Thursday, September 8, 2011

So Long, Uncle Frank: We Will Miss You

Uncle Frank and Jimmy
Uncle Frank, 1933-2011

Over the past few years, I have grown to love the Jimmy Kimmel Live show.  I remember watching Jimmy when he was the goofy sidekick to Ben Stein on the gameshow Win Ben Stein's Money.  He had an irreverent brand of humor even back then, but it seems that in the past decade, Jimmy has really honed his hosting skills.  He is great with guests and manages to be both biting and kind, which can be a tricky feat.  Many of Jimmy's family members are employees of the show; most work behind the scenes but one in particular, Jimmy's Uncle Frank, could always be seen in front of the camera.



Uncle Frank was a retired New York City police officer turned "security guard" for Jimmy Kimmel Live.  Since 2003, he interviewed the likes of Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise for red carpet events, participated in various comedy bits, and performed silly stunts for Jimmy's and the audience's amusement.  Uncle Frank quickly became a staple on the show; he was so endearing and relatable because we all have an Uncle Frank in our lives.

Uncle Frank passed away two weeks ago, during the show's summer hiatus and Jimmy gives him one of the most heartfelt and moving tributes that I have ever seen on television.  Vascillating between moments of humor and glimpses of genuine grief, he honors his employee, his friend, and his uncle, who he clearly loved and respected with his whole heart.  It is rare to see such raw emotion on late night t.v. anymore but boy does this tribute deliver.  After watching, I have even more respect for Jimmy Kimmel, as a host and as a human being.

Watch the whole touching tribute below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD4iBq_U088&feature=channel_video_title

1 comment:

  1. I can't wait til you post about Brendan Fraser. Or Mary Louise Parker. Or maybe Claire Danes, for Annetta. <3 you!

    ReplyDelete