Floyd Vivino, better known to his fans as Uncle Floyd, has died at 74.
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His brother, Jerry, who, with his other brother Jimmy, was a member of Conan O'Brien's house band during the host's late-night television career, announced Floyd's death on
Facebook yesterday, Jan. 22."With a heavy heart I am sad to announce the passing of my brother and everybody's favorite uncle, Floyd Vivino," Jerry wrote in his post. "After a 2 and a half year battle with ongoing health issues his curtain peacefully closed at 6:05pm on Thursday January 22nd. Rest in peace big brother. You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans."
The beloved actor and comedian may be the only person to have worked with both Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams and Insane Clown Posse.
"Uncle" Floyd Vivino Helped Launch Blondie and The Ramones
Floyd was born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1951 to Emily and Jerry Vivino, Sr., a respected jazz trumpeter. His inclination toward show business began as a young tap dancer in Atlantic City. In high school, he produced a musical revue with the janitorial staff.
He became a well-known figure in New Jersey and New York as the star of the cult children's show parody program, The Uncle Floyd Show. First broadcast on public access in 1974, the subversive program featured Floyd in a colorful porkpie hat and suit interacting with puppets and performing comical skits.
The show also drew a number of high-profile musical guests, including The Ramones, Bon Jovi, Squeeze, and Blondie.
At its peak, The Uncle Floyd Show was broadcast throughout New Jersey on the state's PBS stations. Its fan club boasted over 13,000 members and counted John Lennon, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie among its fans.
Floyd Vivino Was Also an Actor
Floyd also had a respectable career in television and film. His small screen credits include Law & Order and 100 Centre Street.
The comedian was also in Good Morning, Vietnam alongside Williams, as well as in the comedy Crazy People. He made a cameo as a ring announcer in the Insane Clown Posse film Big Money Hustlas.
