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Jimmy Kimmel's Uncle Frank dies at 77, Kimmel thanks fans for support
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Sad news for fans of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!". Frequent guest comedian Uncle Frank Potenza -- Kimmel's real uncle -- passed away early Tuesday morning (August 23) at age 77. Fans expressed their condolences to Kimmel, who thanked them for reaching out via Twitter. "thank you for your kind words about a very kind man - my Uncle Frank - who passed away this morning," he wrote.
He then spent some time re-tweeting fans' memories of Potenza, including one fan who received the "funniest letter ever," from Uncle Frank, and another who once rode a subway with him. "RIP Uncle Frank, his comic timing took a lifetime to earn. Today I eat cake for him," said another.
ABC released a statement honoring Potenza as "beloved by his co-workers and considered an uncle to all." The show returns Sept. 6.
Born in Brookly, Potenza was a Korean War vet and a police officer. Later, worked as a guard in Las Vegas and Manhattan before moving to Los Angeles to work with Kimmel. He is survived by three daughters and a newborn granddaughter.
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Photo/Video credit: ABC
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RIP Uncle Frank...He was one of a kind, very funny, and definitely will be missed on the show.
@Zap2It: your link on the main page to the Gavin DeGraw article leads here....
This is very sad news, Uncle Frank will be missed. RIP
This is sad, he was a good part of the show.
where is "brookly", i think you mean "Brooklyn"
Sad news indeed; makes me feel sad and I will miss his presence on the show.
The tribute show appropriately and respectfully reflected the adoration Jimmy and his team had for that nice guy. I hope his passing was a peaceful and painless one.
RIP Uncle Frank.