Who Are The Tenderloins?
"Thank you for being a friend."-Golden Girls
The Tenderloins are a New York-based comedy troupe that began in 1999. For a period of time, there were 5 members: Joseph Gatto, Salvatore Vulcano, James Murray, Mike Boccio, and Gideon Horowitz. 
Brian Quinn was involved with the comedy troupe, but did not officially join the troupe fully until around 2006. Back in 2000, the troupe was accepted into a showcase called “PS NBC”. They were truly hoping that would be their ‘big break’, but they were told at the time that they ‘didn’t have a point of view’ and they ‘didn’t lose enough yet’ to make it big. Later on, in 2006, The Tenderloins directed their talents toward comedy sketches which gathered views on the internet.(MySpace, YoutTube, etc.) In 2007, along with their online success, the troupe ended up winning a $100,000 prize from NBC’s "It’s Your Show" competition for the sketch “Time Thugs”. From that point, the four best friends began attempting to find a way to show their funny in a way that was still true to them. After a few pilots that never made it to air, they began to wonder if it was ever going to work out. They just couldn't find the style that they wanted to work with.
Then 2010 happened. They had a meeting with truTV in 2 weeks to pitch an idea for a television show. There was one issue, they had nothing planned. Over some lunch, the guys then developed an idea of a show where they would do & say things that would make them uncomfortable...not the people around them. The guys then went out and recorded an iPhone video of their idea of what was originally called "Mission: Uncomfortable". The video was sent to truTV for viewing, and then "Impractical Jokers" was born. This began something that would eventually turn into a beloved TV show. James Murray had gained knowledge on what format they needed to find, so he was able to use his background to push the process even further. They needed to find a format that was different, yet was still ‘them’ in a sense. Yes, people considered it a hidden camera show, but there’s a twist. The joke is on them…not the civilian. The hijinks are to show what they won’t do. They are normal, everyday guys that are putting themselves into crazy situations, but they know there’s eventually a limit. The Tenderloins had something different to show than other hidden camera shows. They were life-long friends, and they wanted to find a way to have the audience feel like they were part of the group too.
Even with a popular TV show under their belt, The Tenderloins are who they are. "Impractical Jokers" is their television show. That should always be made clear.The Tenderloins are here to stay to share their funny with the world. As James Murray said in Entreprenur Magazine: "The Tenderloins are a creative force for hire." They have had a spin-off show on truTV called "Jokers Wild", they already been able to sell out three back-to-back shows at Radio City Music Hall, they have taken their comedy tour to places such as Hawaii, and they have performed to sold out crowds totaling to 100,000 seats throughout the United Kingdom. As always, the tickets are to see The Tenderloins for who they are. Currently, Joseph Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn and Salvatore Vulcano are the creators, executive producers, and stars of truTV’s hit show "Impractical Jokers", and they are ready to take on anything else that comes their way.
James Murray
- May 1st, 1976
- Attended Monsignor Farrell High School
- Studied at Georgetown University where he received a BA in English
- After he graduated college his parents wanted to buy him new a car, but instead he wanted to use the $20,000 to make his very own movie titled: "Damned! The Movie". Let's just say...he wishes he took the car.
- Works with many charities and foundations. One of them being Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- As part of a group punishment, he had to receive a tattoo of a ferret skydiving
(The reason behind his tattoo is because he had to skydive for a previous punishment, and
the other guys constantly call him a ferret).
- Aside from the comedy troupe and television show, he currently works at NorthSouth Productions where he is the Senior Vice President of Development
(NorthSouth Productions also happens to produce "Impractical Jokers").
Salvatore Vulcano
- November 6th, 1976
- Attended Monsignor Farrell High School
- Studied at St. John’s University where he earned a degree in Finance.
- As part of a group punishment, he had to receive a tattoo of Jaden Smith
(There is no actual reason as to why he had to get this specific tattoo. Joe just thought it was funny).
- He is scared of cats, and the 3 other guys use that fear to their advantage on "Impractical Jokers".
- Works with many charities and foundations. One of them being Doctors Without Borders.
- He is a co-host of the "What Say You?" Podcast along with life-long friend Brian Quinn.
- He owned and managed a bar during Season 1 of "Impractical Jokers".
- Aside from the show and The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe, he also does solo stand-up comedy.
Brian Quinn
- March 14th, 1976
- Attended Monsignor Farrell High School
- He attended Brooklyn College and later went on to join the New York City Fire Department.
- He absoltuely loves cats! He happens to have 3 of them.
- As part of a group punishment, he had to receive a tattoo of a cat along with the text "38. Lives Alone. Has 3 cats."
(The reason behind his tattoo was because he obviously loves cats).
- Works with many charities and foundations. One of them being The Steven Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
- He is a co-host of the "What Say You?" podcast along with life-long friend Sal Vulcano.
- He is also a co-host along with Bryan Johnson and Walt Flanagan for the podcast "Tell ‘Em Steve-Dave!"
Joesph Gatto
- June 5th, 1976
- Attended Monsignor Farrell High School
- Studied at LIU Post where he received a degree in Accounting.
- Founder of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe.
- Worked at a baby retail store, Giggle, until "Impractical Jokers" started in 2011.
- Him and his wife, Bessy, are huge supporters/promoters of "Adopt, Don't Shop". They have 4 adorable dogs.
- Works with many charities and foundations. One of them being the non-profit organization Daniel's Music Foundation.
- He constantly speaks out on bullying and reminds everyone that they are worth it. He always takes the time to remind everyone either on Twitter or during his Traffic Cam Periscopes.
- He has a wife named Bessy and a daughter named Milana. A baby boy is due this summer.
That would mean the guys have been best friends for over 25 years! Through it all, they have worked non-stop at getting to where they are today. As they always say, nothing ever comes easy. Joe, Sal, Brian and James are another example of that. Following their online successes, the four were set to develop a scripted comedy for Spike TV based on their actual lives in 2008. After the network passed on the series, a second pilot starring The Tenderloins themselves was set to be created in 2009. However, things didn't work out as they had hoped. Through all of the bumps in the road, with the help of James Murray and his TV Development background, a massive hit, originally known as "Mission: Uncomfortable", was discovered that showcased their true friendship. That alone made the show relatable to its viewers. Aside from working constantly they have not only made themselves laugh, but they have helped millions of fans find a sense of relief in this insane world that we live in.
