Floyd Vivino

Floyd Vivino aka "Uncle Floyd" (born October 19, 1951) is an American television, film, and stage performer primarily known for his comedy/variety TV show The Uncle Floyd Show (1974–1998).

Early life

Vivino was born in Paterson, New Jersey to Jerry Vivino Sr., a jazz trumpeter, and Emily Vivino. He grew up in Paterson, Point Pleasant, New Jersey and Glen Rock, New Jersey. He attended Glen Rock High School where he produced a musical revue starring the school's janitorial staff. Floyd began his live performance career working as a child tap dancer in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and began his broadcast career over a friend's pirate radio station while in high school.

Floyd Vivino is the older brother of Jerry Vivino and Jimmy Vivino, who are full-time members of the television's Basic Cable Band, formerly called the Max Weinberg 7, and sought-after studio musicians. Floyd is also the uncle of musical theater actress Donna Vivino.

Career

The Uncle Floyd Show

The Uncle Floyd Show aired in the New Jersey and New York market from 1974 to 1998. It can be read as a children's show, or a parody of a children's show. Much of the humor has a twist aimed at adults in the style of Soupy Sales and Pee Wee Herman. The show featured character comedy, puppetry, some audience participation, musical guests, and Floyd's piano playing. One of Floyd's puppet sidekicks (actually a ventriloquial figure) was named Oogie. His on-air interaction with off-camera staff and sidekicks is somewhat in the vein of what Howard Stern and Chelsea Handler would later do. Local bands such as The Smithereens and The Shades, along with such well-known performers as The Ramones, Tiny Tim, Bon Jovi, Peter Tork, and Cyndi Lauper also appeared on Floyd's program.