Born in the Italian section of East Boston to a hardworking Italian family (his father was professional trombonist with the Les Brown Orchestra), Pilato admits that his flair for performing was discovered quite by accident, when he became an alter boy. Still, it wasn't until his college years that he took the big step towards honing his love for ...
Father was professional trombonist with the Les Brown Orchestra.
2
Born in the Italian section of East Boston.
3
Became an alter boy when he went to Catholic school.
4
Was going to be a lawyer.
5
He got the lead role in Effects (1980) when he had to drive his girlfriend to an audition that he knew nothing about. Disgruntled about the audition, they needed someone to read with her. He read and she ended up not getting a part. They re-wrote the entire lead role for him.
6
Does not own a computer.
7
Plays the guitar, accordion, and taught himself the trombone.
8
Enjoys to play golf.
9
Wore two-inch lifts in his cowboy boots to the audition for Day of the Dead (1985).
10
Is of Italian decent.
11
Likes to be called "Joseph." After Day of the Dead (1985), everyone called him "Joe." He changed the lettering for a 'ph' to an 'f' so people will call him "Joseph" (spelled Josef). People started pronouncing it "Yosef.".
12
In the early 80s he studied as a Graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh before there was a Drama Department. Back then it was known as the Speech Department.
13
In 1983, he auditioned for the role of Stevie Steeler, the Pittsburgh Steelers' new mascot. He would have worn a giant foam costume during games. He did not become the mascot at first, but when he was called back later, his schedule was too busy. Stevie Steeler lasted from 1983 until 1991.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
The Chair
2016
Security Guard
Parasites
2016/I
Wilde
Ihailed
2016
Night of the Living Dead: Darkest Dawn
2015
Harry Cooper (voice)
Shhhh
2015
Red Harling
9am
2014
Short
Bernie
The Black Box
2010
Daniel Carson
CZW: Walking on Pins and Needles
2010
Video
Captain Rhodes
Someone's Knocking at the Door
2009
Dr. Ottie
Wardog
2007
Short
Lords of EverQuest
2003
Video Game voice, as Joe Palato
The Ghouls
2003
Lewis (as Joseph Rhodes)
Might and Magic IX
2002
Video Game voice, as Joe Palato
Digimon: Digital Monsters
1999-2001
TV Series
MetalGreymon
Digimon: The Movie
2000
MetalGreymon (voice)
Black Angel Vol. 2
1999
English version, voice
The Last Seduction II
1999
Marvin Dishman (as Josef Pilato)
Music from Another Room
1998
Carlo (as Josef Pilato)
Visions
1998
NSA Agent #1
Snake Skin Jacket
1997
Gazzari (as Josef Pilato)
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
1997
Video Game
Emdervoss, Klingon Spokesperson
Wishmaster
1997
Mickey Torelli (as Josef Pilato)
Neon Signs
1996
Boto
Angel Devoid: Face of the Enemy
1995
Video Game
Dr. Garnett / Mayor Waterford (as Josef Pilato)
Fatal Passion
1995
WarHawk: The Red Mercury Missions
1995
Video Game
Kreel (as Josef Pilato)
The Demolitionist
1995
Boxer (as Josef Pilato)
Pulp Fiction
1994
Dean Martin (as Josef Pilato)
Married People, Single Sex
1994
Artie
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
1993
TV Series
Big Ed
The Evil Inside Me
1993
Fulvio
Alienator
1990
Tech #2
Shooters
1989
Sgt. Plato (as Joe Pilot)
The Young and the Restless
1986
TV Series
Mr. Brinkman
Gung Ho
1986
Union Member
Spenser: For Hire
1985
TV Series
Day of the Dead
1985
Rhodes (as Joe Pilato)
Knightriders
1981
Disgruntled Fair Worker (as Joseph F. Pilato)
Effects
1980
Dominic (as Joseph F. Pilato)
Dawn of the Dead
1978
Officer at Police Dock (as Joe Pilato)
Make Up Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
Dawn of the Dead
1978
second assistant makeup artist - uncredited
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
One for the Fire: The Legacy of 'Night of the Living Dead'
2008
Documentary special thanks
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
The World's End: The Making of 'Day of the Dead'
2013
Video documentary
Himself
Underground Entertainment: The Movie
2011
Documentary
Rainbow Joe
Saturday Nightmares: The Ultimate Horror Expo of All Time!
2010
Video
Himself
Joe of the Dead: Acting in a George Romero Classic
2010
Video documentary
Himself
Travelogue of the Dead: On the Rhodes Again
2010
Video short
Himself
After Effects: Memories of Pittsburgh Filmmaking
2005
Video documentary
Himself
The Many Days of 'Day of the Dead'
2003
Video documentary short
Himself
Scream Greats, Vol. 1: Tom Savini, Master of Horror Effects
$900,000
