LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Jimmy Kimmel's real-life uncle, Frank Potenza, who Kimmel featured in comedy bits on his late-night Los Angeles talk show, died Tuesday, ABC said. He was 77.
"It is with great sadness that the staff and crew of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' mourn the loss of 'Uncle Frank' Potenza. His kindness and humor will be missed by everyone he touched," MSNBC reported the statement said.
Kimmel posted his own message on Twitter.
"Thank you for your kind words about a very kind man -- my Uncle Frank -- who passed away this morning," Kimmel posted.
Potenza was a veteran New York City police officer after which he worked as a security guard for Caesar's Palace hotel in Las Vegas and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" where he was often featured in on-camera segments called "Guillermo's Hollywood Round-Up" and "Uncle Frank and Aunt Chippy's Adventures," MSNBC said.
Details concerning the location and cause of Potenza's death were available, the Los Angeles Times reported.
