For fans of the hit comedy show Impractical Jokers, the absence of Joe Gatto has been a significant change. The show, known for its hilarious pranks and the camaraderie of its stars, felt different when Gatto announced his departure. So, why is Joe not on Impractical Jokers anymore? Let’s delve into the real reasons behind his exit and what he’s been up to since.
Impractical Jokers, featuring Joe Gatto, Brian “Q” Quinn, James “Murr” Murray, and Sal Vulcano, debuted on TruTV and quickly became a fan favorite. The foursome, who have been friends since high school, had a long journey in comedy before their breakthrough success. For 18 years prior to Impractical Jokers, they honed their comedic skills as a group, facing rejections from various TV projects. In 1999, they formed their comedy troupe, eventually leading to the concept of Impractical Jokers – a show centered around making each other laugh through outrageous pranks. Their aim was simple: to have fun and generate laughter without malicious intent, a formula that resonated deeply with audiences and sustained the show for over a decade.
Gatto recounted a pivotal moment early in their Impractical Jokers journey, a wrestling event with “Q”, where they were suddenly recognized and mobbed by fans. This experience was a defining moment, signaling their burgeoning fame and the impact of their show. Their comedic roots trace back to high school, where their humor was born from simply trying to amuse each other. Gatto described himself as shy initially, only truly coming into his own during his junior year. It was Sal Vulcano who encouraged him to join their improv club, an invitation Gatto initially hesitated over due to stage fright. Despite his nervousness about performing in front of a larger audience, he joined, embraced improv, and eventually decided to pursue comedy full-time in 2011.
Before dedicating himself to comedy, Gatto worked a conventional 9-to-5 job as a salesman at a baby store, dealing in high-end baby products. Comedy was his passion outside of work hours, pursued on evenings and weekends. When the opportunity arose to film the Impractical Jokers pilot, he used his two weeks of vacation. Upon the show being picked up, he had a conversation with his CEO, requesting a six-month hiatus. Surprisingly, she encouraged him to pursue his TV career, offering him the option to return if things didn’t work out. At the time, the prospect of full-time comedy TV stardom seemed uncertain, making him hesitant to fully leave his stable job.
So, what led to Joe Gatto’s departure from Impractical Jokers? The primary reason was his decision to prioritize his family and personal life. In December 2021, Gatto announced he would be leaving the show after separating from his wife. This personal upheaval prompted him to reassess his priorities, focusing on co-parenting and his well-being. While his departure marked the end of an era for Impractical Jokers fans, it was a decision rooted in personal necessity and a desire to navigate a significant life change.
Joe Gatto's comedy special 'Messing with People' on YouTube
Since leaving Impractical Jokers, Joe Gatto has channeled his comedic energy into stand-up comedy, further developing his solo career. His comedy special, Messing with People, is available for free on YouTube, allowing broad access for his fanbase. He actively engages with his audience online, responding to comments on his special, both positive and negative. Gatto embraces the subjective nature of comedy and appreciates all feedback, even thanking those who express criticism for giving his work a chance. One of his comedic anecdotes, featured in Messing with People, recounts a Disney Land trip with his son that hilariously backfired when his son, unfamiliar with Star Wars, believed he was being abducted by aliens on the Star Wars ride.
Despite leaving the show, Gatto remains on good terms with his Impractical Jokers co-stars – Brian “Q” Quinn, James “Murr” Murray, and Sal Vulcano. Their enduring friendship, forged over decades, transcends the show. He recounted a humorous anecdote highlighting their prankster nature even behind the scenes. Following a bit filmed near a landmark building with statues, the Impractical Jokers team received a trespassing fine. They turned this legal hiccup into an elaborate prank on Sal Vulcano. While the others were informed that the issue was resolved, Sal was kept in the dark and subjected to a staged legal drama, complete with a fake courthouse, hired actors, and hidden cameras, culminating in a mock Homeland Security raid months later. This story exemplifies the group’s playful dynamic and their commitment to elaborate pranks, even extending beyond the show itself. Gatto also humorously mentioned that despite the show’s success on basic cable, fame, not fortune, was the primary outcome.
In conclusion, Joe Gatto’s departure from Impractical Jokers stemmed from personal reasons, primarily his focus on family and stand-up comedy. While fans miss his presence on the show, he continues to connect with audiences through his solo comedy endeavors, like Messing with People. His legacy with Impractical Jokers remains significant, and his friendship with the other jokers endures, even as he embarks on new comedic paths.
