Joe Piscopo, an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, has an estimated net worth of $3 million. Known for his time as a cast member and writer on the iconic NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL), Piscopo gained widespread fame for his comedic talent, particularly his ability to impersonate famous celebrities.
His work on SNL helped him become a household name during the 1980s. Beyond his work on the show, Piscopo has appeared in over 30 films and television series, starred in comedy specials, and worked as a radio host, all of which have contributed to his wealth and influence in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Joe Piscopo was born Joseph Charles John Piscopo on June 17, 1951, in Passaic, New Jersey. He grew up with two siblings, Carol and Richard, in North Caldwell, New Jersey. Joe developed an interest in performing at an early age, which led him to join The Masquers, the drama club at West Essex High School.
After graduating in 1969, he enrolled at Jones College in Jacksonville, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Management. This early focus on broadcast media helped pave the way for his eventual career in entertainment.
Breakthrough Career: Saturday Night Live (SNL)
Piscopo’s big break came in 1980 when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live during a time of significant transition for the show. The entire cast and most of the writers had left, creating an opportunity for new talent.
While the new cast faced criticism, Piscopo quickly emerged as one of its breakout stars due to his versatility and his uncanny ability to mimic famous personalities.
His most notable impersonations included Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, and others, which showcased his talent for combining comedy with impressionist work.
Piscopo’s comedic style was heavily influenced by his ability to adopt the personas of famous figures, which set him apart from many of his peers.
He became known for his impressions, and alongside Eddie Murphy, he was one of the few cast members to be invited back after the show underwent major changes.
Piscopo’s time on SNL was a defining moment in his career, and it led to several opportunities in television and film.
Post-SNL Career: Expanding Into Film, Television, and Stand-Up
After leaving Saturday Night Live in 1984, Joe Piscopo continued to pursue a career in film, television, and stand-up comedy.
He starred in a variety of films throughout the 1980s, including the 1984 comedy Johnny Dangerously, the 1986 film Wise Guys, and the 1988 cult classic Dead Heat, a buddy cop/zombie movie.
These films allowed Piscopo to showcase his comedic timing and versatility as an actor.
In addition to film, Piscopo found success in television, starring in several specials and appearances.
His first major television special, The Joe Piscopo Special (1984), was a comedy special that featured his impersonations and comedy sketches.
He followed this with The Joe Piscopo New Jersey Special (1986) and Joe Piscopo: A Night at Club Piscopo (2012). These projects helped solidify his status as a comedic talent outside of SNL.
In 1994, Piscopo starred on Broadway in the musical Grease, where he played the role of Vince Fontaine, showcasing his ability to perform in live theater.
Throughout the 1990s, he also lent his voice to a variety of animated series, including Goof Troop (1992), Batman: The Animated Series (1993), and Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa (1992–1993).
His voice work expanded to other series, including The Pink Panther (1993), and he became a familiar face on TV.
Voice Work and Television Appearances
In the 1990s and 2000s, Piscopo expanded his repertoire by voicing characters in several animated series. He voiced roles in Goof Troop, Batman: The Animated Series, and The Pink Panther. His vocal versatility allowed him to take on a wide range of characters, from comedic roles to more serious ones.
Additionally, Piscopo made numerous guest appearances on television, including several episodes of Law & Order, where he appeared in multiple seasons from 1999 to 2004. His roles on these series further solidified his reputation as a multi-talented performer.
In addition to acting, Piscopo continued to showcase his comedic talent on television through hosting gigs.
One of his most notable roles was as the host of Piscopo in the Morning on New York City’s AM 970 (WNYM) radio station.
His skill in radio hosting allowed him to combine his comedic chops with the format of morning radio, and he became a popular presence on air.
Radio Hosting and Later Career
In recent years, Joe Piscopo has embraced radio hosting, continuing his career in the entertainment industry.
He began hosting Piscopo in the Morning in 2014, where he combined comedy with interviews, offering listeners a light-hearted yet informative start to their day.
His radio presence helped him remain relevant in the entertainment scene, allowing him to reach a broader audience outside of television and film.
Piscopo also began hosting Ramsey Mazda Sunday Nights with Sinatra on 770 AM WABC and its sister station, 107.1 FM WLIR, in 2020.
This show combined his passion for music and comedy, offering a mix of Sinatra classics along with Piscopo’s unique comedic flair.
His deep connection to the music of Frank Sinatra, combined with his talents as an impersonator, made this show a natural fit for Piscopo.
Charity Work and Philanthropy
Beyond his entertainment career, Joe Piscopo has also dedicated significant time to charitable causes.
He founded the Positive Impact Foundation, an organization that focuses on creating positive media content for at-risk youth.
The foundation eventually merged with the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Jersey, where Piscopo continues to serve as a statewide spokesman.
His involvement in charity work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Mercer, New Jersey, chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Piscopo has also been involved in supporting the military, and he has received several awards for his community service.
For example, the National Father’s Day Council named him Father of the Year, and he has received commendations for his charity work and support of children’s rights. His commitment to philanthropy is a key part of his legacy outside of his work in entertainment.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Joe Piscopo has received numerous awards and nominations for his work in television, comedy, and philanthropy.
In 1984, he was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on Saturday Night Live, one for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program and another for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program.
In 1985, he won a CableACE Award for Performance in a Comedy Special for The Joe Piscopo Special, and in 2011, he received the Lifesaver Achievement Award at the Atlantic City Cinefest.
Piscopo’s charity work has also been recognized, as he has received multiple Community Service Awards, including honors from the New Jersey and Florida chapters of the Boys and Girls Clubs.
He has also been recognized for his support of the military, earning the Commendation Medal for his contributions.
