
Television, film, theater,
nightclub-they're all fields in
which Joe Piscopo has won the
acclaim and affection of millions.
For over 25 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
repeatedly endorsed Joe's portrayal
of him, referring to Joe as 'The
Vice-Chairman of the Board.'
His work on SNL 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' and a dramatic,
critically acclaimed performance in
Jonathan Parker's Bartleby.
Look for upcoming films from Joe's,
Avellino Films, "Joey Benefit" and
"Bloomfield Avenue."
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 NYC history). And
indeed, history was made as
Grease! was the only Broadway
show to open that night!
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. (Including the
prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival!)
Joe tours with his own original Big
Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, as
well as his multimedia comedy show.
Joe also pioneered some of the most
innovative television commercials on
the air. Starting with his
unforgettable Miller Lite campaign
to GNC, Bally's and even touting
Ragu (with his Italian Mom's
permission, of course!)
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 as a
guest on The FOX News Channel, or
co-hosting The Columbus Day Parade
each year in NYC with Maria
Bartiromo or on The Late Show with
David Letterman.
Although his unique talents are in
constant demand from show business
quarters, Joe devotes an
extraordinary amount of time to
non-profit and charitable
activities. His willingness to
perform at benefit functions knows
no limits.
Piscopo received the Volunteer of
the Year Award from Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Mercer County, NJ and was
the keynote speaker at the Big
Brothers Big Sisters National
Conference in Chicago. In addition,
Piscopo has received Community
Service Awards from Boys and Girls
Clubs in New Jersey and Broward Co.,
Fla. and is especially proud to have
been recognized by Boy's Town of
Italy in Rome.
As a result of this work, Piscopo
started his own foundation called
"The Positive Impact Foundation",
creating positive media for at-risk
youth including the syndicated
television show for teens, "Positive
Impact TV". This groundbreaking
series mixes education and
entertainment to reinforce positive
behavior and lifestyles among
at-risk youth from both urban and
suburban backgrounds. And just this
year, Joe has merged his foundation
with the Boy's and Girl's Clubs of
New Jersey and is their statewide
spokesman
Joe also was recently honored by the
NYPD Columbia Association. Joe is
especially proud to be honored by
these heroes of 'New York's Finest!
A proponent of the US Military
Forces, Joe was honored to receive
the Commendation Medal, the highest
civilian award from the state of
New Jersey. Joe has performed
concerts for the NJ National Guard
and the NJ WWII Memorial. Joe's Dad
was a Major is the US Army Air Corp
in the Second World War.
Honoring his Parents and
Grandparents, who emigrated to this
country, Joe continued the legacy of
his heritage by receiving the Ellis
Island Medal of Honor.
Although Joe's impressive career and
public service include 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
at his New Jersey home, for his
children, Joey (an impressive
talent, in his own right!), and
Alexandra, Michael, and Olivia.
.
|