Joe Piscopo

Television, film, theater, nightclubs—they are all fields in which Joe Piscopo has won the acclaim and affection of millions. For over 30 years, Piscopo has proven to be one of show business’ brightest lights. After stints as a disc jockey and dinner-theater performer, Piscopo 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, Piscopo 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 Piscopo’s portrayal of him. His career spans television, film, theater, and nightclubs, and includes three HBO specials where he won the Cable ACE Award for Outstanding Performance for "The Joe Piscopo Special."

His work on SNL led to Hollywood and starring roles in movies such as Wise Guys (with Danny DeVito), Johnny Dangerously (with Michael Keaton), Dead Heat, and Sidekicks with Chuck Norris, among others. Piscopo also delivered a dramatic performance in Jonathan Parker’s Bartleby. Not confined to just the screen, he starred on Broadway as disc jockey Vince Fontaine in Grease! and later headlined the production when it reopened in April 1997.

Live performances have always been an important part of Piscopo’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. Piscopo tours with his own original Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, as well as his multimedia comedy show. He has also guest-starred in various television shows including the NBC drama “Law and Order” and voiced in “The 1000 Deeds of Eddie McDowd”.

Beyond entertainment, Piscopo is committed to several philanthropic efforts. He founded “The Positive Impact Foundation,” creating media for at-risk youth and collaborated with The Enterasys Networks to provide $1 million in grants for inner-city school internet access. He has been recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County, NJ, and received Community Service Awards from Boys and Girls Clubs in New Jersey and Broward Co., Fla. His contributions to community service also earned him the “Ellis Island Medal of Honor” in April 2004.

Piscopo is currently the host of “Piscopo in the Morning” on AM970 THE ANSWER, broadcast live from New York City with a nation of listeners daily, all while continuing to pursue his passion for live entertainment.