Joey Diaz
Encyclopedia
Joey "CoCo" Diaz is a Cuban
-American
stand-up comedian and actor best known for his recurring role as Jhoey on the TV series My Name is Earl
, as well as in movies such as The Longest Yard
and Taxi
.
. He lost his parents at age 15, and was taken in by a series of North Bergen families, including two police officers named Robert Bender and Carmine Balzano, but frequent run-ins with the law, including his involvement in fights, kept him moving among a total of four families. Diaz says a total of 20 Italian and Irish families attempting to assist him, such as local funeral home owner Anthony Vanieri. Diaz explains that their sense of humor greatly influenced his own career, which had its earliest beginnings as a student in North Bergen High School
.
on June 1, 1985, but his academic life was interrupted when he was arrested for kidnapping and aggravated robbery, for which he served time in prison. His standup comedy career began in prison, where he gained popularity by improvising material in front of Thursday night Movie Night audiences after the projector malfunctioned.
After he was released from prison, Diaz moved to Los Angeles
, where he began performing in front of open mike
audiences. After his career spread to other venues, he accepted an offer from a CBS
talent scout to work on a television pilot
. Although the series was not purchased, the visibility it gave him helped his career, garnering him appearances in Law & Order
and in films like Spider-Man 2
. and the 2004 film Taxi
. His most visible role was in the 2005 film The Longest Yard and as a prison convict named Joey the Candy Bar Criminal, a part he played in four 2007 episodes of My Name is Earl
, and which he obtained on the basis of his own past in prison. That same year he also appeared as "Joey Karate", doing humorous promotions for the Ultimate Fighting Challenge in California, clips of which can be found on YouTube
.
His subsequent roles include the 2009 TV movie The Dog Who Saved Christmas
, and 2011 appearances in "Scarlet Ribbons", an episode of The Mentalist
and the film Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star.
Diaz is also a frequent guest on The Joe Rogan
Experience podcast, and currently co-hosts a weekly podcast
with Felicia Michaels
named Beauty and Da Beast.
In 2010, Diaz made an appearance with Rogan on the radio program of Alex Jones.
As of 2011, Diaz was working on a documentary chronicling how his life in North Bergen, and how his life was influenced by the various people who took care of him following his parents' death, to whom the film is made in tribute.
Cubans
Cubans or Cuban people are the inhabitants or citizens of Cuba. Cuba is a multi-ethnic nation, home to people of different ethnic and national backgrounds...
-American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
stand-up comedian and actor best known for his recurring role as Jhoey on the TV series My Name is Earl
My Name Is Earl
My Name Is Earl is an American television comedy series created by Greg Garcia that was originally broadcast on the NBC television network from September 20, 2005, to May 14, 2009, in the United States...
, as well as in movies such as The Longest Yard
The Longest Yard (2005 film)
The Longest Yard is a 2005 American sports comedy film remake of the 1974 film of the same name. Adam Sandler plays the protagonist, Paul Crewe, a disgraced former professional football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL, who is coerced to form a team from the prison inmates to play...
and Taxi
Taxi (2004 film)
Taxi is a 2004 American remake of the 1998 Luc Besson-penned, Gérard Pirès-directed French film of the same name, starring Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon and Gisele Bündchen, and directed by Tim Story.-Plot:...
.
Early life
Joey "Coco" Diaz was born in Cuba, and raised in North Bergen, New JerseyNorth Bergen, New Jersey
North Bergen is a township in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township had a total population of 60,773. Originally founded in 1843, the town was much diminished in territory by a series of secessions. Situated on the Hudson Palisades, it is one...
. He lost his parents at age 15, and was taken in by a series of North Bergen families, including two police officers named Robert Bender and Carmine Balzano, but frequent run-ins with the law, including his involvement in fights, kept him moving among a total of four families. Diaz says a total of 20 Italian and Irish families attempting to assist him, such as local funeral home owner Anthony Vanieri. Diaz explains that their sense of humor greatly influenced his own career, which had its earliest beginnings as a student in North Bergen High School
North Bergen High School
North Bergen High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school, serving students in ninth through twelfth grade from North Bergen, in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the North Bergen School District....
.
Career
Diaz left North Bergen for the University of Colorado at BoulderUniversity of Colorado at Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public research university located in Boulder, Colorado...
on June 1, 1985, but his academic life was interrupted when he was arrested for kidnapping and aggravated robbery, for which he served time in prison. His standup comedy career began in prison, where he gained popularity by improvising material in front of Thursday night Movie Night audiences after the projector malfunctioned.
After he was released from prison, Diaz moved to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, where he began performing in front of open mike
Open mike
An open mike or open mic is a live show where audience members may perform at the microphone. Usually, the performers sign up in advance for a time slot with the host or master of ceremonies. These events can be focused on poetry and the spoken word, music, comedy, and the open format of open...
audiences. After his career spread to other venues, he accepted an offer from a CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
talent scout to work on a television pilot
Television pilot
A "television pilot" is a standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to a television network. At the time of its inception, the pilot is meant to be the "testing ground" to see if a series will be possibly desired and successful and therefore a test episode of an...
. Although the series was not purchased, the visibility it gave him helped his career, garnering him appearances in Law & Order
Law & Order
Law & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It aired on NBC, and in syndication on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24,...
and in films like Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 is a 2004 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, written by Alvin Sargent and developed by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Michael Chabon. It is the second film in the Spider-Man film franchise based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man...
. and the 2004 film Taxi
Taxi (2004 film)
Taxi is a 2004 American remake of the 1998 Luc Besson-penned, Gérard Pirès-directed French film of the same name, starring Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon and Gisele Bündchen, and directed by Tim Story.-Plot:...
. His most visible role was in the 2005 film The Longest Yard and as a prison convict named Joey the Candy Bar Criminal, a part he played in four 2007 episodes of My Name is Earl
My Name Is Earl
My Name Is Earl is an American television comedy series created by Greg Garcia that was originally broadcast on the NBC television network from September 20, 2005, to May 14, 2009, in the United States...
, and which he obtained on the basis of his own past in prison. That same year he also appeared as "Joey Karate", doing humorous promotions for the Ultimate Fighting Challenge in California, clips of which can be found on YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
.
His subsequent roles include the 2009 TV movie The Dog Who Saved Christmas
The Dog Who Saved Christmas
The Dog Who Saved Christmas is a TV movie starring Dean Cain, Gary Valentine and the voice of Mario López. It was written by childhood friends Michael Ciminera and Richard Gnolfo, and premiered on ABC Family on November 29, 2009 during their Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas programming block...
, and 2011 appearances in "Scarlet Ribbons", an episode of The Mentalist
The Mentalist
The Mentalist is an American police procedural television series which debuted on September 23, 2008, on CBS. The show was created by Bruno Heller, who is also the show's executive producer...
and the film Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star.
Diaz is also a frequent guest on The Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan
Joseph James "Joe" Rogan is an American comedian, video blogger, actor, writer, podcaster, and martial artist. He is best known for his work on NewsRadio, his work as color commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and his hosting work on Fear Factor.-Acting:In 1994, Rogan co-starred on...
Experience podcast, and currently co-hosts a weekly podcast
Podcast
A podcast is a series of digital media files that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication...
with Felicia Michaels
Felicia Michaels
Felicia Michaels is an American stand-up comedian. She was nominated twice for Funniest Female Comic by the American Comedy Awards; in 1999 she won the award itself. She has released one album, Lewd Awakenings, on the What Are Records label. She has appeared on such networks as Showtime, MTV, VH1,...
named Beauty and Da Beast.
In 2010, Diaz made an appearance with Rogan on the radio program of Alex Jones.
As of 2011, Diaz was working on a documentary chronicling how his life in North Bergen, and how his life was influenced by the various people who took care of him following his parents' death, to whom the film is made in tribute.
Charity work
Diaz has performed his standup in his hometown of North Bergen for charity. On November 4, 2007, he made an appearance to help raise money for North Bergen High School basketball team uniforms.Personal life
Diaz lives in Los Angeles, but still keeps in touch with his loved ones in North Bergn, whom he regards as his family.Film and television appearances
- The Dog Who Saved Halloween (TV movie)|The Dog Who Saved Halloween (2011) .... Stewey
- Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star
- My Dog's Christmas Miracle (video)|My Dog's Christmas Miracle (2010) .... TSA Officer (post-production)
- Stonerville (video)|Stonerville (2011) .... Johnny Scarano
- The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation (TV movie)|The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation (2010) .... Stewey
- The Russian (video short)|The Russian (2010) .... Frank
- Stacy's Mom (video)|Stacy's Mom (2010) .... Frankie the Teach (as Joey 'Coco' Diaz)
- The Dog Who Saved Christmas (TV movie)|The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009) .... Stewey McMann (as Joey Coco Diaz)
- The Deported (video)|The Deported (2009) .... Sheriff
- Redemption (film short)|Redemtion (2009) .... Ritchie
- My Life at 26 (TV movie)|My Life at 26 (2008) .... Paxon
- Boiler Maker (video)|Boiler Maker (2008) .... Enzo
- Wizards of Waverly Place (2008) "The Supernatural" .... Newstand Guy (as Joey 'Coco' Diaz)
- One Hogan Place (TV movie) (2008) .... Vinnie Books
- The Dark KnightThe Dark Knight (film)The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed, produced and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is part of Nolan's Batman film series and a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins...
(2008) Special Features.... Restaurant owner - Frank TV (TV series) (2007) "Ballpark Frank" (2007) .... Defendent
- My Name Is EarlMy Name Is EarlMy Name Is Earl is an American television comedy series created by Greg Garcia that was originally broadcast on the NBC television network from September 20, 2005, to May 14, 2009, in the United States...
(2007) .... Jhoey the prisoner (as Joey 'Coco' Diaz) (3 Episodes)- "Our Other Cops Is On!: Part 1" (2007)
- "Our Other Cops Is On!: Part 2" (2007)
- "My Name Is Inmate #28301-016: Part 1" (2007)
- White Pants (video short) (2007) .... Coach Larkin
- Alive N' Kickin (TV movie) (2007) .... Joey
- Murder 101: College Can Be Murder (TV movie) (2007) .... Herbie Saxe
- "Smiley Face" (video) (2007) .... Security Guard
- "My Life at 26' Shortoon" (video short) (2007) .... voice
- Everybody hates ChrisEverybody Hates ChrisEverybody Hates Chris is an African American television period sitcom inspired by the teenage experiences of comedian Chris Rock , while growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York . The show is set from 1982 to 1987; however, Rock himself was a teenager during years...
"Everybody Hates Promises" (2006) TV Episode .... Restaurant owner - How I Met Your Mother Where Were We?" (2006) … Angry New Yorker (as Joey 'Coco' Diaz)
- 18 Fingers of Death!18 Fingers of Death!18 Fingers of Death! is a parody kung-fu movie made, written, directed and starring James Lew. Also starring in the movie is Maurice Patton as Ronald Mack, Pat Morita as Mr. Lee, and Lisa Arturo as Sushi Cue. Lori Beth Denberg is also in the movie.-Reviews:*****-External links:* *...
(2006) .... Sammy Delassandro - A Fine Line (2006) .... Bruno Scalise
- The Longest YardThe Longest Yard (2005 film)The Longest Yard is a 2005 American sports comedy film remake of the 1974 film of the same name. Adam Sandler plays the protagonist, Paul Crewe, a disgraced former professional football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL, who is coerced to form a team from the prison inmates to play...
(2005) .... Anthony "Big Tony" Cobianco - Accidentally on Purpose (film) (2005) .... Geraldo
- Break a LegBreak a leg"Break a leg" is a well-known idiom in theatre which means "good luck." It is typically said to actors and musicians before they go on stage to perform. The origin of the phrase is obscure....
(2005) .... Large Producer - Endings (2005)
- The Mafia Type (2004) .... Big Al
- TaxiTaxi (2004 film)Taxi is a 2004 American remake of the 1998 Luc Besson-penned, Gérard Pirès-directed French film of the same name, starring Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon and Gisele Bündchen, and directed by Tim Story.-Plot:...
(2004) .... Freddy (as Joey Coco Diaz) - Spider-Man 2Spider-Man 2Spider-Man 2 is a 2004 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, written by Alvin Sargent and developed by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and Michael Chabon. It is the second film in the Spider-Man film franchise based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man...
(2004) .... Train Passenger (as Joey Coco Diaz) - Back by MidnightBack by MidnightBack By Midnight is a 2002 comedy film starring Rodney Dangerfield, Phil LaMarr, Harland Williams, Randy Quaid, Gilbert Gottfried, and Kirstie Alley. However, it was not released until 2005...
(2004) .... Jojo (as Joey 'Coco' Diaz) - Law & Order: Special Victims UnitLaw & Order: Special Victims UnitLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit is an American police procedural television drama series set in New York City, where it is also primarily produced...
"Criminal" (2004) TV Episode .... Elijah Coney - Cold Case "Disco Inferno (2004) TV Episode .... Ken Mazzacone (as Joey 'Coco' Diaz)
- ERER (TV series)ER is an American medical drama television series created by novelist Michael Crichton that aired on NBC from September 19, 1994 to April 2, 2009. It was produced by Constant c Productions and Amblin Entertainment, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
"The Greater Good" (2003).... Grocery Store Clerk - Karen SiscoKaren SiscoKaren Sisco is a television series about a fictional United States Marshal created by novelist Elmore Leonard.As a U.S. Deputy Marshal, based on Miami, Florida's Gold Coast, Karen must deal with the underbelly of South Beach nightlife and Palm Beach highlife while tracking down fugitives. She also...
"Dear Derwood..." (2003) TV Episode .... Paulie - Dickie Roberts: Former Child StarDickie Roberts: Former Child StarDickie Roberts: Former Child Star is a 2003 American comedy film directed by Sam Weisman and starring David Spade and Mary McCormack.- Plot :...
(2003) .... Emmanuel's Entourage - "The Mezzos" (short) (2003) .... Joey Mezzo
- Analyze ThatAnalyze ThatAnalyze That is a 2002 mafia comedy film, and a sequel to the 1999 film Analyze This. The film was directed and co-written by Harold Ramis and stars Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal who respectively reprise their roles as mobster Paul Vitti and psychiatrist Ben Sobel.-Plot:Near the completion of...
(2002).... Ducks - Another Bobby O'Hara Story (2002) .... Tommy Brando
- NYPD BlueNYPD BlueNYPD Blue is an American television police drama set in New York City, exploring the internal and external struggles of the fictional 15th precinct of Manhattan...
- "Death by Cycle" (2002) .... Manny Mankiewicz
- "Women vs. Men" (2002) (TV) .... Goon
- American GunAmerican GunAmerican Gun is a 2005 film produced by Participant Productions, IFC Films, IFC First Take, and Spirit Dance Entertainment. It was written in 2001 by Steven Bagatourian and Aric Avelino and directed by Avelino as his directorial debut....
(2002) .... Gun Smuggler - You Got Nothin (2002) .... Charlie
- Back by MidnightBack by MidnightBack By Midnight is a 2002 comedy film starring Rodney Dangerfield, Phil LaMarr, Harland Williams, Randy Quaid, Gilbert Gottfried, and Kirstie Alley. However, it was not released until 2005...
(2002) .... Jojo - BASEketballBASEketballBASEketball is a 1998 American David Zucker comedy starring South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Dian Bachar, Robert Vaughn, Ernest Borgnine, Yasmine Bleeth, and Jenny McCarthy...
(1998) .... Referee - Mad TVMad TVMad TV may refer to:*MADtv, an American sketch comedy television series based on Mad magazine*Mad TV , a 1991 German television station management simulation game*MAD TV , a Greek music channel-See also:...
(????) Sopranos parody
Writer
- 1st Amendment Stand Up (TV series) "Joey Diaz/Melanie Comarcho/Lavell Crawford" (2007) (writer)
- BET's Comicview (TV series) "ComicView: New Orleans Party Gras" (2000) (writer)
Self
- Inside MMA (TV series) "Episode #2.17" (2008) … Guest
- The Payaso Comedy Slam (TV movie) (2007) .... Himself
- 1st Amendment Stand Up (TV series) "Joey Diaz/Melanie Comarcho/Lavell Crawford" (2007) .... Himself - Comedian
- Inside Joke (TV series) (2004) .... Himself
- National Lampoon Live: New Faces
- The History of Choking (documentary short) (2002) .... Himself
- BET's Comicview (TV series) "ComicView: New Orleans Party Gras" (2000) .... Himself - Comedian (as Coco)