| Real Name: | José Antonio DÃaz a.k.a Joey "CoCo" Diaz |
| Birthday: | February 19, 1963 |
| Net Worth: | $1.5 Million |
| Height: | 178 cm |
| Occupation: | Cuban-American Stand-up Comedian, Actor, Podcaster, Author |
Joey Diaz, born on February 19, 1963, is a Cuban-American stand-up comedian, actor, podcaster, and author. Often referred to as “CoCo” Diaz, he has made a lasting impact on the comedy scene and has established himself as a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. Known for his wit and relatability, Diaz captivates his audience with stories and anecdotes from his life experiences.
As an actor, Diaz has played various roles across different TV shows and movies, including “The Many Saints of Newark” and “Grudge Match.” In addition, he has writing and producing credits, showcasing his versatility and talent in the field. Apart from acting, Diaz has gained popularity with his podcast “The Church of What’s Happening Now,” where he discusses different topics ranging from personal experiences to comedy and beyond.
As a Cuban-American, Diaz brings a unique perspective and voice to the comedy world. This background has helped him contribute to the diversity of comedic styles and connect with a broad audience. Through his multiple platforms, Joey Diaz continues to captivate and entertain fans while solidifying his position in the world of comedy and entertainment.
Story Stages
Early Life and Background
Birth and Havana Roots
Joey Diaz, born José Antonio Diaz, is a Cuban-American actor, comedian, and podcast host. He was born on February 19, 1963, in Havana, Cuba. At a young age, Diaz and his family immigrated to the United States, leaving behind their Havana roots.
North Bergen Migration
Upon arriving in the United States, Diaz’s family settled in North Bergen, New Jersey. Joey spent most of his formative years in this tight-knit community. At the time, he was the only Cuban-American in the area, which shaped his perspective and experiences growing up.
Formative Years
Joey Diaz attended McKinley School, later progressing to North Bergen High School. Throughout his school years, he was known as a troublemaker and often found himself in fights. His mother, who ran a bar and a successful numbers game operation, helped raise him. Despite the challenges Diaz faced, his experiences as a Cuban-American in North Bergen contributed significantly to the development of his unique comedic style and outlook on life.
Comedy Career
Stand-Up Beginnings
Joey Diaz began his career in stand-up comedy in 1991, when he decided to pursue it full time. He initially performed in the Colorado and Seattle areas, developing his unique style and honing his skills. In 1995, Diaz decided to make the move to Los Angeles, where he could further develop his career in comedy and explore opportunities in acting.
Rise to Prominence
Over the years, Joey Diaz has earned a reputation as a talented and hilarious stand-up comedian. As his comedy career progressed, he earned opportunities in various films and television shows. Some of the notable projects in his filmography include My Name Is Earl, The Longest Yard, Spider-Man 2, Grudge Match, and The Many Saints of Newark. Diaz’s appearances in these projects have helped to cement his status as a well-respected comedian and actor in the industry.
- My Name Is Earl
- The Longest Yard
- Spider-Man 2
- Grudge Match
- The Many Saints of Newark
The Comedy Store
Throughout his career, Joey Diaz has had a strong connection with The Comedy Store, a renowned comedy club in Los Angeles. This venue has been instrumental in the development and growth of many famous comedians, and Diaz is no exception. Diaz regularly performs at The Comedy Store, showcasing his talent and ability to captivate audiences with his comedic storytelling. His presence at this iconic venue has also helped to solidify his standing within the comedy community and foster a sense of camaraderie among fellow comedians.
Television and Film Appearances
Early Roles
Joey Diaz began his television and film career in the early 1990s after pursuing stand-up comedy. He appeared in various genres, such as crime, drama, mystery, and documentary. His early roles include “American Gun” (2002), a drama film where he played a minor character.
Breakthrough: My Name Is Earl
His breakthrough role came in the mid-2000s when he was cast in the popular television series, “My Name Is Earl.” This comedy series provided Diaz the opportunity to showcase his acting skills, leading to more prominent roles in film and television.
Diverse Filmography
Over the years, Joey Diaz has built a diverse filmography that spans several genres. Some of his notable film appearances include:
- Spider-Man 2 (2004), where he played a train passenger in a pivotal scene with the titular superhero.
- The Longest Yard (2005), an American sports comedy film in which Diaz portrayed Big Tony.
- Taxi (2004), an action-comedy film featuring Diaz in a minor role.
- Grudge Match (2013), a sports comedy-drama film in which he appeared as a fight promoter.
- The Many Saints of Newark (2021), a crime drama film where Diaz played the character Buddha.
In addition to his film roles, Joey Diaz has continued to make appearances in television series such as “This Is Not Happening” (2015) and various documentaries showcasing his stand-up comedy expertise. This diverse filmography displays Joey Diaz’s ability to adapt to different roles across multiple genres.
Podcasting Endeavors
The Joe Rogan Experience
Joey Diaz gained significant exposure through his appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE). As one of the most popular podcasts in the world, JRE, hosted by comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, has featured Diaz in numerous episodes. In addition to sharing stories from his life and experiences as a stand-up comedian, Diaz participates in the podcast discussions on a wide range of topics, helping contribute to its engaging content. For instance, one memorable episode where Diaz was featured is the JRE episode #1409, released on January 14, 2020, with a runtime of 3 hours and 5 minutes.
The Church of What’s Happening Now
Joey Diaz created his own podcast, The Church of What’s Happening Now, showcasing his talent as a podcaster. In each episode, Diaz shares his unique perspective on life, comedy, and current events, often featuring guest appearances by fellow comedians and performers. This podcast not only serves as a platform to highlight Diaz’s storytelling abilities but also provides his listeners with a regular dose of humor and insight.
Uncle Joey’s Joint
Further expanding his podcasting endeavors, Joey Diaz started another podcast called Uncle Joey’s Joint. In this podcast, he continues to entertain his audience through humorous anecdotes, engaging conversations, and commentary on various topics. One popular platform to listen to Uncle Joey’s Joint is Spotify, where users can enjoy the podcast without needing a credit card to sign up.
Some key episodes and platforms for Joey Diaz’s podcast appearances:
- JRE Episodes:
- Episode #1409 (January 14, 2020)
- Fight Companion Episode (January 20, 2024)
- The Church of What’s Happening Now Episodes:
- [Episode #1 (sample_episode_link)]
- [Episode #2 (sample_episode_link)]
- Uncle Joey’s Joint Episodes:
- Episode #1778 on Spotify
- [Episode #3 (sample_episode_link)]
In his podcasting career, Joey Diaz has demonstrated his ability to captivate a wide audience through storytelling and engaging discussions. With appearances on high-profile platforms such as The Joe Rogan Experience, along with his own successful podcasts, The Church of What’s Happening Now and Uncle Joey’s Joint, Diaz continues to be a strong presence in the podcasting world.
Personal Life
Family Insights
Joey Diaz is happily married to Terrie Clark since November 25, 2009. Together, they have a daughter named Mercy Diaz. Terrie, born in February 1970 in Nashville, prefers a private life and is rarely seen in the spotlight.
Influences and Motivations
Influenced by the 1988 film Punchline, Joey began performing blue humor. He was raised Catholic and has fond memories of learning stories about St. Francis of Assisi and St. Michael. Diaz attended McKinley School and North Bergen High School, where he won awards for performing arts. He later graduated in 1982.
Offstage Personality
Although not much is known about his offstage personality, it is clear that Joey Diaz maintains a private life, just like his wife, Terrie. His ability to keep their personal life away from the public eye demonstrates mutual respect and understanding of each other’s boundaries.
Legacy and Influence
Impact on Comedy
Joey Diaz, a Cuban-American stand-up comedian, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. Born on February 19, 1963, Diaz’s raw, uncensored, and hilarious style of comedy resonates with audiences, earning him a dedicated following. Despite a tumultuous upbringing, he has successfully forged a career in comedy, showcasing his talent and unique comedic voice on various platforms, including stage performances and podcasts.
Joey Diaz’s influence can be felt not only in his performances but also in the way he has inspired and paved the way for other comedians. By unapologetically sharing his personal experiences and thoughts on stage, he has contributed to the evolution of stand-up comedy as an art form, demonstrating that there are no off-limits topics when it comes to humor. His perseverance and genuine approach to comedy have made him a respected figure in the industry.
Collaborations with Comedians
Throughout his career, Joey Diaz has worked with numerous fellow comedians, both on and off the stage. His collaborations are a testament to his impact on the world of comedy. One notable example is his regular appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience, a popular podcast hosted by fellow comedian Joe Rogan. Diaz’s interactions with Rogan showcase his ability to engage with other personalities and offer thought-provoking insights and humor.
In addition, Diaz has created his own podcast called The Church of What’s Happening Now, where he invites various comedians and personalities to discuss a range of topics. This platform allows Diaz to further extend his influence and promote the exchange of ideas within the comedic community.
To sum up, Joey Diaz’s remarkable career and collaborations have undoubtedly shaped the comedy landscape, inspiring future generations of comedians and reminding audiences of the power of laughter in the face of adversity.
Notable Works and Projects
Selective Filmography
Joey Diaz is a multi-talented actor and comedian known for his appearances in various films and television series. Some of his notable film roles include:
- Grudge Match (2013): In this comedy-sports film, Diaz appeared alongside legends Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone.
- Spider-Man 2 (2004): Diaz landed a role in this widely popular superhero film, directed by Sam Raimi.
- The Longest Yard (2005): This comedy-sports film also featured Diaz’s acting skills, and starred Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.
- Smiley Face (2007): Diaz appeared in this stoner comedy film alongside Anna Faris.
- The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009): In this family comedy film, Diaz proved his versatility as an actor.
Television Series Contributions
Diaz has also established a strong presence in television series, enhancing the entertainment value of some well-known shows. A few examples of his contributions include:
- How I Met Your Mother (2011): Diaz made a guest appearance in the popular sitcom.
- The Midnight Gospel (2020): Joey lent his voice acting talents to this unique adult animated series created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell.
- NYPD Blue (2001): Diaz appeared in an episode of this long-running, critically acclaimed crime drama series.
- My Name is Earl (2008): Diaz was featured in a guest appearance in this Emmy-winning television series.
- Maron (2013): Diaz showcased his comedic abilities in an episode of this sitcom.
- Triptank (2014-2016): Known for his voice acting abilities, Diaz participated in this animated sketch comedy series.
Guest Appearances
In addition to his work on the big screen and television series, Joey Diaz has made numerous guest appearances on various podcasts and talk shows. Some notable appearances include:
- The Joe Rogan Experience: Diaz has been a recurring guest on this popular podcast hosted by comedian Joe Rogan.
- A Fine Line (2006): Diaz appeared on this talk show as himself.
Joey Diaz continues to entertain fans through his work in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talents in various mediums and genres.
Social Media and Online Presence
Instagram and Twitter
Joey Diaz has a significant presence on social media platforms, particularly on Instagram and Twitter. On Instagram, his official account (@madflavors_world) has garnered a large following with thousands of followers. Diaz uses this platform to share snippets of his life, updates on his projects, and interact with fans. Similarly, on Twitter, Diaz can be found tweeting under the handle @madflavor, where he engages with fans and shares his opinions on a variety of topics.
YouTube Channel
In addition to his presence on Instagram and Twitter, Joey Diaz hosts a YouTube channel under the name “Joey Diaz Clips.” This channel features highlights from his podcasts, stand-up comedy performances, and interviews. This platform allows Diaz to share more extended content with his audience and helps in promoting his work as a comedian, actor, and author.
Through his consistent presence and engagement on these social media platforms, Joey Diaz is able to maintain a connection with his fans and stay relevant in the world of entertainment. Furthermore, notable platforms like IMDb and authoring a book contribute to his online presence. IMDb documents Joey Diaz’s extensive career in film and television, listing his numerous acting roles and appearances on popular shows. In terms of authoring a book, Joey Diaz’s memoir provides an insight into his life, combining humor and heartfelt storytelling. These various online platforms allow Joey Diaz to showcase his work and connect with a broader audience base.
Publications and Authorship
Joey Diaz is not only recognized for his performances as a stand-up comedian and actor but also for his contributions as an author. His works delve into his personal experiences and provide valuable insight into his journey through life.
Memoirs and Biographical Works
Tremendous: The Life of a Comedy Savage is one of Joey Diaz’s most notable works. Scheduled for release on May 2, 2023, this memoir shares the story of Diaz’s life, from his humble beginnings in Cuba to his rise as a comedy legend. Diaz’s raw, honest, and humorous writing style is sure to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
In addition to being an author, Joey Diaz is also a successful podcast host. His show, Uncle Joey’s Joint with Joey Diaz, offers a platform for him to discuss a variety of topics, share stories, and interview notable guests. The podcast has garnered a loyal following and consistently ranks among the top comedy podcasts. Some of his memorable podcast appearances include his episodes on the widely popular Joe Rogan Experience.
As both an author and podcast host, Joey Diaz continues to showcase his storytelling abilities. Through his various creative outlets, he has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the world of comedy and beyond.
