New Jersey Icon Uncle Floyd Vivino Dies At 74

Floyd Vivino, better known as Uncle Floyd, has died at the age of 74, closing the curtain on a career that spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on New Jersey’s cultural landscape. Born in Paterson, New Jersey in 1951, Vivino became a household name through his unique blend of comedy, music, and television, most notably as the host of The Uncle Floyd Show. His passing on January 22, 2026, at 6:05 p.m., following a two and a half year battle with ongoing health issues, was announced by his brother Jerry Vivino on social media. "Rest in peace big brother. You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans," Jerry wrote, according to The Economic Times.

Vivino’s journey began in a musical family—his brothers, Jimmy and Jerry, carved out notable careers as a guitarist and saxophonist, respectively. After graduating from Glen Rock High School, Floyd’s career took off when he pitched a show to United Artists Cable Communications in the early 1970s. In a 2010 interview with The Star-Ledger, Vivino admitted, "I told a lie. I said I’d had a TV show for three years in Albany, New York. They asked me the name of it. I said it was called ‘The Uncle Floyd Show,’ a kiddie show. They bought it — hook, line and sinker. They needed product." And so, The Uncle Floyd Show was born, premiering on January 29, 1974.

What started as a low-budget, locally broadcast variety program quickly gained cult status across New Jersey and parts of New York. The show’s format—part musical parody, part children’s show, and all irreverent fun—featured comedy sketches, musical performances, puppetry, and a rotating cast of sidekicks, both human and felt. According to NorthJersey.com, Vivino was the third show to air in the history of New Jersey cable, following only news and gardening programs. The show’s quirky charm attracted a loyal following, with the Uncle Floyd Fan Club boasting over 13,000 members in 23 states at its peak, as reported by The Economic Times.

Vivino’s appeal stretched far beyond the Garden State. His fanbase included rock legends like David Bowie and John Lennon. Bowie, in particular, was effusive in his praise. In a 2002 tribute, he recalled, "Back in the late 70’s, everyone that I knew would rush home at a certain point in the afternoon to catch the Uncle Floyd show. He was on UHF Channel 68 and the show looked like it was done out of his living room in New Jersey. All his pals were involved and it was a hoot. It had that Soupy Sales kind of appeal and though ostensibly aimed at kids, I knew so many people of my age who just wouldn’t miss it. We would be on the floor it was so funny. I just loved that show." Bowie even immortalized Uncle Floyd in his 2002 song "Slip Away," while The Ramones referenced him in their 1981 track "It’s Not My Place." Vivino once recounted meeting Bowie, who told him he’d heard about the show through John Lennon—a testament to Uncle Floyd’s unlikely reach, as noted by The Bergen Record.

Despite its modest production values, The Uncle Floyd Show attracted high-profile guests and became a rite of passage for local and national musicians. Acts like The Ramones, Jon Bon Jovi, and Cyndi Lauper graced the set, drawn by the show’s offbeat humor and Vivino’s infectious energy. The program ran for an impressive 27 years, finally wrapping in 2001. Yet, Vivino’s career hardly slowed. He performed as many as 300 comedy shows a year across New Jersey, donning his signature porkpie hat and delighting audiences with routines like "Deep in the Heart of Jersey," a parody of the Texas classic. The lyrics, as quoted by The New York Post, captured his affectionate ribbing of his home state: "The dumps in June ain’t like perfume/Deep in the heart of Jersey/But it’s my state, I think it’s great/Deep in the heart of Jersey."

Vivino’s talents extended to the big and small screens. He made appearances in the 1987 Robin Williams film Good Morning, Vietnam and on popular television series like Law & Order. He also hosted a streaming radio show, "Uncle Floyd on the Radio," and continued to perform live, including all-ages musical-comedy revues such as Uncle Floyd’s Wild West Show. Even after suffering a stroke in late 2023, Vivino’s presence endured through weekly livestream watch parties hosted by his friend Scott Gordon, featuring classic clips and fan interactions, according to NJ.com.

Vivino’s health struggles were well documented in his later years. In a December 2024 interview with New Jersey 101.5, he spoke candidly about recovering from a stroke in 2023: "I had two holes drilled in my head to relieve it. And that usually cripples somebody, I came out of that okay. I’ve been doing okay with the nurses and things. I’ve been battling here. The worst part is not having any show to do." He also faced COVID-19 and both bladder and prostate cancer in 2022, as reported by The New York Post. Despite these challenges, Vivino remained a fixture on the local entertainment scene, performing at venues large and small, from steakhouse gigs to county fairs.

His impact on New Jersey was profound. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh told The Bergen Record, "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." Tributes poured in across social media following his death, with fans reminiscing about afternoons spent watching The Uncle Floyd Show and the joy it brought to their lives. Vivino was nominated for the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2025, though he was not ultimately selected.

Vivino’s legacy is one of laughter, resilience, and a deep love for his community. His family has announced plans for a private funeral, with a public memorial celebration of life to be announced at a later date. As his brother Jerry wrote, Uncle Floyd will always be remembered by friends, family, and the generations of fans who grew up laughing along with him. His story is a testament to the enduring power of local television, the magic of live performance, and the unique spirit of New Jersey.