The celebrity rumor mill is often flooded with rumors of death. So, when death rumors started circulating about someone with a huge profile like Joe Gatto, it surely turns heads.

Rest assured, the fan-favorite impractical joker is still alive and pranking. But the reports of Joe Gatto’s death were accurate as well. Are you still confused? Don’t worry; we’ll clear that for you.

Read the full article to get the complete story of how the death rumors emerged.

You may read: ‘Impractical Jokers’ member Joe Gatto often takes to Twitter to express affection for his departed parents

What is Joe Gatto Doing now?

The famous comedian, actor, and producer announced on his Instagram in December 2021 that he and his wife Bessy Gattowere separating, because of which he said he would also leave Impractical Jokers to "focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”

He 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."

Yahoo reported in April 2023 that Joe and estranged wife Bessy had "husband and wife" written in the deed filed in June 2022 for their new house in Glen Head, New York.  

At the moment, their divorce status is not known. Still, one can see from their social media posts that they have a friendly relationship and celebrate life as a family.

Both of them even went on a vacation in the Bahamas with their two children, Milana (7) and Remington (5) in January 2023.

In addition, Bessy still functions as the President of their non-profit organization named Gatto Pups and Friends (@gattopupsandfriends), which rehabilitates "senior, disabled and unwanted animals."

She also functions as a board member of NYC Second Chance Rescue.

Since leaving the improvisational dares-based reality show to his castmates and Tenderloins friends, Sal Vulcano, Brian "Q" Quinn, and James "Murr" Murray, the The Tenderloins podcast host has been co-hosting Two Cool Moms podcast alongside comedian Steve Byrne. 

Currently, he has also dates lined up for his solo tour that will last till 30 December 2023. 

In 2020, he also authored the book 'The Dogfather: My Love for Dogs, Dessert and Growing Up Italian,'  which is about his dogs, his love for food, and his life growing up in Italian American household 

When he is not involved in any professional endeavors that enrich his net worth of $7 million, the self-proclaimed “dog father” updates his Instagram with photos and videos of his furry friends and his family.

His family consists of his estranged wife, Bessy Gatto, and two adorable kids: Milana Francis Gatto, Remington Joseph Gatto.

His Instagram gives glimpses of how he spends time and gets involved in fun activities like hiking, swimming, and playing games with his children.

Who Died? Late Joseph Gatto Wasn't One of the Impractical Jokers

The rumors of Joe Gatto's death arose after the reports of another Joseph Gatto’s death surfaced in The LA Times.

The homicide victim and the beloved comedian only shared the same name.

The now-deceased Joseph Gatto was a teacher, an artist, and a father to three kids, including state assemblyman Mike Gatto and the head of the Italian-American Museum of Los Angeles, Marianna Gatto.

He was shot dead in his residence in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, during an apparent home-invasion robbery in 2013.

As per the autopsy, the wound inflicted in his abdomen by the single shot fired from a handgun caused the death. 

Joe Gatto's and the Deceased Age Gap Clarifies all Confusion

Joe Gatto from the Impractical Jokers was born on June 5, 1976, while the deceased Joe Gatto was born around 1935. At the time of the death, he was only 37 years old, while the latter was 78 years old. 

Thus, the age gap provides a proper distinction between the two. And if that's not enough, the Tcomedian is a New York native and still resides there while the late Gatto was a Los Angeles resident.

In contrast to the differences, the confusion regarding the Gattos is somewhat justified. The New York-based comic and the LA-based teacher were both artists and both blessed with a daughter.

'Impractical Jokers' star Joe Gatto Is Alive And Thriving

The American humorist is alive. In fact, he has been taking his career forward actively.

For instance, he starred in the comedy film Impractical Jokers: The Movie, released on 21 February 2020.

The movie revolves around the real story of how 'Impractical Jokers' stars were sent on the road, competing in hidden-camera challenges for the chance to turn back the clock and redeem three of the four jokers.

It features all the original cast — Joe Gatto, James Murray, Sul Volcano, and Brian Quinn.  

The New York native, who encourages fans to adopt pets from shelters, even authored and released a book called The Dogfather in late August 2020.

The book gave a personal look into his life as the alpha male of his rescue dogs pack, the Gatto Pups.

The book dwells on a humorous retelling of Gatto’s memories of growing up as an Italian person, his love for desserts, and adopting his dogs.

It might not be surprising that all of his dogs are named after desserts: Cannoli, Biscotti, Tartufo, Zeppole, Spumoni, Pignoli, Napoleon, and Mishkan.

Interesting Read: 

Joe Gatto's Weight Loss Rooted Back To Playing Time With Daughter

What Is Joe Gatto's Net Worth, And How Many Kids He Has With His Former Wife?

The Scoopski Potatoes Tour

In 2021, Joe Gatto and the Impractical Jokers crew announced their live show tour dates. The schedule for 2021/2022 starting from November sure looked to be a wonderful opportunity for the crew to get life back on the road post - COVID.