Comedian Joe Gatto announced that he would be leaving the show earlier this year. At first many fans speculated that there were contractual disputes between him and the other "Jokers". Some forums even went as far as suggesting that James Murray, who is also a producer on the show, was taking a higher salary than his fellow co-stars, prompting Gatto to leave the show altogether. But it turns out that is not the case at all...and thank goodness for that, because their friendship is something we can all aspire to.
Joe's reasons for no longer being a "Joker" have to do with his personal life, first and foremost. “I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers,” he wrote in the post. “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,” said Gatto in his latest Instagram post back on December 31.
Actor Will Geer
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The REAL Reason Joe Gatto Is Leaving Impractical Jokers
His divorce was the deciding factor! Sources close to the show believe that infidelity might have been at play, with Gatto having been accused of an affair in the past, although no public details or evidence were ever brought to light. But it's more than likely that the show's ever growing popularity also put a strain on their marriage, as the "Jokers" began to fill arenas and stadiums during live tours and performances that saw them spend more and more time away from their families. One of the things that has always characterized the stars of the show, was their apparently normal lives off camera which became anything but once the show grew!
And so, a tight schedule and accusations of that nature are bound to put a strain on any marriage. With that in mind, their separation is a hard one even for fans to take, as Bessy, his now ex-wife, featured on the show a few times herself. And Joe was by far the most popular of the cast, driving much of the show's best content.
“Although we will no longer be a couple, we will always be a family to our beautiful kids and we look forward to co-parenting together. We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter together,” said Gatto in his post.
The show will carry on without him for the foreseeable future with a new season scheduled for this 2022. But perhaps he can come back one of these days, and tell us it was all just one big joke!
