NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Floyd Vivino, the beloved New Jersey TV personality, comedian and musician known as Uncle Floyd, has died at 74, his brother announced on Friday.
“With a heavy heart I am sad to announce the passing of my brother and everybody’s favorite uncle, Floyd Vivino,” Jerry Vivino, his brother, wrote in a Facebook post.
According to Vivino’s brother, the entertainer died on Thursday following a two-and-a-half-year battle with health issues.
Floyd Vivino is best known for hosting his children’s variety show that was a crossover hit with viewers of all ages.
His first TV show, “Uncle Floyd & His Friends” debuted on cable television in January 1974 on UA Columbia Network. In November 1974, his show moved from cable to broadcast television, on Channel 68 in West Orange, and continued airing until 2001.
His show featured celebrity guests and musical performances–especially Vivino’s piano playing.
In a 2023 interview conducted by Vivino’s son Massimo, Vivino said he was inspired to go into show business because of his love for the audience.
“(I was inspired by) seeing an audience laugh and applaud and unite through humor and show business in a good and positive way,” Vivino said.
After his show went off the air, Vivino performed comedy shows around New Jersey called “Uncle Floyd’s Wild West Show.” He also hosted the radio show, “Uncle Floyd on the Radio.” In August 2024, Vivino began a podcast with long-time co-star and friend, Scott Gordon, where they’d answer questions and talk about show business.
The show remains a cult classic, with clips circulating for years on YouTube.
Vivino grew up in Paterson and Glen Rock, where he attended high school. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the American Mime Theater in New York.
In the same 2023 interview, Vivino told his son that the audience always encouraged him during his career, as well as his teachers in school.
“Sadly to say, most students don’t appreciate their teachers until years later.,” Vivino said. “Then we understand, now I understand how my teachers guided me and brought me…to feel comfortable in the school auditorium and the school plays.”
Vivino’s brother paid tribute to him on Facebook.
“Rest in peace big brother,” his brother continued on Facebook. “You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans.”
Fans shared tributes to Vivino as news spread of his death on Friday, and those fans include the mayor of Paterson.
“SO SAD. Uncle Floyd was like family to me. My mother laughed at all of his jokes and my wife thoroughly enjoyed his comedic routine. Sadly, one of the funniest Patersonians to ever live has left this life. May Floyd Vivino rest in eternal peace,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh on Facebook.
Vivino’s family is planning a private memorial, with a public event expected at a later date.
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