Background
Francis Potenza was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933.
Francis Potenza was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933.
He later became a television actor for the late night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He appeared as Jimmy Kimmel"s "Uncle Frank" on the American Broadcasting Company show as a regular from 2003 until the year of his death, 2011. He served in the United States military during the Korean War.
Potenza joined the New York Police Department (New York City Police Department) following the war, serving as a beat cop in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn in the 62nd Precinct for 20 years.
He reportedly made just six arrests during his two decades in the New York City Police Department, believing that a lecture by the police delivered more benefits than a prison sentence. He became a security guard and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, upon his retirement from the New York City Police Department. He served inside Frank Sinatra"s personal security detail and as bodyguard when Sinatra performed at Caesars Palace.
He returned to New York City to take a security position at Saint Patrick"s Cathedral in Manhattan. Potenza, who was still working security at Saint Patrick"s Cathedral at the time, accepted Kimmel"s offer and moved to southern California.
He was introduced to audiences as Kimmel"s "Uncle Frank," serving as a comic foil to the late night host.
Potenza appeared on the show for nine years from 2003 to 2011. Uncle Frank quickly developed his own fan following, with Kimmel noting in 2007, "People can tell that Uncle Frank is the genuine article. That"s why they like him."
Potenza was often paired with Guillermo Rodriguez, the show"s parking lot security guard for comedic value, and Veatrice Rice, the show"s security guard.
Rice died of cancer on January 21, 2009.
Potenza died from cancer in Los Angeles on August 23, 2011, aged 77. His memorial service was held in Las Vegas.
In a Twitter message, Kimmel thanked Potenza"s fans tweeting, "Thank you for your kind words about a very kind man" and "RIP Uncle Frank, his comic timing took a lifetime to earn. Today I eat cake for him."
The show was on summer hiatus at the time of Potenza"s death and was scheduled to return on September 6, 2011.
A caricature of Uncle Frank appears in tribute on the back cover of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones" album The Magic of Youth, released on December 16, 2011 (the Bosstones" lead singer, Dicky Barrett, is the announcer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!).