Jill Kimmel is a force field of charisma, who has an innate ability to woo audiences with her easy charm and clever comedy. Perhaps it’s because comedy is in her DNA—she’s the kid sister of Jimmy Kimmel.

A comedian, actor and a delightful human being, Kimmel discovered her true calling in 2006. Since then, she has honed her humor and proven herself to be a hot ticket on the comedy circuit. She has entertained our troops at U.S. military bases around the world and graced the stages of some of the biggest comedy clubs in the country, including Stand Up Live, The Improv, The Laugh Factory, and Catch a Rising Star. You can also find her performing for party crowds on Carnival cruises, or headlining at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas.

Tucsonans can get tickets to see Kimmel at the Crown Jewel of Tucson, the Fox Tucson Theatre. Finding the absurdity in everyday life, she will no doubt be riffing about relationships, the frustrations of being a mom, contending with office politics, and confronting the unexpected pitfalls of weight loss. This special event is presented by and will benefit the Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona.

Fiercely loyal, blunt and a creature of habit.

My ex-husband took me to a comedy show, and he said, “I think you’d be good at this.” I said, “No way.”  He knew I’ve always been into acting and that I enjoy performing. I started thinking about it, and on July 2, 2006, I signed up for an open mic, and I fell in love with it. It’s one of the few things he was right about.

My comedy has evolved in a lot of ways. In the beginning I felt vulnerable, and I was much more comfortable making self-deprecating jokes about myself. Now I’ve definitely become more confident as a person, which reflects in my comedy, so I’m much less self-deprecating.

Professionally and personally, I love Nate Bargatze. He’s incredible for his standup and his work ethic—I think he’s wonderful. It’s insane how much new material he comes up with. My little brother, Jonathan, is the funniest person I know. Also, my cousin Micki. I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of funny people.

Yes. Get out and do comedy. Like honestly, you just have to go out and do it. Get as much stage time as possible and be nice. It’s all about doing shows, over and over again. Be available, show up, and be on time. Take it seriously, it’s a profession if you’re willing to work on it. Network with other people.

I have been very lucky to not have too many hecklers. I have experienced people who want to be part of the show. Mostly I ignore it, but when they’re trying to take over, you can get a vibe. Sometimes you can address them by saying, “So, are we gonna keep talking for the whole show, or are we going to let other people enjoy?” The important thing is that I never want anyone to have a bad experience by something that I say. I’m glad I don’t get heckled, because it would hurt. I talk a big game, but I’m pretty sensitive.

It’s not for children. It’s going to be a fun show for adults. I do relatable comedy—if you’ve ever been married, divorced, raised children or been on Facebook, there will be something for you to relate to. Everyone will take a piece of my act home with them that they can identify with, like, “Oh my God, totally.”

A lot of relaxing at home, because I travel so much. I like to be at home with my dog, and see my parents and cousins—my kids live out of town, so I see them when they visit me. I’m kind of a homebody. It can be grueling traveling. I joke with other cruise comedians that we get paid for the travel, and do the shows for free.

I have no idea. But when I heard that, I was like “Yes!” I don’t need to make myself different for anyone. Note: quote attributed to Kurt Cobain, lead singer of Nirvana.

I’m a big true crime fan. My favorite book is Perfect Victim: The True Story of the Girl in the Box, which makes me sound like an absolute psycho. It’s about a woman named Colleen Stan, who was kidnapped in the 70’s by a husband and wife and it captivated me. They built a box and kept her in it under their bed for seven years. She lived to tell the tale of her ordeal. There is also a movie and a documentary based on her experiences.

Ooh, I get embarrassed a lot. Lately, it’s when I don’t remember someone’s name when I’m on ships. I am on cruise ships probably 36 weeks a year, and sometimes I don’t remember people I met on a sailing, but they remember me. Then they see me on another cruise and start talking to me, and say, “We met on another sailing, and I went to all of your shows,” and then I feel terrible. I might follow up with, “Oh my God, I’m old. I didn’t realize it was you. You look great.” I try to play it off and make them feel better.

I have a couple. My mom makes an amazing chicken marsala with parmesan risotto. I also really, really love her beef stew. In fact, I’ve got the ingredients for it and I’m going to make her beef stew recipe this week. I love comfort food.

New York. I was born in Brooklyn, but I left when I was six years old. At heart I feel I belong there. I get there and I feel energized—I can do a million things a day, whereas when I’m at home I just want to lay on the couch. There’s just something about the city that resonates with me.

Don’t read the comment section. People on the Internet are contrary. You could post “I love a beautiful, sunny day,” and someone will post something about cancer rates. Or “Why did you give that homeless guy five dollars, they’re just going to spend it on drugs.” There’s always someone saying something nasty.

To live in Manhattan. It’s my dream.

I’m an Arizona girl; I lived there for 35 years. I haven’t been in Tucson in a long time, and I’m excited about returning there. The show will be energetic, exciting and upbeat comedy. If you’re looking for something to cure the blues, this is the ticket. I won’t be doing political jokes, or anything else that’s divisive. I’m in my 50’s, and I’ve seen a lot of life, so there will be a lot of observational humor about my experiences.

People will walk out happy they came. I’m going to be in a great mood, because I will be doing a show that’s not on a ship, which is kind of a novelty now, and also because it’s for a good cause, the Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona. I’m not Jewish, but I’ve been told I’m an honorary member of the tribe.