Uncle Floyd, RIP

Floyd Vivino, better known as comedian, talk show host and NJ cult legend Uncle Floyd, has died on Thursday (1/22) at age 74.

His brother Jerry Vivino shared the news on Facebook: “With a heavy heart I am sad to announce the passing of my brother and everybody’s favorite uncle, Floyd Vivino. After a 2 and a half year battle with ongoing health issues his curtain peacefully closed at 6:05pm on Thursday January 22nd. Rest in peace big brother. You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans…. 10/19/1951 – 01/22/2026 🎶❤ ✝️❤🎹 The family will be holding a private funeral with a memorial celebration of life to be announced at a future date.”

Born in Patterson, NJ in 1951, Vivino is best known for The Uncle Floyd Show, that aired on NJ local cable and independent stations in various forms from 1974 until 2001, and at its height in the ’80s was syndicated on NYC-area channels. A parody of kids shows, it featured puppets, a cast of beloved side characters, celebrity guests and musical performances. Over the years, musical guests included everyone from Ramones, Bon Jovi and Blue Oyster Cult to The Smithereens, R. Stevie Moore, Cyndi Lauper and more.

Vivino was a talented musician himself and Uncle Floyd often took to the piano on his show and released The Uncle Floyd Show Album on Mercury Records in 1983.

RIP Uncle Floyd.

Check out clips from The Uncle Floyd Show, including visits from Ramones, Bon Jovi, and Blue Oyster Cult, below.