A few weeks ago, I was at a local new and used record store that is a main staple in Phoenix called Zia Records. I had some trade credit and also traded in a few other things for more store credit. I got this awesome Don Martin Mad Magazine Hardcover book collection that spans through most of his career. It is amazing.
But while digging through the vinyl I stumbled across a used record from one of my favorite Saturday Night Live Alumni Joe Piscopo. The record is called New Jersey. It was a comedy album with songs and it featured Joe on the cover looking like a member of the E-Street Band. I immediately picked it up, and upon checkout the fella at the register stated that if I told him what I was thankful for they would issue me one dollar off my total. Piscopo’s album was only one dollar used so I wound up getting the record for free. Total steal!
What was I thankful for you ask? I told the clerk I was grateful that Zia Records had a Joe Piscopo record for a dollar. He turned and wrote it on a dry erase board next to a big list of things other people were grateful for. I found it strange that I got no response from the clerk, so I asked him, “Do you know who Joe Piscopo is?” He glanced at the record and said in all seriousness, “He is some eighties rocker, right?”
My mind was blown! How has “Jersey Joe” become such a forgotten legend for a generation that is not too much younger to me? All the Saturday Night Live stuff aside, Piscopo had one of the greatest comedic roles of all time in Johnny Dangerously as Danny Vermin. You remember, he belted out one of the best lines when he stated, “You shouldn’t grab me, Johnny. My mother grabbed me once… Once!”
Sure, his movie career didn’t turn out like Eddie Murphy’s or his other Saturday Night Live alumni from that era, but nonetheless, Piscopo was a legend.
That’s what brings me to this. When I got home I started looking up on YouTube old Piscopo skits from Saturday Night Live. I saw many I haven’t seen before. For example, I never saw this skit with Piscopo and Eddie Murphy playing Carl Lewis. Click here if you want to see it.
But then I stumbled on these Joe Piscopo Miller Lite Commercials that I totally forgot about. They were amazing. In each commercial Piscopo plays a different nationality or stereotypical character that is more entertaining than the next. He wasn’t the only celebrity to do Miller commercials. You had everyone from Rodney Dangerfield, Bubba Smith. Bob Uecker, John Madden and Yogi Berra to name a few. Who could forget the arguing over if Miller Lite was less filling or if it taste great?
So take a few minutes for a laugh and enjoy Piscopo sell American’s beer like no other!
First up from 1987 Joe Piscopo Spoofs Bruce Lee and shows off some kung-fu skills!
In this commercial he spoofs everything awesome about 80’s wrestling!
“Rappin’ Fats” Piscopo does a Fat Boys Tribute on this rad commercial!
Meet Grizzly Piscopo – Famous Bear Wrestler!
This one had a change of pace – Miller Lite of the Living Dead!
Hello good chap, meet Nigel Piscopo, Shuffleboard Champ of 1988!
And last but not least, Buford Piscopo – Truck and Tractor Pull Champ!
