Frank Payne Obituary

Just watched his documentary, sad to find out he passed, over 10 yrs ago. His legacy goes on July 2025. RIP.

I just watched your documentary again, you did your best and that´s a lot to be proud of. Rest in Paradise my brother and my condolences to the family.

An overweight English guy now 32 pounds down and 50 off my goal. I remember watching Franks documentary when i was at my heaviest. Frank's candour, humour and kindness radiated off the screen. I'm genuinely saddened to learn he passed on not long after production, but he has left behind a legacy that is still inspiring people to this day. Thank you Frank, hope I get to meet you on the other side.

I just saw his documentary- it has truly changed my life...rest I'm peace Frank. My condolences to the family

I think of you often my friend. I miss you and will be forever grateful for your friendship. You left to soon.

I am so sorry to learn of Frank's passing. I just watched his documentary on YouTube and found him to be so delightful.

I am sorry to hear that Frank has died. I am shocked because I just watched the video on YouTube and had no idea.

12 years later, after his passing, he is still inspiring people.

I too just watched his documentary. Granted, even longer since his passing. Like many others hoping to see how he'd look now. Only to find out the sad news of his departure from this this life. He is an inspiration to continue my own journey to lose weight. Same weight but only 5'8". What an eye opener the body scan was. Thank you for your courage.

my heart is broken that I discover the loss of my old friend. Frank was the best a good friend.

Just watched Franks inspiring documentary about his journey to weight loss, and it just broke my heart to find out he had passed away at such a young age. Rest In Peace Frank. And thank you for the movie, it was a real wake up call. You are a class act.
My heart goes out to his family and friends.

...Shine on you crazy diamond. Shine on.

I didn't know Frank. But after watching his video on Prime today, I feel like he was my new best friend. His warm, kind and loving personality was so endearing. I felt immediate connection with him and what he was going through. I wanted to reach out to him as soon as the video finished to see how he was doing and tell him I'm here to support him. And to my heartbreaking disapointment I saw today he has passed away. I'm just so sad. Such a great guy, such a great heart, bearing his soul and body for all to see, totally transparent. I applaud him for what he did.

This video he agreed to do has and will help so many. His story powerful, his courage so great.

My heart goes out to his family and friends who have suffered such an incredible loss. My heart goes out to you all for he surely is a deep void in every life he touched.

His legacy is this video and those he has touched through it. Little did he probably every realize that he would be such a help to so many after his passing.

Rest in Peace Frank. Thank you for putting yourself out there, your candidness and total transparency. What a gift you have given to so many. You are much appreciated. God Bless. ... Susan

Like many here, I learned of Frank from watching his Amazon Prime documentary, My Big Fat Body. I'm going through the weight loss process myself, and have been watching a lot of documentaries on the body, and the effects that weight has on it. I found Frank to be such a genuinely kind and real person, as I was watching his story told. He very openly shared the emotions that people struggling with weight have, including shame, embarrassment, anxiety, fear, frustration, worry, anger ... just to name a few. So many of us try to cover up those feelings with humor, or a retreat from the outside world. It was nice to see someone who exemplified what so many of us, ourselves, feel on a daily basis. I triumphed with him, as I watched his successful loss of 60 lbs. I was so proud of him, and could not wait to Google him to find out more about him, and his current life, and what became of his initial journey. My heart broke when I read of his passing. I actually cried for him as I read his obituary, and others comments, just as I would for someone I knew personally. I am 42 myself, and have two children. His story, in general, was eye-opening and inspiring, but then to find out the final chapter, his inspiration grew tenfold in my heart. I will forever keep his spirit alive in my heart, as I continue my journey of weight loss. I am down 42 lbs, and hope to lost 100 more. My heart breaks for your loss, as his family, who did have a wonderful gift of knowing him, and loving him, personally. He is truly an inspiration, and his memory will live on in the hearts of people, like me who didn't have the privilege of knowing him, as you did. I am sure you are so very proud of everything he did while he was living, and how he continues to inspire since his passing. Thank you for sharing him with the world. The world thanks you. The world thinks him. All my love ... Jessica

Just watched Frank's documentary and googled him to see how his progress to find this horrible news... I need to lose 50lbs and have been putting it off excuse by excuse.. Frank thank you for the courage to do the video....Im gonna try to loose the weight...

RIP Frank.
Just saw your documentary. I'm more health conscious thanks to you.
Keep smiling in the afterlife, my man.

Like many others, I watched his inspiring documentary, then googled him, hoping to see how his wonderful progress had continued. I am so sad to hear that he passed only a few years later. I was really touched and happy to see how much better he felt and happier he seemed by the end, and I hope that continued for him throughout his last few years.

I want to thank Frank for his guts and goodness in making such an honest documentary about his weight loss journey, which I have just watched. I am sorry that he was taken from us so soon, but he is blessing untold people by his legacy. God bless his family and friends. Rest in peace.

I just watched Frank's documentary. His spirit was so bright and warm. He seemed like a genuine, sincere, kind soul. I am so thankful for his courage and bravery making such a raw documentary for the sole purpose of helping others! His legacy is one of selflessness, and his beautiful short life has not been in vain. Thank you, kind Sir, and may you forever rest in peace.

I just watched his documentary and Googled him hoping to see a wonderful progression into a healthy happy life. Deepest sympathies to his family but with deepest gratitude for his legacy with his documentary. As a registered dietitian I gained much needed insight and hope to improve my impact on the health of my patients. Thank you for loving him enough to give him the support he needed to film his documentary. His honesty was refreshing and his bravery inspiring.

Like so many others who are commenting because of his documentary, I was so saddened to hear of his passing. I never noticed the date on the documentary, so this was disturbing. I was really rooting for him on several layers. First, I eat the same way, just not the volume. But the outcome will be the same if I don't wise up...again. Secondly, when he talked about his little brother and how much his death hurt. We all know that parents are "not supposed" to bury their children. Frank said that he didn't want to add to his parent's misery. He really seemed like a great fellow, the kind of guy I would have liked to call "friend".

I was so inspired watching Frank's documentary and he simply made me smile with his sincerity. It saddened me so much to find out he had passed. Frank, you are inspiring people even now. Thank you for that. May your family be comforted by knowing how many people you touched through your film.

I watched his documentary on his weight loss on Amazon prime and was rooting for him. Googled after watching to track his progress only to find out he had passed. I am saddened by that. Rest in Peace Frank.

you were a funny kind man. RIP Frank

I watch your doc all of the time, Frank and just find you such a likable person. Youre missed!!

R.I.P. Frank. You were a very sweet man.

Frank was a beautiful person. The world would benefit and be a better place with more people like him. He has touched my heart as I am sure he has many others. This world has lost a little light with him gone.
I hope the Payne family has found some peace in their loss not only of frank but their other son's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Frank I hope you have peace and that you are free. Much love.

Condolences to Frank's family and friends, I didn't know of Frank until watching the Documentary and was very saddened to hear of his passing, I hope Frank was able to truly enjoy the last years of his life after working to become healthier. He will live on as an inspiration to the many people who watch his Documentary. RIP Frank...

I just watched the documentary where he started to lose weight. It moved me to read that he passed away...but he inspired and motivated me to turn my life around. Sending love to his family and friends. He must have been a warm and loving guy.

I just watched his documentary and thought "what a charming and happy person". So sad to hear he passed away. I hope he lived a happy life. Sending all love for the family and friends.

What a wonderful, bright and funny man you were in your documentary. You made me laugh and I appreciate that. The world will remember you, though we did not know you we feel sad at your death and still hopeful, for we know that you are with your brother and beloved family members who have passed. To the family that remains; so very sorry for your loss, Frank is still changing lives for the better and you are responsible for raising such a wonderful, sweet man. Thank you.

I watch his documentary in remembrance. Very sad he left this planet way too soon. Rest in Power Frank

R.I.P.Frank You were a Legend and you are so missed but will always be loved xxx

Frank's movie was real, that can't be faked, so he had to have been real and true himself. Only good parents raise kids that grow to men like him. Regards,
Taylor Jessee

Frank was clearly a funny, loving and very generous man. I was so impressed by his willingness to allow his quest for better health to be filmed. It is a great show and I hope it helps a lot of people. Intelligent, informative - he wasn't a spectacle, just a regular person who needed help. I feel privileged to have met him through the film, and am just very sorry for his family and friends who must have felt this loss very deeply.

Dear Payne Family- I just watched Frank's documentary on Amazon Prime. I was saddened to see that he passed away a few years after it was made. He was such a funny and inspirational guy-I wanted to possibly FB him a message and tell him that I thought the documentary was great and that I wished him well. Please know that even years after his death, Frank continues to touch people's lives and we miss him and the light and humor that he brought to the world.

~Jessica (Lexington, KY)

My condolences to Frank's friends and loved ones. He was a good man.

We just watched Frank's documentary. He seems like a great guy. I hope the documentary will help many people live more healthy.

rest in peace frank, to the Payne family I'm so sorry for your loss, may his memories and laughter sooth your hearts for ever.

Frankie...this light is for every life that you lit up in this world..you were the light in so many peoples darkness and I can speak for all when I say that body may have gone dark, but your light will remain forever...Happy New Year babydoll!

You were a BIG inspiration to all of us, Aloha, Frank! You will be missed!

Shocked and saddened to read of Frank's passing. He was a sweet and funny guy who will be missed.

My prayers are with Frank's family. Frank and I used to talk on the phone, laughing & discussing life - the good & the struggles...but even then his outlook on life was positive. Funny, good-hearted and a blessing to those around him. Heaven has a good one!

I had classes with Frank at IO, and made contact again online. Everybody is right about him being such a great guy.

Good man, good friend, great talent. Going to miss you Frank.

I miss you and love you, Frankie.

I'm shocked at this loss! I know Frank from Improv Olympic and then he recruited me to Brother Jimmy's....man, back in the day. I have carried on the tradition of a "Frank Special" for many years and will always remember this jolly soul.

Frank was a dear, sweet soul with a heart of gold. He was forever quick with a kind word and a smile. I have such wonderful memories of performing with Frank in Chicago. And when I moved from Chicago to Colorado in '97, Frank offered to ride along so I would not be alone. What fun we had!
Thanks Frankie, for a lifetime of memories that I will treasure forever. Keep smiling...
RIP, dear friend.
Love, Paige

You were an inspiration,a friend, a beacon of light, and you are greatly missed. But when you come to mind nowadays, tears don't come across my face, but a big smile does.

Thanks for forever being you.

I met Frank while we were filming the web series "Safety Geeks:SVI". A great actor, a great person.

I knew Frank briefly, but well enough to appreciate the void that his loss will leave in many lives, and to miss the humor and friendship that I had expected to be a part of mine.

Heartfelt condolences to all.

I'm so sorry that the world has lost Frank. I had the pleasure of directing him in a film a couple years ago; he was a great actor, a wonderful comedian, and a warm, sweet man. He will be sorely missed.

Dear Payne Family, So sorry for your great loss of Frank. I met him through my daughter Erin who knew him from improv Chicago days. He was always so kind and never seemed to have a bad day. Erin loved him and he loved her back which led to my hopes that someday I'd have a son-in-law named Frank. There's no replacement for such an exceptionally special man and son. I know he's in heaven already smiling down at all of us.

"My deepest condolences to the family of Frank. Frank & I worked together for a few years at a film company that made children's movies. He & I clicked from the beginning and we became pretty good buddies. We'd play chess every day at work on lunch breaks and he'd end up winning most times.....(he's distract me with jokes...lol). We'd catch a few ball games here and there and recently he was advising me on my new adventures in stand up comedy. He will be sorely missed!

My condolences to Frank's Family. I grew up on Warwick and I had recently reconnected with Frank on Facebook. We shared many laughs,even just through Facebook I could tell what a great guy he was. He will be missed.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Payne family. Though we have never met, I feel as if I know you from the weekly, sometimes daily, phone conversations I enjoyed with Frank...Frank and I met during Player Workshop Classes and immediately developed a close bond to the extent of "best friend" status. His visits to Colorado were always five-star memorable...A brilliant friend, a brilliant spirit. Some people are flames, Frank was a bonfire.

We met in 1993 in an improv class in Chicago. I'm so glad that we were able to keep in touch throughout the years. So much kindness and so many fun memories. I'll miss you.

I was out with Frank's brothers when I first met Frank in Chicago and within an hour it was like we had known each other for years. My prayers go out to his family and the many friends who have lost a genuinely friendly and extremely funny family man with a heart of gold.

To my warm hearted cousin that I never met but did't have to to know him, just by his messages on face book and chats with him, very open person, will miss our chats, but your spirit is still a live and just gone on another journey, to the theatre in the spirit world. All our love kathy, Maria Payne.

I met Frank at Smiler Coogans where he worked with my future husband, Jim. Frank was always great for a laugh. I always expected him to play John Candy when they finally did a movie on him. Now we will just have the fondest memories of Frank, too. He will be sorely missed.

My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to all of Frank's family and friends and there are hundreds.He was a true friend, a champion. He had a smile that lit up the world and a heart as big as the sea. He was the kind of man that you could count on- always. And a gifted, brilliant actor- working with him was like sailing. Frank- you were my "webisode hubby" and I adore you. You made me feel cherished- even over a cup of coffee. I guess God needed another hero- you will always be mine. I believe you are watching over all of us- with that wonderful smile- and we miss and love you so.

Frank, in the middle of a cold cruel land called Hollywood where no one cares about a struggling Actor facing eviction YOU DID and YOU HELPED ME...I worked hard that entire summer paying you off and it was worth every dollar of it to me to do so. Thank You for not only helping me and so many others but thank you for having been our friend in life and for being a real human being with a real heart which was as enormous as your talent and personality. You were compared to other comedians but the truth was you were nothing like any of them, you were you and that made you original. There never was nor will be another Frank Payne in this world. You were one of a kind. Your life enhanced and blessed the lives of everyone you touched and knew. I was honored to have had you in my life and I loved and respected you as a friend and a boss at work. You had one of the most vibrant and hope-filled spirits I ever knew and your encouragement and inspiration to others such as myself had no ends. You were just a wonderful person by nature. My condolences go out to your family and all friends and acquaintances. Thank You for everything Frank. You definitely left your mark on the world and touched and changed lives. Rest in Peace.

There was never a phone call or e-mail or time we hung out that Frankie didn't inquire if I needed anything and to let him know, but I already had everything I needed from him, a true friend. Even through the tears I can't help but smile when I think of him and the times we shared together. They were a gift. He had the biggest heart and I will continue to carry his spirit and love of life and laughter in mine. My deepest condolences to his family.

My deepest sympathies to all of Frank's family and friends. Frank was such a wonderful, exuberant man, and I will miss him, as will many others. The world is a darker colder place for having lost him.

Frank, you were so so wonderful. You never gave up, you never stopped smiling and always went foreword no matter what. It was fun to play with you on-stage and off. I will truly miss you both on that side of the stage as well as the other side of the bar. Prayers sent to you, your family and your spirit.

Frank and I worked together on several shows. He was such an inspiration and great friend. He still is. We miss you Frank. Keep smiling and laughing!

I'm so sorry for Franks parents and family. I met Frank when my husband Tom was directing a show on The Discovery Channel called "BIG". Frank was the star of the show and host. He was so full of love and life and I loved visiting the set. Since that show, Tom & I became good friends with Frank and we shared thoughts, dreams, fears and hope. I even spent a Christmas Eve with him. I still think he's just down the street... Like this is all a big nightmare. I hope you all know that he is terribly missed by us and that we are here for you if you need anything. Frankie was always a great friend to everyone in his life. He would give the shirt off his back for us and I wish there were some way we could've helped him. Peace and Love. Alicia O'Brien Kramer

My condolences to the Payne family. Frank was one of a kind. After nearly twenty years of friendship, I don't have a single memory of him where he wasn't smiling or making someone laugh. You will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace Frank.

I am very sorry to hear of Frank's passing...he was a great friend, great coach and a great man....he will be missed by all. May he rest in peace.

"Death is nothing at all, Frankie, you have only slipped away into the next room..." So blessed to have been your friend, Frankie. Will see you again. xox

My deepest sympathies to the Payne family.Grew up in the same neighborhood and am very good friends with his brothers.Sorry for your loss.
Jimmy Kossivas

Frank, I keep thinking of the funny stuff about you. The van, the squad car, Elmhurst college, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Smiler Coogans, PW Wingers, street signs, garbage cans, burnt pizza, Chicago Fire Department, Howard Stearn, Mancow and so much more. I think about how you'd re-invent yourself every couple of years and be an absolute success at it. Frank, as I write this, I'm crying and laughing at the same time. I miss you Frank.

My deepest sympathies to Frank's parents and brothers on their loss.
We grew up in the same neighborhood and Frank was quite a character. He always had a nice word to say when I would run into him. I will remember him fondly.

Very sorry to hear of Franks passing. We went to St. Pats together and he was an upstanding guy.

My thoughts and prayers to the Payne family. May eternal light shine upon him.

Very sorry to hear of Franks passing. We went to St. Pats together and he was an upstanding guy.

My thoughts and prayers to the Payne family. May eternal light shine upon him.

Our deepest condolences to the Payne Family, I still cannot believe this. Frank was such a loving, caring, funny, and generous man. My kids and I are still in shock. He was always there to listen and help me...RIP Frankie.
Karyn, Amanda, Brittney, and Heather Nadler

Frank's website:
http://frankthebigguy.com/bio.html
Rest in peace Frank! You will always be remembered.
Bob Wallace

I met Frank about 30 years ago and his personality was always larger than life with a heart of gold. We spoke often and he always made me laugh. My sympathy to his family. He will always be remembered.

Frank was a wonderful person and friend who had a heart of gold and always made us laugh. Our deepest sympathies to his family on their loss. Frank will always be in our hearts.
Michael, Bridget, Josh, Victoria & Michael Fiandaca

Frank was one of a kind. Generous to a fault, with a love of life and a sense of humor that literally brightened the world. I will miss him more than I can ever say.

I met Frank back in the High School days. He always made me laugh. I'll always remember that big heart and smile of his.

Rest in peace my wrestling and fraternity brother.  With much love and respect. Chuck

Frank was a fine young man. I remember him when he wrestled at St. Patricks High School with my son.