Jimmy Kimmel's Uncle Frank Dies at 77
by Jean Bentley
posted Aug 23rd 2011


Frank Potenza, Jimmy Kimmel's uncle who frequently appeared on his nephew's late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", died this morning at 77, according to the AP.

ABC confirmed the news in a statement, saying Uncle Frank was "beloved by his co-workers and considered an uncle to all. His kindness and humor will be missed by everyone he touched."



Potenza was a New York City cop for 20 years before becoming a security guard in Las Vegas (and personal security guard to Frank Sinatra) and Manhattan.

He moved to Los Angeles when his nephew hired him for a new gig as security guard/commentator on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!".



According to Potenza's bio on ABC's site, he only arrested six people during his two decades as a cop.

He enjoyed "cake and ice cream, walking, and spending time with his family," and was married to Kimmel's Aunt Chippy for 28 years -- he even bought a burial plot next to her after their divorce.



Since "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is on hiatus until September, there is no immediate plan for an on-air tribute, the AP reports.

http://www.aoltv.com/2011/08/23/jimmy-kimmel-uncle-frank-dead-at-77/

Poor Uncle Frank. He was so funny on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I wonder what he died of. I dont remember hearing about him being sick. Well Rest In Peace Uncle Frank.

:rip: Uncle Frank Potenza

"Uncle Frank" suffered a stroke in late 2009, and was absent from the show for several months {even though he was present for the seventh anniversary show in January 2010}. When he finally returned on a semi-regular basis, the stroke had affected him in that he was always seen sitting down. Jimmy accomodated him by keeping him seated- and on the show- for as long as he wanted to. His speech was somewhat affected as well, and yet Frank continued to appear until early this summer.

..and Jimmy will pay tribute to Frank, when he returns from his latest vacation.


:rip:

Jimmy Kimmel Gives Emotional Tribute to His Late Uncle Frank (VIDEO)
by Alex Moaba
posted Sep 7th 2011


Jimmy Kimmel's late Uncle Frank Potenza may be gone, but he's certainly not forgotten. Last night on "Jimmy Kimmel Live", Kimmel gave an emotional, tearful tribute to his uncle, who passed away August 23 at the age of 77.

Potenza, known on the show simply as Uncle Frank, was a constant presence on "Jimmy Kimmel Live", where he worked as a security guard, commentator and occasional red carpet interviewer.

He was a willing, good-natured participant in the show's comedy bits and was always smiling, even when he was the butt of a joke.





Kimmel fought through tears - and cracked a few jokes - during a monologue that eulogized his beloved uncle.

He remembered his Uncle Frank as a New York City cop of 20 years who only made six arrests, a man who would always show up 12 hours early for anything, had been a personal bodyguard for Frank Sinatra, and moved their family to Las Vegas when Kimmel was a kid.

He thanked the audience for "letting me put my crazy Uncle on television" before airing a montage, set to Sinatra's 'My Way', that featured some of Uncle Frank's most memorable moments on the show.



Check out the video tribute to Uncle Frank after the jump.

http://www.aoltv.com/2011/09/07/jimmy-kimmel-uncle-frank-tribute-video/