Big Changes as 2022 rolling in starting with one of your favorite television ensembles.
Variety reports that Founding member of the comedy group The Tenderloins and star of truTV’s prank show “Impractical Jokers,” Joe Gatto, has announced he is exiting the the series.
Gatto shared the news on Friday night, saying that he and his wife have separated and he wishes to spend time focusing on co-parenting his children.
“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,'” Gatto wrote. “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.”
A statement from the remaining members via social media stated that “Impractical Jokers” will keep going without Gatto, and they’ll resume making a “new chapter” in January.
“Hi everyone, so here we are…After all these years together, we never imagined making ‘Impractical Jokers’ without Joe. While we are saddened to see him go, we want to keep making people laugh, keep our relationship working with the members of our team that we consider family. With the support of our fans, we’ll get back to making a new chapter of ‘Impractical Jokers’ in January,”
“Impractical Jokers” was renewed for Season 10 this fall, with a premiere date yet to be announced. The show follows the comedians as they force each other to publicly prank strangers and humiliate themselves. A feature-length film with the group was released in February 2020. Guest stars on the series have included Joey Fatone, Jeff Daniels, Jameela Jamil, Harry Conick Jr. and many more.
You can see more of Gattos heartfelt letter on his Instagram @Joe_Gatto