Last Chance: “The Hilarious Comedy of Uncle Floyd”

will once again host “The Hilarious Comedy of Uncle Floyd,” back by popular demand, Saturday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Best known as the star of NBC’s classic The Uncle Floyd Show, and from roles in top motion pictures such as Good Morning Vietnam, and his long-running weekly Italian radio show, “Uncle” Floyd Vivino, Floyd is most comfortable and locally revered on stage as a comedian in the great Vaudeville tradition.

Some credit the cult popularity of his television show with helping to knock the legendary cult series Star Trek off the air. Others insist he inspired David Bowie to write a song about him in 2002, while Bowie credits the late John Lennon with telling him all about this American phenomenon. Either way, Uncle Floyd consistently sells out in Dix Hills with standing ovations.

Born Floyd Vivino in Paterson, NJ on Oct. 19, 1951, Floyd began his career in show business as a child performer, giving piano recitals and appearing as a dancer with Sandra Lee and Jill Davison. He danced at the 1964 World's Fair in New York and at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. As a high school student, he was groomed by dance and piano instructors to pursue careers in those fields.  Finding it difficult to practice the piano eight hours a day or work out in ballet class, he dropped both in his junior year, performing instead in the drama club.

After high school he went right to work in show business, finding employment in the circus, at night clubs, amusement parks, and as a comedian in the few remaining burlesque shows. His varied experiences in the performing arts finally led him to television where he began his own show titled The Uncle Floyd Show in New Jersey.  The show developed a loyal following in the New York-New Jersey area in the 1970's. 

Performing live however, has always remained his first love. He has played the Catskill and Poconomountains resorts for many years, working the stages at Caesars, The Fernwood, Friar Tuck, Roseland Ranch, Green Lake, The Nevelle Pine Grove, Kelly's, Villa Baglieri and Villa Roma.  He has also toured with or opened for many including Jimmy Roselli, Lou Monte, Melba Moore, Jerry Vale, Pat Cooper, Al Martino, Pete Seeger, Toni Arden, Julius LaRosa, Tom Chapin, Eddie Rabbit, and Jimmy Sturr. 

“We are excited to welcome Uncle Floyd back for another highly entertaining performance at The Dix Hills Performing Arts Center,” said Sandy Hinden, director of the center. “He is a perennial favorite here at the Center and his show is always one of the best-received in our line-up year after year.”

Tickets are $20. Call 631-656-2148 or visit http://­www.­dhpac.­org/­ to purchase.