‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ Star and Comedian ‘Uncle Floyd’ Vivino Dies at 74 – Cause of Death Revealed

The comedy and entertainment world is mourning the loss of a true local legend following the death of Floyd Vivino. Known to generations of fans as Uncle Floyd, the beloved comedian and television personality passed away at the age of 74.

The news was confirmed by his brother, Jerry Vivino, in a touching social media post shared late Thursday night. Floyd died peacefully at 6:05 PM on January 22, 2026, following a two-and-a-half-year struggle with ongoing health challenges.

In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Jerry shared the family’s grief and appreciation for the support they have received. Rest in peace big brother. You will be missed, but always remembered by friends, family and your loving fans, he wrote.

Floyd Vivino was a monumental figure in New Jersey culture, primarily through his iconic program, The Uncle Floyd Show. The local variety series enjoyed an incredible run from 1974 to 2001, becoming a staple of tri-state area television.

Clad in his trademark plaid coat and porkpie hat, Uncle Floyd hosted a show that was as eccentric as it was influential. What began as a local production eventually grew into a massive cult favorite that drew the attention of some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.

Major acts like The Ramones, Cyndi Lauper, and Jon Bon Jovi weren’t just guests; they were genuine fans of the show’s unique energy. David Bowie even famously wrote the song Slip Away as a tribute to Floyd and the characters from his show, solidifying his place in rock and roll history.

Beyond his regional success, Floyd’s talent led him to several notable roles in mainstream Hollywood. He appeared in the classic film Good Morning, Vietnam alongside Robin Williams and took on guest roles in popular series such as Law & Order, Cosby, and The Sopranos.

The Vivino family has stated that they will hold a private funeral service for close relatives. However, they plan to organize a public celebration of life at a later date to allow his legion of fans to pay their final respects.

Before his health began to decline in late 2023, Floyd remained active in the local entertainment scene. He continued to perform live comedy sets and piano performances across New Jersey and New York, often sharing stories from his decades on the air.

The Vivino family remains a powerhouse in the arts, with Jerry and Jimmy Vivino having enjoyed long careers as professional musicians, notably in the Basic Cable Band for Conan O’Brien. Their collaborative efforts with Floyd over the years helped bridge the gap between vaudeville-style comedy and modern late-night entertainment.

While no new projects were in development at the time of his passing, many of Floyd’s classic broadcasts have recently been archived for digital streaming. This has allowed a new generation of viewers to discover the low-budget, high-energy charm of his legendary variety hour.

Historians of New Jersey media often point to The Uncle Floyd Show as a precursor to the “alternative” comedy seen on networks like Adult Swim. His ability to mix puppetry, slapstick, and musical guests on a shoestring budget remains a blueprint for independent creators today.

Floyd is survived by his siblings and his extended family of performers who populated his “Garden State” universe. His legacy as a pioneer of local broadcasting and a champion of the underdog performer will undoubtedly live on through the archives of his work.

The outpouring of grief from the Jersey Shore to the streets of Manhattan highlights just how much of a fixture he was in the lives of his viewers. For many, he wasn’t just a TV host; he was a piece of their childhood and a reminder of a simpler, more eccentric era of television.

What are your favorite memories of watching Uncle Floyd in his plaid coat, and which of his many classic characters or guests stood out to you the most over the years? Share your thoughts in the comments.