Joe Gatto has been a staple member of the Impractical Jokers troupe since the hidden camera practical joke show first premiered on TruTV in 2011. Along with his co-stars James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano, Joe entertained viewers with his fearless approach to public humiliation and commitment to awkward scenarios. However, in January 2022, Joe announced he was leaving Impractical Jokers after an impressive decade-long run. Naturally, his sudden departure left many fans wondering — what happened to Joe from Impractical Jokers?
Joe’s announcement that he was leaving Impractical Jokers
On December 31, 2021, Joe Gatto took to Instagram to announce his departure from Impractical Jokers after 8 seasons. His statement read:
“Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished. However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away. Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”
He went on to express his gratitude to the show’s fans and his co-stars Murray, Quinn and Vulcano. It was evidently an extremely difficult decision for Joe to leave the hugely popular show, but he cited personal reasons for needing to step away.
Specifically, Joe revealed he was going through a separation from his wife Bessy Gatto. The couple had been married since 2013 and share two children together, son Remington Joseph (born 2015) and daughter Milana (born 2017). It appears Joe felt he needed to take time away from Impractical Jokers and television in general to focus on this major transition in his family life.
How did the other Jokers respond to Joe’s exit?
James, Brian and Sal issued their own statement on February 9, 2022 expressing support for Joe’s decision. They emphasized that while they were saddened to see him go, they understood and respected his choice.
Part of the statement read: “…Joe, who is our brother, is dealing with some issues and is unable to continue with the show at this time. We support Joe 100%, and our friendship and brotherhood will be everlasting.”
The trio made it clear there was no ill will or drama behind Joe leaving the group. The stars had been close friends for decades before finding TV success together.
In interviews, Q, Murr and Sal reiterated that they wanted to keep making people laugh, but the door was always open for Gatto to return. It was a bittersweet situation, but the embattled comedian had his friends’ full support.
Has the show continued without Joe?
Yes, Impractical Jokers has continued on with the three remaining Jokers – Brian, James and Sal.
Joe last appeared in the Season 9 finale, which aired February 3, 2022. A week later on February 10, the show returned for its 10th season premiere with just Q, Murr and Sal.
The trio explained they were entering a new era, but the basic format and objective of daring each other to pull humiliating public pranks was unchanged.
Ratings dipped in early episodes compared to Season 9, which is unsurprising given Joe’s immense popularity. However, viewership picked back up as the season continued.
Impractical Jokers seasons 10 and 11 have now aired, proving the show can still attract an audience without Joe. The hilarious and fearless antics of Q, Murr and Sal have kept fans engaged.
The guys are now also expanding the Impractical Jokers franchise with the Impractical Jokers Movie featuring Paula Abdul, a cruise ship event, touring show and more. Even without Joe, the laughs have continued for Impractical Jokers across different mediums.
Where is Joe Gatto now?
Joe has kept a relatively low profile since exiting Impractical Jokers in early 2022. He seems to be primarily focused on raising his two children and co-parenting amicably with Bessy.
However, Joe has dipped his toes back into comedy and entertainment. He launched a new podcast called Two Cool Moms where he invites fellow comedians on to chat about parenting and family life. Guests so far have included Chris Distefano, Jim Breuer and Mo’Nique.
Joe has also been performing solo stand-up comedy shows across the country. He appears to be testing the waters of what his career looks like post-Impractical Jokers.
In April 2022, he made his first TV appearance since leaving the show on the popular daytime talkshow The Wendy Williams Show. Joe shared details on life after divorce, maintaining friendship with Q, Sal & Murr, and his excitement to return to stand-up full time.
It’s clear Joe is hoping to forge a new path that allows him to still do what he loves – make people laugh – while remaining present as a single Dad.
Fans can expect more podcast episodes, more touring and probably a new comedy special from Joe Gatto. He’s been laying relatively low but seems poised for a showbiz comeback on his own terms.
Will Joe ever return to Impractical Jokers?
It remains unclear if Joe will rejoin Impractical Jokers at any point. The other Jokers have made it clear he is welcome to come back someday if he wishes. However, Joe has not given any indication he would return to the show soon.
For now, it appears Joe is fully stepping away from the television cameras and enjoying being a comic again on his own terms. While a reunion could happen way down the road, Joe seems to be deliberately taking a break from the Impractical Jokers world.
The show must go on without him for now. But true fans will always remember Joe’s classic, cringe-worthy pranks and the chemistry he shared with the other Jokers. Those years of fun can never be erased.
Joe’s other notable moments on Impractical Jokers
Beyond Joe’s shocking exit, he had many other memorable moments on the show worth highlighting:
– Punishment where he had to get a embarrassing tattoo chosen by Q, Sal and Murr. Joe got a ferocious but goofy-looking cat tattooed on his thigh.
– Challenge where he was dressed up as an elderly woman and had to shop in a grocery store with uncomfortable menstrual product props under his dress.
– Casting call punishment where Joe showed up thinking he was auditioning for a movie but ended up at a beauty pageant for little girls. He had to walk the stage and answer questions in a tiny sundress and wig.
– Joke where he had to go undercover as a dietary volunteer at a food festival, telling people disgusting fake facts about food. He said things like hamburgers give men breast cancer and carbs make women go bald. The confused and horrified food lovers had no idea they were getting pranked!
Joe Gatto created some all-time classic moments alongside the other funnymen of Impractical Jokers. He will be greatly missed on the show moving forward, but has left behind a strong comedic legacy.
Conclusion
In summary, Joe Gatto departed Impractical Jokers during Season 9, citing personal reasons related to his divorce. The other Jokers expressed support for Joe’s difficult decision.
Despite losing an original cast member, Impractical Jokers has continued on with Q, Murr and Sal at the helm. Joe seems focused on raising his kids, dating, doing stand-up and podcasts.
It is unclear if Joe will ever make a triumphant return to Impractical Jokers down the road. For now he is forging a new path without the show that made him famous. Regardless of what’s next for Joe, he gave fans a decade of gut-busting comedy gold on Impractical Jokers.