The REAL Reason Joe Gatto Left Impractical Jokers: Family, Divorce, And His New Chapter

The question "Why did Joe Gatto leave Impractical Jokers?" remains one of the most frequently searched queries on the internet, even years after his departure. The comedian, a founding member of the iconic Tenderloins comedy troupe, shocked millions of fans when he abruptly announced his exit from the hit truTV prank show on December 31, 2021. The official reason provided was deeply personal, revolving around the need to focus on his family following a separation from his wife, Bessy Gatto. As of December 2025, Gatto has fully embraced his new chapter, focusing on his successful stand-up comedy career and co-parenting his two children, making it clear that his personal life required a definitive shift in priorities. The departure marked the end of an era for the beloved quartet, known for their hilarious, often humiliating, on-screen dynamic. While the show has continued with the remaining three members—James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano—Gatto's absence left a noticeable void. His decision, though painful for fans, was a courageous step toward prioritizing mental health and family stability over his high-profile television career.

Joe Gatto: Complete Biography and Profile

Joseph "Joe" Gatto is an Italian-American comedian, actor, producer, and writer best known as one of the four members of the comedy troupe The Tenderloins and a former star of the reality comedy series Impractical Jokers.

• Birth Name: Joseph Anthony Gatto Jr.
• Date of Birth: June 5, 1976
• Place of Birth: Staten Island, New York, U.S.
• Education: Monsignor Farrell High School, Staten Island; St. John's University (Accounting)
• Comedy Troupe: The Tenderloins (formed 1999)
• Known For: Impractical Jokers (2011–2021), The Misery Index
• Wife (Separated): Bessy Gatto (Married 2013)
• Children: Milana Gatto (Daughter, born May 7, 2015), Remington "Remo" Gatto (Son, born July 31, 2017)
• Current Projects: Stand-up comedy tour ("The Night of Comedy"), podcast ("Two Cool Moms"), and children's books.

The Shocking Announcement: Why Joe Gatto Put Family First

Joe Gatto’s exit from Impractical Jokers came as a massive surprise to the show's loyal fanbase, especially since he was often considered the most fearless and committed of the four Jokers. His announcement was made via a heartfelt Instagram post on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2021, just as the show was preparing to film its eleventh season.

The core reason was explicitly stated as the need to step away from the demands of television production to focus on his personal life and family. The announcement coincided with the news of his separation from his wife, Bessy Gatto, after eight years of marriage.

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In his statement, Gatto explained, "Due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away. Bessy and I have decided to separate, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids, Milana and Remo." This commitment to his children, a daughter and a son, became the driving force behind his decision to leave the show and its rigorous production schedule.

The demands of filming a successful, long-running reality comedy show, which includes extensive travel and long days, were incompatible with the intensive focus required to navigate a separation and prioritize co-parenting. Gatto chose to remove himself from the public eye of network television to ensure his children's well-being and his own mental health during a difficult transition. This act of prioritizing family over a lucrative career resonated deeply with many fans and was supported by his fellow Jokers—Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn—who continue to be his close friends.

Life After the Show: Joe Gatto's New Path and Current Projects

Since his departure, Joe Gatto has not slowed down his comedic output; he has simply shifted its focus and medium. His career transition has been marked by a return to his roots: stand-up comedy and more personal, family-friendly projects.

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• Stand-Up Comedy Tour: Gatto immediately launched a successful, extensive stand-up tour titled "The Night of Comedy." This tour allowed him to connect directly with fans in a more intimate setting and on a schedule he could control, which is essential for co-parenting.
• First Comedy Special: His new focus culminated in the filming of his first solo comedy special, which he was excited to share with fans, allowing them to see a more "positive" and personal side of him.
• The "Two Cool Moms" Podcast: Gatto teamed up with comedian Steve Byrne to launch a new podcast, "Two Cool Moms," which further showcases his comedic voice outside of the Impractical Jokers format.
• Children's Book Author: Embracing his role as a father, Gatto has also ventured into writing children's books, a testament to his commitment to his kids.

While the initial announcement was about separation, the latest reports suggest Gatto and his wife, Bessy, have been focused on a positive co-parenting relationship for Milana and Remo. Gatto has consistently emphasized his commitment to his family and his desire to create a more balanced life. He has openly discussed the challenges of fame and the importance of stepping back when personal matters demand attention.

The Future of Impractical Jokers Without Joe

The remaining members of The Tenderloins—Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn (Q)—have continued the show, albeit with a new format that includes a rotating cast of celebrity guest stars. They have repeatedly expressed their love and support for Joe Gatto’s decision, confirming that their decades-long friendship remains strong despite the professional separation. The show's continuation, with the blessing of its former star, ensures that the spirit of the Tenderloins lives on, even as Joe Gatto embarks on his new, family-focused comedy journey. Fans can still catch him live on tour, where his signature comedic energy and love for his dogs, the "Gatto Pups," are on full display.