Gravel-voiced comedian Joe E. ("Oooh! Oooh!") Ross was born in Manhattan and began his career, ironically enough, as a singing waiter in speak-easy clubs. Comedy came into the forefront, however and he steadily built up his image as a stand-up and impressionist, announcing and emceeing at burlesque clubs and various niteries around and about the ...
He was married at least eight times, and possibly 11 (he wasn't quite sure).
2
He and his wife were living in a housing complex in Los Angeles and he was hired to do a stand-up act for the residents for $100. In the middle of the show he felt ill, and sat down on the edge of the stage. Almost immediately he keeled over and died, apparently from a heart attack. When his wife later went to the management to collect the $100 he was to be paid, they only gave her $50, saying, "He didn't finish the show".
3
Had a provision in his will that he be given a comical send-off. He got his wish, as mostly comedians attended his funeral. Among them was Larry Storch. Even Ross' wife was in stitches afterward.
4
On his tombstone are inscribed the words "This Man Had a Ball".
5
Served in the Army Air Corps during WWII.
6
Attended Seward Park High School and was once a boy tenor.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Red Skelton Hour
1968
TV Series
Clancy the Cop
Batman
1967
TV Series
Talent Agent
Tony Rome
1967
Bartender at Paradise Club (uncredited)
It's About Time
1966-1967
TV Series
Gronk
Car 54, Where Are You?
1961-1963
TV Series
Officer Gunther Toody
Toody
The DuPont Show of the Week
1962
TV Series
Chief Kennedy
All Hands on Deck
1961
Bos'n
The Bellboy
1960
Joey, Gangster
Summer in New York
1960
TV Movie
Tall Story
1960
Mike (uncredited)
Goodyear Theatre
1959
TV Series
Big Moe
The Phil Silvers Show
1956-1959
TV Series
MSgt. Rupert Ritzik
MSgt. Rupert B. Ritzik
Keep in Step
1959
TV Movie
Sgt Rupert Ritzik
Maracaibo
1958
Milt Karger
Hear Me Good
1957
Max Crane
Around the World in Eighty Days
1956
Extra (uncredited)
Boston Blackie
1953
TV Series
Models Inc.
1952
Front Man (uncredited)
This Woman Is Dangerous
1952
Asst. Manager (uncredited)
The Colgate Comedy Hour
1952
TV Series
The Sound of Fury
1950
Nightclub Entertainer (uncredited)
No Man's Valley
1981
TV Short
Daniel (voice)
The Woman Inside
1981
Skatetown, U.S.A.
1979
Rent-a-Cop
Gas Pump Girls
1979
Bruno
The Love Boat
1978
TV Series
Mr. Ross
C B Bears
1977
TV Series
Roll (voice)
The Happy Hooker Goes to Washington
1977
Night Watchman
Slumber Party '57
1976
Patrolman
The World Through the Eyes of Children
1975
Michael
The Ghost Busters
1975
TV Series
Mr. Hyde
When Things Were Rotten
1975
TV Series
Cook
The Godmothers
1975
Gino
The New Tom & Jerry Show
1975
TV Series
Additional Voices (voice)
Linda Lovelace for President
1975
Dirty Guy #2
Alias Big Cherry
1975
The Lost Saucer
1975
TV Series
General
Hong Kong Phooey
1974
TV Series
Sergeant Flint
Wait Till Your Father Gets Home
1974
TV Series
Officer Gunther Toody
How to Seduce a Woman
1974
Bartender
Frasier, the Sensuous Lion
1973
Kuback
Love, American Style
1973
TV Series segment "Love and the Sexpert"
- Love and the Cryptic Gift/Love and the Family Hour/Love and the Legend/Love and the Sexpert 1973 ... segment "Love and the Sexpert"