New Jersey’s ‘Bad Boy of Comedy,’ Mike Marino, dies at 63
Condolences are pouring in from fellow comedians and performance venues.
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For decades, Mike Marino turned family, food, his Italian upbringing and his New Jersey roots into punchlines. Now, the “Bad Boy of Comedy” is being remembered throughout the state following his death Tuesday at age 63.
Marino made a career out of being unapologetically Jersey, winning over audiences in the Garden State and across the country. The Scotch Plains native died following a battle with brain cancer, according to posts on his official social media pages.
In July, Marino posted a video from a hospital bed at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, saying he was battling Stage 4 brain cancer following surgery in January. At the time, the comedian said he was working to get healthy through physical therapy and follow-up appointments.
Since Marino’s death was announced, tributes have poured in from fans, fellow comedians and venues where he performed.
“He was an artist on stage. He was a comic’s comic who could make you laugh nonstop throughout his entire set. He was also a good friend,” NJ 101.5 radio host and comedian Steve Trevelise said on Facebook.
Catch a Rising Star, a comedy club based in Princeton, also shared condolences following his death.
“We’re remembering our friend, Mike Marino. Our world is a little less funny tonight, but the angels are rolling in the aisles. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family and friends. Rest easy, Mike,” the club said on Facebook.
The Brook Arts Center in Bound Brook, where Marino often performed, recalled how he owned the stage.
“Mike graced our stage so many times, always leaving our audiences laughing with his incredible comedic talent and unforgettable personality. Every time Mike stepped onto our stage, he made it his own,” the venue posted on social media.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center spoke of Marino’s work not only as a comedian, but also as an actor and supporter of U.S. troops and veterans.
“Before performing as a comedian, Mike was an actor, having attended prestigious schools like the Herbert Berghof Studio and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Growing up as an Italian American in New Jersey, he utilized his talent as a performer to create stand-up bits highlighting the relatable and unique experiences of life in New Jersey,” NJPAC said. “He captivated audiences with his comedy, leading him to be inducted into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame and receive the USO Bob Hope Comedy Award for his many comedy performances supporting U.S. troops and veterans. Mike and his comedy will be remembered fondly by NJPAC and our audiences for years to come.”
In October 2023, Marino appeared on News 12 to discuss “The Real Comedians of New Jersey” comedy tour with fellow comedian Joe Gorga. The duo explained how they teamed up and their shared fondness for incorporating their New Jersey roots and Italian heritage into their comedy routines.
More recently, Marino filmed “Mike Marino: Back 2 School,” which is now streaming on Amazon Prime. The show’s description says, “NJ’s bad boy of comedy returns to Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School for a live stand-up special. Nostalgic Jersey stories, Italian-American humor, and high-school throwbacks in a heartfelt homecoming.”
Marino also starred in podcasts, made several radio appearances and created a web series titled “Make America Italian Again.”
In 1982, Marino was nominated for a Clio Award for a commercial in which he starred. He was later inducted into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame and, in 2024, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Hall of Fame.
Funeral services for Marino have not yet been announced.
