Tony Tripoli (December 2, 1969)[1] is an American actor, comedian and LGBT rights activist.[2] He performs his stand-up comedy throughout the United States, and has produced, written and appeared on numerous TV series.
Tripoli was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where his parents owned a florist's shop.[1] When he was young, his mother would take him to the launderette, where he would stand on the washing machines and sing for the customers there.[3] He performed with The Phoenix Boys Choir for several years.[4] After graduating from Central High School, he moved to Los Angeles, where he lived for 30 years.[4] He went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles.[4] He moved backed to Phoenix in 2017.[4]
In 1987, he appeared in a local production of Neil Simon's play Brighton Beach Memoirs at The Phoenix Little Theatre.[5] He has appeared on cruise ships, had a brief stint as a Chippendales stripper, was Aladdin at Disneyland, performed at the Laugh Factory, and once had a gig singing for the American Plumber's Association.[4] [6]
He was the co-executive producer and head writer of Fashion Police, with the late Joan Rivers.[2] He was a producer and cast member on Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best?.[2] He produced In Bed with Joan and What She Said, and was a staff writer on The Dish.[2] He has appeared on television shows such as , Fashion House and Two and a Half Men.[2] [4] [1]
He has appeared on TV Guide's Funniest Commercials, TV Guides Hollywood's Sexiest Couples, Gossip Queens, Frank TV, Pretty Hurts, and E!'s 50 Super Epic TV Moments.[2] [7] [8] He was also in the 2008 TV movie, Screening Party.[9]
He performs his stand-up comedy throughout the United States and opened for Joan Rivers for 4 years.[2] He discusses a number of topics in his standup ranging from sex and dating to his family and pop culture.[6] After her death, he began touring in a tribute show called "The Bitch Is Back", featuring Joan Rivers impersonator Joe Posa.[10]
He is openly gay, and his dog Bingham, frequently travels with him on tours.[11] [12]