Floyd Vivino
| Uncle Floyd Vivino | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Floyd Vivino October 19, 1951 Paterson, New Jersey, United States |
| Occupation | Television, Film, and Stage Actor |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Awards | Guinness Book of World Records - longest time playing a piano |
| Website | http://www.UncleFloyd.net |
Floyd Vivino a.k.a. "Uncle Floyd" (born October 19, 1951) is an American television, film, and stage performer primarily known for his comedy/variety TV show The Uncle Floyd Show (1974–1998).
Vivino was born in Paterson, New Jersey to Jerry Vivino Sr., a jazz trumpeter, and Emily Vivino. He grew up in Paterson, Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Island Heights, New Jersey, and Glen Rock, New Jersey. He attended Glen Rock High School where he produced a musical revue starring the school's janitorial staff. Floyd began his live performance career working as a child tap dancer in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and began his broadcast career over a friend's pirate radio station while in high school.
Floyd Vivino is the older brother of Jerry Vivino and Jimmy Vivino, who are full-time members of the television's Basic Cable Band, formerly called the Max Weinberg 7, and sought-after studio musicians. Floyd is also the uncle of musical theater actress Donna Vivino.
The Uncle Floyd Show aired in the New Jersey and New York market from 1974 to 1998. It can be read as a children's show or a parody of a children's show. Much of the humor has a twist aimed at adults in the style of Soupy Sales and Pee Wee Herman. The show featured character comedy, puppetry, some audience participation, musical guests, and Floyd's piano playing. One of Floyd's puppet sidekicks (actually a ventriloquial figure) was named Oogie. His on-air interaction with off-camera staff and sidekicks is somewhat in the vein of what Howard Stern and Chelsea Handler would later do. Local bands such as The Smithereens and The Shades, along with such well-known performers as The Ramones, Tiny Tim, Benny Bell, Bon Jovi, Peter Tork, Squeeze, David Johansen and Cyndi Lauper also appeared on Floyd's program.
...
Wikipedia