R.I.P. Uncle Floyd

I am massively saddened by the passing of "Uncle Floyd." R.I.P.

Florio "Floyd" Vivino (October 19, 1951 – January 22, 2026), known professionally as Uncle Floyd, was an American television, film, and stage performer primarily known for his comedy/variety television show "The Uncle Floyd Show" (1974–1995; some say it ended in 1998). Vivino had a cult following and a 13,000-member fan club. David Bowie and John Lennon considered themselves fans. He also ran for Governor of New Jersey as a write-in candidate in 2009 and 2017.

I was and am still a huge fan. I sometimes watch clips from his show on YouTube. 

Do you remember Oogie. He is by far my favorite all-time puppet. (link to video clip below)

I loved watching this show in the 1970s, when I was a teenager, and also when I got older, whenever I was visiting my dad at our home on Long Island, New York. I particularly like Oogie, voiced by Uncle Floyd. I like that Oogie's right arm and hand belong to Uncle Floyd, so it's out of proportion with the puppet. I also like Oogie's mouth movements when he's talking. They don't particularly match his words.

The show is described as a variety program featuring slapstick comedy and music which has been broadcast off and on in the New Jersey/New York area. Floyd's creation of a children's show with humor skewed to adults was a precursor to later shows such as "Pee Wee's Playhouse." Anyone of a certain age who grew up in the New Jersey/New York area will have heard of this show. Celebrities on the show included The Ramones, John Lennon, Paul Simon, and David Bowie.

https://youtu.be/5hLhDYbcBJ4?si=pd7Yh5ys4RJ6_-IP

January 25, 2026, at home