The inside story of award-winning, popular entertainer and actor who discovered that the keys to success in the entertainment industry are a strong work ethic, a willingness to reinvent, refusing to quite, and a drive to survive.
Joe Piscopo has made both live and living room audiences laugh for five decades, winning the acclaim and affection of millions of fans. Often recognized as one of the actors who replaced the original cast on Saturday Night Live, he helped rescue the show from cancellation.
In Average Joe, Piscopo shares behind-the-scenes stories from an impressive, multi-faceted career. As a new entertainer, he performed stand-up and hosted at the famous Improv in New York City, where he got to know comics who were just starting out, including Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, and Gilbert Gottfried. On SNL, he often paired with newcomer Eddie Murphy, writing and performing now classic skits. He saw himself as the utility guy, the one who could jump in, get something done, and get a laugh. His often uncanny impersonations ranged from President Ronald Reagan to Joan Rivers to his hero Frank Sinatra?all of whom he met in person. Beyond SNL, his career spans from car and beer commercials to roles in major movies.
A self-proclaimed Dork Dad, Joe found that celebrity can sidetrack a person from the pursuit of what's really important in life. After focusing on fitness for his own health, he was featured on the cover of body-building magazines, which had a notable impact on his career. Today, Joe is still a hardworking entertainer, hosting his own radio show, The Joe Piscopo Show, and performing comedy, song, and dance live across the US and Canada. Joe sums it all up with: "I'm part of the blue-collar of show business, baby."
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978-1-63763-357-1 (9781637633571)
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For decades, Joe Piscopo has proven to be one of show business's brightest lights. After a career as a disc jockey and dinner-theater performer, Joe turned to comedy. 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, Joe had left his mark not only on the program, but also the nation. Thanks to his widespread portrayal of hilarious original characters and celebrity impersonations, including The Sports Guy, Doug Whiner, David Letterman, and with the utmost respect, Mr. Frank Sinatra, Joe has become a household name.
His work on SNL naturally led to Hollywood, which gave him numerous film credits, and then to Broadway where he and his fellow actors made history when Grease! was the only Broadway show to open during one of the worst blizzards in NYC history.
Live performances have always been an important part of Joe's career. He has long been one of America's most popular comedy and concert entertainers, filling arenas and casino showrooms from coast to coast and in Canada. Currently, Joe tours with his own original Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, as well as his multimedia comedy show. He is a recurring guest on the FOX News Channel, he cohosts he Columbus Day Parade each year in NYC, he performs for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and frequents political shows like The Tucker Carson Show. Today Joe is the host of the Joe Piscopo Show on 970 AM The Answer, achieving the respect of being the most listened to radio show in the Greater New York area.
