50 Facts About Joe Gatto

Early Life and Education

Joe Gatto's journey into comedy began early in life. His background and education played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Joe Gatto was born in Staten Island, New York, to an Italian-American family.
2. He attended Monsignor Farrell High School, where he joined the school's improvisation club.
3. After high school, Gatto studied at LIU Post, graduating with a degree in accounting.

The Tenderloins and Impractical Jokers

Joe's comedic career took off with the formation of The Tenderloins and the success of "Impractical Jokers."

4. In 1999, Joe co-founded The Tenderloins with Mike Boccio, James Murray, and Sal Vulcano.
5. The Tenderloins won $100,000 as a grand prize in "It’s Your Show."
6. The troupe started practicing improvisation at Gatto's house and toured as an improv and sketch comedy group.
7. In December 2011, Joe debuted on "Impractical Jokers," a reality show on truTV.
8. The show features public dares and punishments, making Gatto and his friends household names.
9. In December 2022, Joe announced his departure from "Impractical Jokers" due to personal reasons.

Solo Stand-Up Comedy Tour

After leaving "Impractical Jokers," Joe embarked on a solo stand-up comedy tour, showcasing his unique humor.

10. Joe's first solo stand-up show was in Appleton, WI, where he performed a 35-minute set.
11. His tour quickly gained momentum, performing in all 50 states.
12. The 50th stop on his tour was in Fargo, ND, a milestone he joyfully shared with fans.
13. Joe's "Night of Comedy Tour" includes a highly anticipated performance at New York City's iconic Theatre on January 20, 2024.
14. His stand-up routine delves into personal anecdotes, including his upbringing and parenthood.

Philanthropy and Gatto Pups and Friends

Beyond comedy, Joe and his wife Bessy are passionate about animal welfare, leading to the creation of Gatto Pups and Friends.

15. Joe and Bessy founded Gatto Pups and Friends, a nonprofit advocating for dog adoption and welfare.
16. The organization focuses particularly on senior and disabled dogs.
17. Joe's journey with rescue dogs began with his first rescue dog, Biscotti.
18. The experience educated him on the shelter system and the impact of adopting dogs.
19. Gatto Pups and Friends provides a center for rescuing and adopting dogs.
20. Joe's efforts have educated many about the importance of adopting dogs.

Social Media and Podcasting

Joe maintains a strong presence on social media and co-hosts a popular podcast.

21. Joe has 1.9 million followers on Instagram and 1.1 million followers on Twitter.
22. His Instagram handle is @Gattopupsandfriends, and his Twitter handle is @JoeGatto.
23. Joe co-hosts the podcast "Two Cool Moms" with comedian Steve Byrne.
24. The podcast features lighthearted banter and insightful discussions.
25. The "Two Cool Moms" podcast is set to relaunch in the fall following a brief hiatus.

Net Worth and Real Estate

Joe's success in comedy has led to significant financial achievements and investments.

26. Joe's net worth is estimated to be $7 million.
27. A significant portion of his income comes from his comedic roles and stand-up shows.
28. He manages Cannoli Productions, a full-service group that helps set and achieve project goals.
29. Joe and his wife purchased a 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom mansion in Old Brookville for $2.7 million in 2018.

Influences and Favorite Comedians

Joe's comedic style has been shaped by various influences and favorite comedians.

30. Joe grew up loving comedic movies and films.
31. Mel Brooks is a huge influence on him.
32. He has a signed piece of artwork from "Young Frankenstein," his favorite Brooks' work.
33. Joe remembers laughing with his father watching "Home Improvement."
34. Tim Allen's comedy specials were among the first he watched with his dad.

Stand-Up Show and Personal Anecdotes

Joe's stand-up shows are filled with personal stories and humor that resonate with audiences.

35. Joe guarantees at least three to five laughs with the ticket price for his stand-up show.
36. His shows feature stories about his life, friendships, parenting, and growing up with an Italian mother.
37. One of Joe's favorite memories on tour was meeting his first rescue dog, Biscotti.
38. He checked off a bucket list item by opening a center for rescuing and adopting dogs.

Future Plans and Projects

Joe continues to explore new creative avenues and projects, ensuring his fans always have something to look forward to.

39. Joe is working on a kid’s book based on a story about his son.
40. He hopes to write and direct a movie next year, which he has already written.
41. Joe's Italian heritage plays a significant role in his comedy.
42. His stand-up routine delves into the humorous challenges of parenthood.
43. Joe acknowledges the heightened responsibility and energy required for solo performances.

Memorable Moments and Fan Interactions

Joe's interactions with fans and memorable moments on tour highlight his connection with audiences.

44. At his Cincinnati show, Joe brought a surprise special guest.
45. Before the show, he had a "Daddy and Me" event at his daughter's school.
46. Joe has many fond memories of Ohio, particularly Cincinnati.
47. He humorously responded to Cincinnati's famous chili, stating, "You guys didn't make chili. That's some B.S. You can't claim chili!"
48. Joe's response to Cincinnati trivia was featured in a TikTok video by The Enquirer.
49. Before his Cincinnati show, Joe participated in a Q&A session with The Enquirer's News of Now editor, David Wysong.
50. Joe expressed gratitude for the amazing support he received from fans during his solo tour.

Joe Gatto: A Life of Laughter and Love

Joe Gatto's journey from Staten Island to becoming a renowned comedian is nothing short of inspiring. His work with The Tenderloins and Impractical Jokers has brought countless laughs to fans worldwide. Stepping away from the show, he embraced new challenges with his solo stand-up tour and Gatto Pups and Friends, his nonprofit for dog adoption. Joe's humor, rooted in personal anecdotes and his Italian heritage, continues to resonate with audiences. His ventures into podcasting with Two Cool Moms and plans for filmmaking and writing a kid's book show his creative spirit knows no bounds. Joe Gatto's story is a testament to following one's passion, making a difference, and always finding joy in the journey. Whether on stage or through his philanthropic efforts, Joe remains a beloved figure in comedy and beyond.