"Uncle Frank" Potenza -- the ex-NYPD cop and uncle of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel -- moved out to LA some years ago and gained fame as a comedy stalwart on Kimmel's late night hit. He died Aug. 23, at age 77, after an 8-year run on "Kimmel." Beyond the personal, Potenza's death is a huge loss to the show. He was one of those naturally funny people who also happened to be real -- a salt of the earth type with rough New York edges who brought unexpected authenticity to a show and format not exactly known for that characteristic. Kimmel offered this tribute on last night's show:

 

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