Joe Gatto made the difficult decision to depart Impractical Jokers after nine seasons. This decision was motivated by his desire to be a good father and actively participate in co-parenting his two children. He shared this news with fans on New Year’s Eve in 2021, surprising both the show’s viewers and his own fanbase.
Impractical Jokers, the beloved American TV series that has been a source of laughter for millions since its debut on December 15, 2011, features Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn. Together, they have entertained audiences worldwide with their daring pranks, ranging from mildly awkward to utterly hilarious, for over a decade.
As the show entered its tenth season, viewers eagerly anticipated more laughter and hijinks from their favorite quartet. However, Joe Gatto’s absence from the show has left a void, reminding fans of his irreplaceable presence even as the series continues without him.
Why Did Joe Gatto Leave Impractical Jokers?
Joe Gatto made the difficult decision to leave “Impractical Jokers” to focus on his family life following his separation from his wife, Bessy. His departure from the show, which he made public on December 31, 2021, stemmed from his desire to be the best possible father and co-parent to his two young children, aged six and four.
In an Instagram post, he explained his departure resulted from his amicable separation, emphasizing his commitment to focusing on his role as a dedicated father and co-parent to their daughter Milana (born 2015) and son Remington (born 2017). Joe’s decision was heartfelt, reflecting his dedication to his family during this period of change.
This unexpected announcement surprised fans, as Joe had been a key member of the popular comedy franchise for a decade. He expressed deep gratitude for his co-stars, Murr, Q, and Sal, highlighting the significance of their friendship in his life.
Despite leaving “Impractical Jokers,” Joe also expressed gratitude towards his devoted fans for their unwavering support during his nine-season journey on the popular show. He acknowledged the healing power of laughter, describing it as the best medicine and saying he found solace in making others laugh, especially during the challenging times the world faced.
In response to the news, the remaining trio, Q, Sal, and Murr, reassured fans through a joint Instagram statement that they would press on with plans to create a new chapter of Impractical Jokers starting in January. They expressed gratitude for the fans’ support and mentioned their renewed commitment to the show. Alongside this, they revealed a first-look deal with WarnerMedia and the renewal of their TruTV show for a tenth season.
Bessy Gatto, Joe’s partner, also shared the separation news on her Instagram, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting their children and continuing their shared passion for animal rescue. Although Joe won’t be part of the show anymore, he affirmed his dedication to comedy. He highlighted the therapeutic nature of making people laugh, especially in challenging times, expressing his eagerness to explore innovative ways of entertaining his fans as he confronts his personal struggles.
What is Joe Gatto Doing Now?
The former Impractical Jokers star, Joe Gatto, is currently touring the country, bringing laughter to audiences as a stand-up comedian with his stand-up solo show, Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy. Alongside this, he co-hosts the “Two Cool Moms” podcast with Steve Byrne, showcasing his success in the entertainment industry.
On their podcast, Joe Gatto and Byrne extend a helping hand to strangers dealing with challenges. They invite people to share their dilemmas, regardless of the size of their problem, with the Cool Moms Joe and Steve joining heads together to discuss, deliberate, and provide heartfelt, spot-on, motherly advice to those in need.
After leaving Impractical Jokers at the end of 2021, Joe did not step away from the entertainment scene entirely. He embarked on an 11-show comedy tour, sharing his childhood experiences while growing up in Staten Island.
Despite his sudden departure from the show, he remains on good terms with his old friends, surprising them at various locations like Birmingham, Alabama, and Richmond, Virginia. In addition to his live performances and podcast, Gatto is also an author, having penned “The Dogfather: My Love for Dogs, Dessert, and Growing Up Italian.
Is Joe Gatto Returning to Impractical Jokers?
Currently, there’s no sign of Joe returning to the show. Instead, he focuses on stand-up performances and co-hosts the Two Cool Moms podcast with Steve Byrne. While the Impractical Jokers star has reconciled with his wife, Bessy Gatto, as they celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary in September 2023, there is no word that Joe will be returning to the show.
With his family life back on track, fans have been curious about whether he’ll reunite with his former cast mates, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano, on the TruTV show, but the star has not expressed intentions to reunite with his former cast mates, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano, on the TruTV series.
The series moved forward without him, premiering its tenth season on February 23, 2023, featuring a variety of celebrity guests. It appears that Gatto has skillfully transitioned his success from the show into a show business career that aligns better with his family-focused life.
It’s safe to assume that Joe remains steadfast in his commitment to being there for his children, making a full-time return to Impractical Jokers unlikely. Although the future remains uncertain, there’s a slim chance the Impractical Jokers might reunite down the line. For now, fans will have to enjoy the show without Joe’s presence, appreciating the unique dynamics created by the remaining trio.
FAQs
Is Joe Gatto still on Impractical Jokers?
Joe Gatto is no longer on Impractical Jokers. The show returned for its tenth season on February 23, 2023, marking the first season without Joe, indicating his departure from the series.
Why did Joe Gatto Quit Impractical Jokers?
Joe Gatto left Impractical Jokers to focus on being an active parent to his two children. This happened after he and his wife Bessy separated.
Why did Joe Gatto get Divorced?
Joe Gatto has not disclosed the specific reason why he initially separated from Bessy Gatto. However, the duo have since reconciled and the divorce rumors have been put to rest.
