Joe Fleishaker facts for kids

Joseph Isaac Fleishaker (born in 1954 – died May 23, 2016) was an American character actor. This means he often played unusual or interesting roles. He was best known for his parts in fun, low-budget horror and comedy movies. Many of these films were made by a company called Troma Entertainment. Troma humorously called him "Troma's biggest action star." This was a playful nod to his large size.

Joe Fleishaker's Acting Career

Fleishaker first appeared in Troma's 1988 action-comedy movie, Troma's War. He started as an extra, playing a member of a group of terrorists. The director, Lloyd Kaufman, found Fleishaker's presence on screen very amusing. Because of this, he gave Joe more screen time in the movie.

Working with Troma Entertainment

After Troma's War, Joe Fleishaker began a long partnership with Troma. He acted in every movie directed by Lloyd Kaufman from 1989 to 2006. His roles varied greatly. Sometimes he was in the background or had a short cameo. Other times, he had much bigger supporting roles. For example, he played Lardass, the sidekick to The Toxic Avenger, in Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV.

Fleishaker also became very popular with Troma fans for appearing in many of the company's promotional videos. In these videos, he often pretended to be Michael Herz. Michael Herz is Troma's co-president, but he usually stays out of the public eye. Joe Fleishaker played Herz so often that many fans thought he was the real Michael Herz!

Other TV Appearances

Besides his work with Troma, Joe Fleishaker also appeared on TV. He was on Late Night and Late Show with David Letterman at least twelve times in the 1990s. He acted in various funny sketches on these popular talk shows.

Later Life and Passing

In July 2012, Joe Fleishaker faced serious health challenges. He was taken to the hospital and later moved to a rehabilitation center. He worked hard to improve his health. Joe Fleishaker passed away on May 25, 2016, at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. He was 62 years old.

Movies and TV Shows

Here are some of the movies and TV shows Joe Fleishaker appeared in:

Movies

• Sharknado 3 (2015)
• I Spill Your Guts (2012) as Dave the Landlord
• Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006) as Jared (credited as Mega Herz)
• Tales from the Crapper (2004) as Michael Herz/500 Pound Candygramm
• UnConventional (2004) as Himself
• Parts of the Family (2003) as Fat Guy Watching Television (uncredited)
• Zombiegeddon (2003) as Caller #1 (voice only)
• Captain Bill and the Rockin' Buccaneers (2001) as Mr. McDoohan
• Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV (2000) as Chester/Lardass
• Terror Firmer (1999) as Jacob Gelman
• Tromeo and Juliet (1996) as 1-900-HOT-HUNK
• Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D. (1991) as Josephs
• The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie (1989) as Apocalypse Inc. Executive
• The Toxic Avenger Part II (1989) as Apocalypse Inc. Executive
• Troma's War (1988) as Specially Trained Terrorist

TV Shows

• Troma's Edge TV (2000) as Michael Herz/Lord Fartacus
• Late Night/Late Show with David Letterman - Himself/Various characters
• The Tromaville Café (1997) as Michael Herz/God