Joe Gatto recently announced that he would be stepping away from Impractical Jokers after a decade with a detailed Instagram post. He returned to The Gram to update his fans on his next steps.
“When I committed to my upcoming series of shows starting in the Midwest this week, I obviously had no idea what life would look like at this moment,” Gatto wrote. “Regardless, we can all use some laughter and kindness right now, and I’ll therefore be keeping all of my dates. Excited to share some laughs with the fans in Iowa this weekend and all over the country in the weeks and months to come.”
Gatto’s first shows since he announced his departure from television start on Jan. 21 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has dates planned through May, with the tour ending on May 28 in Syracuse, New York. Tickets for the shows are available on his website.
Gatto is a co-founder of The Tenderloins, a comedy troupe with Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano, and James Murray. In 2011, the group launched Impractical Jokers, an all-time great hidden camera improv show.
He announced recently that he stepping away from that show.
“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.
“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.
“Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. I know they will continue to make the world laugh. And even though the four of us are the ones who you all see, this show is only possible due to the hard work of the talented crew members who work behind the scenes. I am very thankful to have worked with each and every one of them.
“To all of the amazing fans, thank you for allowing me to make you laugh with Jokers. 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.
“As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you.
“Much love, Joe”
A tenth season, the first without Gatto, is now in development according to PopCulture.com. The initial show has launched into three spinoffs, a Joey Fatone-hosted after-show, and a feature-length movie. There was even a U.K. adaptation that ran from 2012 to 2016.
