Joe's early years were marked by a prolonged residency in Park Ridge and Wheaton, Illinois, spanning a total of 27 years, during which time he developed a strong sense of identity and character. A defining moment in his childhood was the unforgettable spectacle of witnessing Evel Knievel's daredevil stunt, where the legendary daredevil attempted to clear a staggering 10 buses in a single leap, a feat that left onlookers agog with wonder, including an 8-year-old Joe, who was deeply affected by the experience.
During his formative teenage years, a profound fascination with the 1978 cinematic masterpiece, Hooper, began to take hold of his imagination. As a 13-year-old boy, he had the unique opportunity to witness the film's on-screen magic unfold in a crowded theater, leaving an indelible mark on his young mind. This encounter sparked a burning desire within him to embark on a career path that would allow him to participate in the thrilling world of Hollywood stunts.
Joseph's journey unfolded in a most unconventional manner, with a succession of unorthodox occupations ultimately leading him to uncover his true calling in the realm of sales, where he traversed the Chicagoland area, peddling premium steak and seafood to customers at their doorstep.
Meanwhile, his ardor for daring stunts persisted, simmering beneath the surface like a pot about to boil over. It was in 1988, when a stunt school materialized in the Windy City, that Joe seized the moment, allowing himself to be thoroughly immersed in the art of stuntwork and simultaneously gaining valuable insight into the inner workings of the motion picture industry.
He immersed himself in the world of stunts, taking on the role of an extra and tirelessly working his way around film sets to acquire an abundance of valuable experience. This unwavering dedication and perseverance eventually paid off, as he landed the coveted opportunity to double for the illustrious actor Steven Seagal, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry.
Noted television action sequence specialist Joe has accumulated an impressive array of accolades throughout his illustrious career, boasting not one, but two prestigious Emmy awards for outstanding achievement in television action sequences, alongside two nominations for the coveted World Stunt Awards.
