Uncle Frank of 'Kimmel' Show Dies at 77
Frank Potenza, known as “Uncle Frank” on his nephew Jimmy Kimmel’s late night talk show, died Tuesday at 77 years old.
In a statement, ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” confirmed the death, but no further details have been released.
The statement also included an ABC representative saying that Potenza was “beloved by his coworkers and considered an uncle to us all,” and that the 77-year-old’s “kindness and humor will be missed by everyone he touched.”
Get Our Latest News for FREE
On Twitter Tuesday, Kimmel wrote, “Thank you for your kind words about a very kind man – my Uncle Frank – who passed away this morning.”
In 2007, Kimmel told the New York Times, “People can tell that Uncle Frank is the genuine article, that’s why they like him.”
The former New York City police officer turned to comedy in 2003 after spending 20 years on the police force. Potenza would act as Kimmel’s comic thwart, and appeared on the talk show for nine years.
It was while working as a security guard at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City that Potenza decided to accept Kimmel’s invitation to join the show.
Potenza served as a security guard for the “Kimmel” show, then started appearing on-camera as Kimmel often enjoyed trying to stump his uncle. The uncle/nephew duo would do comedy bits together on air, and often Potenza would go on comedic “adventures” such as paint balling, snake wrangling, and learning self-defense.
The Korean War veteran once served as Frank Sinatra’s personal security guard at Caesar’s Palace.
Fans of Uncle Frank and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” have taken to Twitter to express their sadness and condolences.
Rick said, “Sorry to hear about Jimmy Kimmel’s Uncle Frank passing away. He was a legitimately funny guy on the show.”
“Love to Jimmy Kimmel and family. Our prayers as we cherish fond memories of Uncle Frank. We love him and will miss him,” wrote Twitter user Alice.
Also expressing sympathy was Kimmel’s ex girlfriend, comedian Sarah Silverman.
“RIP the beloved Uncle Frank. NYC cop, security guard, father to 3, husband to 1, & uncle to everyone,” Silverman tweeted on Tuesday.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returns on ABC on September 6.
