Jimmy Kimmel is mourning a close friend and longtime member of his team.

Rodney Muñoz, the Emmy-winning costume designer for "Jimmy Kimmel Live," has died at 60, Deadline reported. A friend of Muñoz announced he died on Oct. 2. Kimmel paid tribute to him on Friday.

"Our dear friend and Costume Designer for almost 30 years, Rodney Muñoz, has sadly passed away," Kimmel wrote on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes photos of Muñoz's work.

"Rodney was one of the most talented people I've had the pleasure of knowing," Kimmel wrote. "He was a funny, surly, hard-working man whose tough exterior" hid a big heart, according to the post. Deadline's headline quoted Kimmel calling him "a huge and generous" presence.

A cause of death was not disclosed, ABC News reported.

Muñoz designed costumes for Kimmel's ABC late-night show since it began in 2002. The two had worked together even earlier, which is why Kimmel said nearly 30 years. Before his talk show, Kimmel co-hosted "The Man Show" and "Win Ben Stein's Money."

Late-night shows use many costumes for comedy sketches, celebrity bits and holiday specials. Costume designers often work on tight deadlines to pull together outfits in hours.

Kimmel's show has had a turbulent few years. ABC briefly pulled it off the air in 2025 after comments Kimmel made, before bringing it back after public outcry.

Fans and colleagues shared memories of Muñoz online after the news. Kimmel's post included behind-the-scenes photos of costumes Muñoz created for the show over the years, from sketch outfits to holiday looks. Kimmel did not say whether the show would hold a tribute on air.

What we know: Muñoz died at 60, and Kimmel paid tribute on Instagram.
What we don't: the cause of death or whether the show will hold an on-air tribute.