Frank Potenza facts for kids

Francis Potenza (born November 11, 1933 – died August 23, 2011) was an American police officer and security guard. Later in his life, he became a TV actor. He was famous for appearing as "Uncle Frank" on the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He was a regular on the ABC show from 2003 until he passed away in 2011.

Early life and career

Francis Potenza was born in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1933. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After the war, Potenza joined the New York Police Department (NYPD). He worked as a beat cop in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, for 20 years. A beat cop is a police officer who patrols a specific area on foot. He reportedly made only six arrests during his time with the NYPD. He believed that talking to people and giving advice was more helpful than sending them to jail.

After retiring from the NYPD, he became a security guard. He moved to Las Vegas. He was part of Frank Sinatra's personal security team. He worked as a bodyguard when Sinatra performed at Caesars Palace. Later, he returned to New York City. He took a security job at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.

Role on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Potenza had worked in security for over ten years. This was in both New York City and Las Vegas. In 2003, his nephew, comedian Jimmy Kimmel, asked him to join his late-night talk show. The show was called Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Potenza was still working at St. Patrick's Cathedral at the time. He accepted Kimmel's offer and moved to southern California.

He was introduced to the audience as Kimmel's "Uncle Frank." He played a funny role, often making jokes with the host. Potenza appeared on the show for eight years, from 2003 to 2011. Uncle Frank quickly became very popular with fans. Kimmel said in 2007, "People can tell that Uncle Frank is the genuine article... That's why they like him."

In one funny part of the show, Potenza worked with his ex-wife, Concetta. She was also Kimmel's aunt, known as "Chippy." They did many tasks together, like self-defense lessons. Potenza also teamed up with Guillermo Rodriguez. Guillermo was the show's parking lot security guard. He also worked with Veatrice Rice, another security guard on the show, for funny skits. Veatrice Rice sadly passed away from cancer in January 2009.

Death and tributes

Potenza died from cancer in Los Angeles on August 23, 2011. He was 77 years old. He was survived by his ex-wife, three daughters, and a granddaughter. He had been married to Chippy for more than 28 years before they divorced. His memorial service was held in Las Vegas.

Jimmy Kimmel shared a message on Twitter. He thanked Potenza's fans. He tweeted, "Thank you for your kind words about a very kind man." He also wrote, "RIP Uncle Frank, his comic timing took a lifetime to earn. Today I eat cake for him."

The show was on a summer break when Potenza died. It was set to return on September 6, 2011. On that day, Kimmel aired a special episode. It was a tribute to Uncle Frank. It included an interview with Frank's favorite guest, Don Rickles. A drawing of Uncle Frank also appears on the back cover of an album. It's on The Magic of Youth by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. This album was released on December 16, 2011. The band's lead singer, Dicky Barrett, was the announcer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!.