Impractical Jokers' Joe Gatto and Bessy Gatto: The Way They Were (2023)

Joe Gatto shocked his Impractical Jokers' viewers when he announced that he was departing the comedy series amid his split from wife Bessy Gatto.Longtime fans of the truTV hit series got to see the couple make several appearances on Impractical Jokers since its debut in 2011. Joe, who formed the Tenderloins comedy troupe alongside James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn and Sal Vulcano, also used social media to highlight his relationship with Bessy.Three years after Bessy relocated from California to New York to live with Joe, the duo tied the knot in 2013. They welcomed their daughter, Milana Francis, in 2015 and their son, Remington James, in 2017.In November 2019, the comedian gushed about his family in a loving tribute inspired by the holiday season."On a day that’s always been about family in my life, I am thankful. These 3 humans make me the happiest guy in the world. From the quirky daughter to snuggly son to the most loving and lovable partner in the universe," he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. "I hope all of you out there enjoy your day with your family. And if it’s not a happy situation for you this year I hope you stay strong and get through this one and start your journey to a better one next year."Weeks before Joe and Bessy announced their decision to go their separate ways, the Misery Index alum shared his appreciation for his wife's love of animals."This is what rescue looks like at the Gatto house. Each day all the seniors get some serious quality time with the Momma of the pack," he captioned a photo of Bessy surrounded by their pets via Instagram in December 2021. "Such a big, beautiful heart on this wife of mine."[jwplayer LpGyAPTk-zhNYySv2]Later that month, Joe confirmed that his breakup led to him dropping out of Impractical Jokers ahead of season 10."Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers," he wrote via Instagram at the time. "Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished. However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away. Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and coparent to our two incredible kids."In the statement, Joe reflected on his bond with his friends and costars, adding, "Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. I know they will continue to make the world laugh. And even though the four of us are the ones who you all see, this show is only possible due to the hard work of the talented crew members who work behind the scenes. I am very thankful to have worked with each and every one of them."Joe concluded his note by thanking his supporters as he prepares to work through "the challenges I am facing," writing, "They say that laughter is the best medicine, and I hope I’ve been able to provide some of that over the last decade. Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves."Scroll down to relive Joe and Bessy's relationship:[podcast_block]

The duo started dating in 2009.

Joe and Bessy moved in together along with his Impractical Jokers costar Murray the following year.

Four years after they started seeing each other, Joe and Bessy tied the knot in an intimate ceremony.

The pair welcomed daughter Milana Francis in May 2015.

Bessy gave birth to their son, Remington James, in July 2017.

Bessy reflected on her marriage to Joe in a sweet Instagram post, writing, "Same beach but 5 years, 2 kids, 6 dogs, a few more pounds, and a partridge in a pear tree later. Still here we are ...."

"This one. It all starts and ends with this one. Thankful for everything in my life," the New York native gushed about his wife via Instagram in November 2020. "All the hard work to accomplish my goals. Her support. My beautiful babies. Her carrying them. A household of rescue pets that are my pack. Her influence."

He added: "Thankful for all the craziness we endure. Together. Us against the world. Hope you all have a yam as sweet as mine. #thankful."

"I love my beautiful wife more than she loves candids," the actor captioned an Instagram pic of Bessy in May 2021.

The animal advocate shared side by side Instagram snaps of the twosome, saying, "A few years, a couple of kids, a few dogs, and alot of life in between these 2 pictures but here we are. Still in it and still strong. Love you ❤️."

"With love and respect, we have decided to separate. Although we will no longer be a couple, we will always be a family to our beautiful kids and we look forward to co-parenting together," she shared via Instagram on Friday, December 31. "We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter together. And of course we will still continue to help animals and rescue dogs, which is something we are both passionate about! ❤️"

In a TikTok video, Bessy raised her hand when asked the question, "What's that broken thing in your house that everyone just accepts and lives with?"

The estranged couple reunited to attend an Imagine Dragons concert with their daughter.

During an interview with Us Weekly, Bessy credited "honest conversations" for helping the duo coparent amid their split.

"We will always be a family, our babies deserve to have us both in their life, and to have us both be happy and thriving," she shared at the time. "We are very fortunate to be able to make it easy for all of us, most of the time this is not the case. But this is the best thing for us and the kids. We still have lots of laughs and family time."