Joe Bologna's impressive acting career began with a leading role in a stage production of "Stalag 17" during his student days at Brown University, where he studied art history. After a ten-year hiatus from acting, Bologna made his Broadway debut as the star and co-author of the comedy smash "Lovers and Other Strangers". He continued to write and star in several films and television specials, including "Made for Each Other" (1971),"Cops and Robbers" (1973),"Honor Thy Father" (1973),"The Big Bus" (1976),and "Chapter Two" (1979).
Bologna's notable television credits include co-starring with his wife Renée Taylor in the Emmy-winning special "Acts of Love and Other Comedies" (1973),and starring in the made-for-television movie "Torn Between Two Lovers" (1979) alongside Lee Remick. He also reunited with Taylor in the critically acclaimed Broadway hit "It Had To Be You" and appeared in the CBS TV movie "One Cooks, the Other Doesn't" (1983) alongside Suzanne Pleshette.
In 1984, Bologna played Michael Caine's libidinous best friend in the comedy "Blame It on Rio", which earned him rave reviews. He also starred in "My Favorite Year" (1982) alongside Peter O'Toole, a Sid Caesar send-up that received well-received.