‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ Star Uncle Floyd Vivino Dies at 74 – Cause of Death Revealed

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I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Uncle Floyd, or Floyd Vivino as most people know him. He was a truly unique comedian and entertainer, and he’ll be deeply missed. His brother, Jerry, shared the news online – Floyd passed away peacefully yesterday evening, January 22nd, after a long battle with health problems. He was 74 years old, and he really left his mark on the world of comedy.

Jerry shared on Facebook that his brother had passed away, writing, ‘Rest in peace, big brother. You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family, and your loving fans.’ He also expressed the family’s sadness and thankfulness for all the support they’ve received.

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Vivino was a well-known part of life in New Jersey, largely because it was home to The Uncle Floyd Show. This local variety program aired from 1974 to 2001 and gained a dedicated following throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Uncle Floyd was famous for his distinctive style – a plaid coat and porkpie hat – and his energetic, unique show attracted many popular musicians and entertainers.

The show attracted huge stars like The Ramones, Cyndi Lauper, and Jon Bon Jovi, who often appeared as enthusiastic viewers themselves. David Bowie was such a fan that he wrote the song “Slip Away” as a tribute to Floyd and the show’s characters, solidifying his legacy in music.

Beyond his comedy, Floyd also worked in Hollywood. He was in the famous film Good Morning, Vietnam alongside Robin Williams, and made appearances on popular TV shows like Law & Order, Cosby, and The Sopranos.

The Vivino family has shared that Floyd will be honored with a private funeral for family and close friends. They are also planning a public event to celebrate his life and allow fans to pay their respects.

Despite his health worsening towards the end of 2023, Floyd remained busy with his career. He kept performing comedy and piano shows throughout New Jersey and New York, drawing on his many years of experience in television to entertain audiences.

The Vivinos are a musical family with a history in performance. Jerry and Jimmy Vivino are experienced musicians who famously played in Conan O’Brien’s Basic Cable Band. Along with Floyd, they were key in bringing a classic vaudeville comedy style to late-night television.

A lot of recordings of Floyd’s shows are now available online, letting new fans discover his one-of-a-kind comedic approach. Experts say The Uncle Floyd Show helped pave the way for the quirky, offbeat comedy we see today on channels like Adult Swim. Floyd’s mix of puppets, silly physical humor, and live music inspired many independent artists.

Floyd is remembered fondly by his brothers and sisters, as well as many friends and family members he made through the arts. He’ll be celebrated as a trailblazer in local television and for always championing up-and-coming talent.

People across New Jersey and even further away are sharing their sadness and fond recollections online. For a lot of fans, Joe Floyd wasn’t just someone who made them laugh or hosted shows—he felt like a childhood friend, a comforting presence from a more lighthearted and unique time in TV history.

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2026-01-24 12:16