Edward David Pepitone is an American character actor, stand-up comedian and podcast host. He is known for his dark comedy style.
Pepitone was born to a Sicilian-American father and a Jewish American mother in Brooklyn, New York City, and was raised from the age of nine on Staten Island. His father was a history teacher and later the dean of a high school. As a child, he would often make his friends laugh, describing himself as a "classic class clown" and would incorporate the use of word play and non sequiturs. He cited Jackie Gleason as a major influence. While his mother was supportive of his career choice, his father wanted him to become a doctor. His father, involved with the Teachers Union, gave him a copy of The Rich and the Super Rich by Ferdinand Lundberg. Prior to becoming a comedian, he installed and sanded hardwood flooring, which he claims caused tinnitus that affects him today. He also developed a hernia while working on hardwood floors.
Pepitone started doing stand-up comedy in 1978. He took a hiatus from performing stand up comedy and started doing improv comedy, performing with improv troupe Chicago City Limits. Described as a "cult favorite", Pepitone is a staple in the Los Angeles comedy scene. He is known for his regular appearances in the early days of the WTF with Marc Maron podcast and his sketch appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Conan, often playing his recurring role as the "New York City Heckler" in the audience.
