Fans of Jimmy Kimmel and his beloved Uncle Frank, who passed away two weeks ago after battling cancer, didn’t have to wait until the end of last night’s show for the host’s emotional tribute. Kimmel opened the show with a 20-minute “who-logy” — as Uncle Frank said — that captured all the colors of this crazy, loving, endearing man who became an uncle to everyone involved with the underdog late-night show. “Listen, I’m going to try to do this without crying,” Kimmel began, before instantly shedding some tears. “He was very excited about his funeral. He would have loved this. I almost think he died intentionally just to get a tribute show.” Take a brief look at Kimmel’s touching speech below.
Now do yourself a favor and watch the entire eulogy at Jimmy’s site.
Read more:
‘Uncle Frank’ Potenza, of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ fame, dies at 77
Uncle Frank will be missed.
what a great, tearful show, kimmel was marvelous,, he did a super job honoring “uncle frank”. all was in good taste. god bless all of the family.
Late night isn’t known for its genuine emotion, but this tribute was very genuine and emotional. It was clear that Uncle Frank has touched many lives with his unique personality and zest for life. It was a very touching tribute, and yet was very funny as well.
Craig Ferguson did eulogy shows for his mother and father when they died.
R.I:P: Uncle Frank
This was so hard to watch but i knew the first show was not going to have much guest it was a dedication to his Uncle Frank it very emotional I tried hard not get teary eyed but that was I just cried along with you miss You Uncle frank
It was touching to see such a genuine display of respect for someone.
Thank you Uncle Frank.
In a time when I have lost my faith in the innate goodness of people, Uncle Frank shows me that there is still goodness among us. RIP Uncle Frank. I loved you too.
What a fantastic tribute! Genuine and emotional. Jimmy was so good. RIP Uncle Frank.
That was a great tribute to an amazing man, Uncle Frank will be missed.
Well crafted, moving, sincere, loving, hilarious… beautifully done. Remarkable 20 minutes of television.
I was crying right along with Jimmy.Loved Uncle Frank and it seems he was loved by many. RIP Uncle Frank.
Me too. Jimmy has the best of all the late night shows. I find it odd that the writer of this story called him the ‘underdog’, whats up with that?
Isn’t kind of tacky for EW (or whoever is responsible for these vid clips) to put ads at the beginning of certain clips?
Lemme guess… yer tha kinda unwanted d-bag who shows up at a funeral then annoys everyone by critiquing the floral arrangements.
I cried watching this. Thank you Uncle Frank…You were my uncle too.
I cried right along with Jimmy. I love him even more for allowing us to share his grief.
Im a dedicated fan of the show & to just hear about this is so so sad given the fact he lost another staff member not too long ago (the black lady whose name i cant recall) but I know this hits deeper for him. I liked Uncle Frank. Really heartbreaking. What a emotional moment.
The four minute tribute to Uncle Frank Potenza was nice. Many funny moments. I was in tears after the 3rd minute of the clip. And Jimmy Kimmel couldn’t hold back the tears on the first 20 seconds–he really misses him dearly and deeply. One of the more emotional moments I’ve seen on Jimmy’s very upbeat late night show. He was a very valuable part of Jimmy Kimmel’s show with his humor and wit. We’ll miss you Uncle Frank. RIP.