Beloved NJ Icon Uncle Floyd, Legendary TV Personality, Passes Away at 74
Uncle Floyd, the offbeat New Jersey comedian who built a cult following with his scrappy, homespun TV antics, has died at 74. His passing marks the end of an era for fans who grew up on his chaotic charm, accordion riffs, and deadpan humor. News of his death spread quickly online after his brother, Jerry Vivino, confirmed the news on Jan. 22, sparking tributes from longtime viewers and fellow performers who saw him as a true original.
A Jersey Icon Who Never Played by the Rules
Uncle Floyd—born Floyd Vivino—wasn’t polished, and that’s exactly why people loved him. His long-running “Uncle Floyd Show” became a staple of New Jersey culture from the 1970s through the early 2000s. The show blended slapstick, music, puppets, and a kind of chaotic energy that felt like public-access TV on a sugar rush. Fans didn’t just watch; they joined a movement. At its peak, the Uncle Floyd Fan Club had more than 13,000 members across 23 states.
A Family Steeped in Music and Mischief
Vivino grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, surrounded by a family of musicians. His brothers Jimmy and Jerry Vivino went on to become respected players in their own right, but Floyd carved out his own lane—one where comedy, music, and pure weirdness collided. His brother Jerry Vivino confirmed the news of his passing on social media, writing, “Rest in peace big brother… You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans.”
Health Struggles and a Quiet Goodbye
According to USA Today, Vivino had been dealing with serious health issues for more than two years. Despite the challenges, he remained a beloved figure in the state’s entertainment history. A memorial photo posted to Facebook now reads: “Uncle Floyd Vivino, 1951–2026.”
A Legacy That Won’t Fade
For many New Jerseyans, Uncle Floyd wasn’t just a comedian—he was a rite of passage. His humor was rough around the edges, proudly low-budget, and deeply human. He inspired generations of performers who saw in him the freedom to be strange, loud, and unapologetically themselves.
Even as TV changed and audiences scattered, Uncle Floyd’s influence stuck around like a familiar tune you can’t shake. And now, with his passing, New Jersey loses not just a performer, but a piece of its cultural soul.
