Joe Gatto, an American comedian, producer, writer, and actor, is best known for his work with the comedy troupe The Tenderloins and as one of the stars of the hit hidden camera show Impractical Jokers. Over the years, Joe has built a successful career in entertainment, and as of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be $7 million. In this article, we will explore his early life, career highlights, and personal life, delving into what makes Joe Gatto such a beloved figure in comedy.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Anthony Gatto Jr. was born on June 5, 1976, in Staten Island, New York City. He is of Italian descent and often speaks of his heritage with pride. Growing up in Staten Island, Joe attended Monsignor Farrell High School, a Catholic boys’ school, where he formed lifelong friendships with fellow comedians Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn. These friendships would later evolve into a professional collaboration as the four friends began performing improv and sketch comedy.
After high school, Joe went on to attend LIU Post in Brookville, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Despite this practical career path, Gatto’s passion for comedy never waned, and it wasn’t long before he and his high school friends decided to pursue their comedic dreams.
The Formation of The Tenderloins
In the late 1990s, Joe Gatto reunited with Sal Vulcano and James Murray after years apart during college. Along with another friend, Mike Boccio, they began practicing improvisation comedy at Gatto’s house, eventually forming a comedy troupe called The Tenderloins. The group initially performed live improv and sketch comedy but soon shifted their focus to creating filmed comedy sketches, which they uploaded to platforms such as YouTube, Myspace, and Metacafe.
Their online sketches gained significant popularity, amassing millions of views and creating a loyal fanbase. In 2007, The Tenderloins entered NBC’s reality competition show It’s Your Show and won the grand prize of $100,000. This early success set the stage for their future ventures, although the group underwent a lineup change when Brian Quinn replaced Boccio as a permanent member.
The Rise of Impractical Jokers
The real breakthrough for Joe Gatto and The Tenderloins came in 2011 with the launch of Impractical Jokers on TruTV. This hidden camera reality comedy show became an instant hit, showcasing Gatto and his friends (Sal, Brian, and James) challenging each other to a series of dares and games, usually leading to public embarrassment. The show’s unscripted format and the hilarious chemistry among the group quickly made it a fan favorite, not only on TruTV but also through viral clips online.
Over the years, Impractical Jokers has grown into a pop-culture phenomenon, expanding its reach with international versions, spin-off content, and live tours. In early 2020, Impractical Jokers: The Movie was released, further solidifying the group’s comedic legacy.
Unfortunately, in December 2021, Joe Gatto announced that he would be stepping down from both Impractical Jokers and The Tenderloins to focus on his personal life and family. While fans were disappointed, they respected Joe’s decision and continued to show support for him.
Additional Projects and Ventures
Beyond Impractical Jokers, Joe Gatto has been involved in several other ventures, showcasing his creativity and business acumen. In 2018, he founded Cannoli Productions, a full-service production company designed to help individuals and companies achieve their project goals.
In addition to his work behind the camera, Joe has explored the world of podcasts. In 2012, The Tenderloins launched The Tenderloins Podcast, which ran for several years. More recently, in 2022, Gatto teamed up with comedian Steve Byrne to launch the Two Cool Moms podcast. The show takes inspiration from their strong-willed, opinionated mothers and features the duo offering advice to listeners using a blend of humor, sincerity, and motherly wisdom.
Joe also wrote and published a book in 2020 titled The Dogfather: My Love for Dogs, Dessert, and Growing Up Italian. The book details his love for dogs—he has 14 of them—as well as his upbringing in an Italian-American household and his affinity for Italian cuisine.
Personal Life and Advocacy
In 2013, Joe Gatto married Bessy Haggar, and the couple had two children: a daughter named Milana and a son named Remington. However, in December 2021, Gatto revealed that he and Bessy had decided to separate, prompting his departure from Impractical Jokers to focus on co-parenting and family matters.
Throughout his career, Joe has been open about his personal choices and advocacy. Notably, he is a teetotaler, meaning he abstains from alcohol. This aspect of his life was often humorously referenced on Impractical Jokers. Additionally, Joe is a passionate advocate for animal rescue, supporting the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement. His love for dogs is evident in both his book and his social media presence, where he frequently posts about his pets.
Joe Gatto Net Worth
As of 2023, Joe Gatto’s net worth is estimated to be $7 million. This figure primarily comes from his successful career in comedy and entertainment, particularly from his involvement in Impractical Jokers and The Tenderloins’ live tours and podcasting endeavors.
In terms of his salary from Impractical Jokers, each member of the group reportedly earned around $50,000 per episode at the show’s peak. With over 10 seasons under his belt, Joe accumulated a significant portion of his net worth from the show’s success.
Additionally, Joe’s various side projects—such as Cannoli Productions, his book, and his YouTube channel—have contributed to his financial stability.
Conclusion
Joe Gatto’s journey from an aspiring comedian in Staten Island to a household name through Impractical Jokers is nothing short of remarkable. With a net worth of $7 million, Joe has carved out a legacy in the world of comedy while maintaining strong personal values and relationships. His fans continue to follow his career closely, whether through his podcast, his animal rescue advocacy, or the occasional live performance.
Despite his departure from Impractical Jokers, Joe’s impact on the comedy world is undeniable, and his legacy as a master of improvisation and hidden camera pranks will be remembered for years to come.
