'Impractical Jokers' Star Joe Gatto Mourns The Death Of His Dog Amid Divorce Drama
By MLC on January 20, 2022 at 8:30 PM EST
“Impractical Jokers” funnyman Joe Gatto is mourning the loss of a furry friend.
The TV personality took to Instagram on Wednesday, January 19, to announce the passing of his dog, Cotta.
The Instagram account @gatto_pups announced the heartbreaking news with a post to their grid.“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Cotta. She was a sweetheart who loved cuddling and taking naps. As heartbroken as we are to lose her, we have comfort knowing this sweet angel has been reunited with her bonded sister Panna💕,” the post read.
Joe Gatto Loses His Senior Dog, Cotta
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Fans of the ‘Joker’ were quick to send their condolences and well wishes in the comments section.
“We're so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with you ❤️,” Trupanion wrote.
Another fan wrote, “Awww. I am so sorry. You and your family are true angels from heaven. God bless you and your family ❤️❤️❤️.”
One grateful fan thanked Gatto for taking in a senior dog writing, “Man you guys take on the toughest job and I give you so much respect taking care of the senior pups and giving them a comfortable home and all the love 😘💕.”
Another commented, “So sry for your loss Joe. And tyvm what you are doing❤️.”
Many others wrote, “So sorry for your loss” and “RIP sweet angel.”
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This loss comes amid Gatto’s separation drama from wife, Bessy Gatto.
On December 31, 2021, Gatto announced he would be disbanding from his “Impractical Jokers” crew consisting of him, Brian “Q” Quinn, Sal Vulcano , and James “Murr” Murray.
Joe Gatto Is A Dog Man
In his Instagram announcement he also noted that he is going through problems in his personal life, and that he and Bessy had decided to part ways after eight years of marriage.
Gatto started out, “Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers. 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.”
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Gatto made sure to note that he knows his compadres, Q, Sal and Murr will continue their legacy of brining laughs and happiness to fans. He also thanked the behind-the-scenes crew for all of their hard work.
Gatto & His Wife Bessy Are Separating
“I know they will continue to make the world laugh. And even though the four of us are the ones who you all see, this show is only possible due to the hard work of the talented crew members who work behind the scenes. I am very thankful to have worked with each and every one of them,” he wrote. “To all of the amazing fans, thank you for allowing me to make you laugh with Jokers. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and I hope I’ve been able to provide some of that over the last decade. Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves.
Gatto concluded, “As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you. Much love, Joe.”
The announcement came as a MASSIVE shock to the “Impractical Jokers” fanbase.
In the event you’ve never seen the show, it’s a sketch comedy show where four life-long friends compete to embarrass each other through public challenges.
On fan commented on Gatto’s post, “Absolute legend. Thanks for the entertainment.”
“We are all with you. ❤️❤️❤️,” another fan wrote.
Comedian Drew Lynch commented, “We love ya Joey ❤️.”
Gatto is currently on a comedy tour and during a stop in Davenport, IA last week, the comedian made light of his marital issues.
An attendee at the show said, “It was really funny. He was very upbeat. He never stopped smiling.”
Mid-performance a fan asked, “How’s life going?”
Gatto responded, “pretty f***ing fantastic.”