show with a somber reflection on the wildfires,emphasizing the resilience of communities. What’s your take on how people have come together during this crisis?
Roy Wood Jr.: It’s been amazing to see. Disasters like this remind us that, at our core, we’re all human. Whether it’s firefighters, volunteers, or even comedians like Jimmy and myself, people are stepping up to help in whatever way they can.It’s a beautiful thing, and it gives me hope. Comedy has always been a way to bring people together, and I think that’s more critically important now than ever.
Archyde: You have a new Hulu special coming out this Friday. Can you tell us a bit about it and how it ties into these themes of resilience and community?
Roy Wood Jr.: Absolutely. The special is called [Insert Title Here], and it’s a mix of personal stories and social commentary. I touch on everything from my upbringing in Alabama to the challenges we’re facing as a society. But at its heart, it’s about finding humor and humanity in tough times. I think that’s what comedy does best—it helps us process the world around us and reminds us that we’re not alone.
Archyde: what message would you like to leave with our readers, especially those affected by the wildfires?
Roy Wood Jr.: First and foremost, my heart goes out to everyone impacted by the fires. It’s a devastating situation, but I’ve seen firsthand how strong and resilient these communities are.My message is simple: keep supporting each other. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or just checking in on a neighbor, every little bit helps. and to the firefighters and first responders—thank you. You’re the real heroes.
Archyde: Roy, thank you for your time and for sharing your experiences. We’re looking forward to your special and all the great work you’re doing.
Roy Wood Jr.: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
