Joe GattoHis shock was overwhelming Impractical Jokers‘ viewers when he announced that he was departing the comedy series amid his split from wife Bessy Gatto.
Fans of the truTV hit series have seen the couple several times on Impractical Jokers since its 2011 debut. Joe, who founded the Tenderloins comedy group alongside James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn Sal VulcanoHe also used social media to promote his relationship with Bessy.
Three years after Bessy moved to New York from California, Joe proposed to her. In 2015, they welcomed their daughter Milana Francis and Remington James.
In a loving tribute to the holiday season, the comedian shared his love for his family and gushed about them in November 2019.
“On a day that’s always been about family in my life, I am thankful. These three humans make me the most happy guy in the entire world. From the quirky daughter to snuggly son to the most loving and lovable partner in the universe,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “I hope all of you out there enjoy your day with your family. And if it’s not a happy situation for you this year I hope you stay strong and get through this one and start your journey to a better one next year.”
A few weeks before Joe & Bessy made the announcement that they were going their separate ways, the Misery Index alum shared his appreciation for his wife’s love of animals.
“This is what rescue looks like at the Gatto house. Each day all the seniors get some serious quality time with the Momma of the pack,” he captioned a photo of Bessy surrounded by their pets via Instagram in December 2021. “Such a big, beautiful heart on this wife of mine.”
Joe later confirmed that he had dropped out of the university after his breakup. Impractical JokersSeason 10 ahead
“Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers,” he wrote via Instagram at the time. “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. Unfortunately, some personal issues have forced me to leave. Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and coparent to our two incredible kids.”
In the statement, Joe reflected on his bond with his friends and costars, adding, “Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. They will keep making the world laugh. Even though we are the only ones you see, this show would not be possible without the hard work of the crew members. I am very thankful to have worked with each and every one of them.”
Joe concluded his note by thanking his supporters as he prepares to work through “the challenges I am facing,” writing, “They say that laughter is the best medicine, and I hope I’ve been able to provide some of that over the last decade. Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves.”
Scroll down to relive Joe and Bessy’s relationship:
