Joe Piscopo
 |
Television, film, theater, nightclubs -- they're all fields in which JOE PISCOPO has won the acclaim and affection of millions. For almost 20 years, Joe has proven to be one of show business' brightest lights. After stints as a disc jockey and dinner-theater performer, Joe turned to comedy. In 1980, he was chosen to join a newly formed ensemble charged with one of the most difficult tasks in TV history-replacing the original cast of Saturday Night Live.
By the time he left the show in 1985, Joe had left his mark on the program, and the nation, thanks to his wide range of hilarious original characters and celebrity impersonations, from The Sports Guy and Doug Whiner to David Letterman and, of course, Frank Sinatra, who had repeatedly endorsed Joe's portrayal of him. In addition, Piscopo starred in three HBO specials; his work in the first of these, The Joe Piscopo Special, won him a Cable ACE Award for Outstanding Performance. He also starred in the critically acclaimed New Jersey Special on ABC-TV.
His work on SNL quite naturally led to Hollywood, and starring roles in such smash hits as “Wise Guys” (with Danny DeVito) and “Johnny Dangerously” (with Michael Keaton). Other film credits include “Dead Heat”, “Sidekicks” and the independent feature films “Two Bits & Pepper”, Roger Corman’s, “Demolition Day”, “The Last Request” (with Danny Aiello) and a dramatic, critically-acclaimed performance in Jonathan Parker’s “Bartleby”.
In January 1996, Joe conquered yet another realm when he starred on Broadway as disc jockey Vince Fontaine in Grease! (Ever the trouper, Joe insisted on performing opening night despite conditions created by one of the worst blizzards in history). The show's producers were so impressed with his Broadway turn that they built a touring company around him for the summer of 1996. And when Grease! reopened on Broadway in April, 1997 after a three-month hiatus, it was Joe who was asked to headline the production in order to get it back on its feet. His month-long run resulted in a $1 million advance sale and a string of SRO performances.
Joe has also recently won acclaim for his dramatic guest-starring roles on the NBC drama, “Law and Order”. You might have also seen Joe on the HBO series “Arli$$”, or as a guest on The FOX News Channel and the nationally syndicated television show, “Extra”. His voice was heard on the Nickelodeon comedy series, “The 1000 Deeds of Eddie McDowd”, and yes, that was Joe as Santa Claus in the ABC-TV Special, “Dear Santa”
Two years ago, Joe Piscopo established Garden State Entertainment, and Avellino Productions. The New Jersey-based production companies have signed a television development deal with HBO for a limited series, “Bloomfield Avenue”. Other projects include, a half-hour sitcom, “Jersey Girls “, and “Joey Benefit”, an independent feature film.
Advertisers have long appreciated Joe's unique relationship with his public. He has been featured in two long-running and memorable ad campaigns, for Miller Lite Beer and Bally's health spas. He has also appeared as spokesman for Station Casinos in Las Vegas and GNC Nutrition Centers.
Live performances have always been an important part of Joe's career. He has long been one of America's most popular comedy concert attractions, filling arenas and casino showrooms from coast-to-coast and in Canada. Joe tours with his own original Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, as well as his multi-media comedy show.
Although Joe’s impressive career includes several major accomplishments, he insists his proudest achievement of all is twice being named Father of the Year in 1983 by the National Father's Day Council, and in 1989 by the New Jersey Council of Children's Rights. No matter how busy he may be, Joe always makes sure he has enough time to spend at his Central New Jersey home with his wife Kimberly and his children Joey, Michael and Alexandra.
|
