Joey Aresco
Joey Aresco (born August 22, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York) is an American actor known for his supporting roles in film and television spanning over four decades.[1][2] Aresco began his career in the 1970s, appearing in guest roles on popular television series such as Baa Baa Black Sheep and Kojak, before gaining wider recognition as a series regular on the short-lived NBC adventure drama Supertrain in 1979, where he portrayed engineer Wayne Randall.[3][4] His film work includes notable performances in Jonathan Demme's Swing Shift (1984) as Johnny Bonnaro, the science fiction thriller The Hidden (1987) as Woodfield, and Stephen King's Sleepwalkers (1992).[3][5] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Aresco continued to build a diverse resume with appearances on shows such as Dallas (in a recurring role), St. Elsewhere, and General Hospital, as well as a memorable guest role as the Gatherer Brull in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Vengeance Factor" (1989).[6][3] Later credits include the comedy The Big Year (2011) as Frank Falucci and the science fiction series Stargate SG-1 (2005–2006), showcasing his versatility in both comedic and dramatic genres.[1][4] Despite not achieving leading-man status, Aresco's rugged screen presence and consistent output have made him a familiar face in American entertainment.[4]Early life and education
Upbringing and family background
Joey Aresco was born on August 22, 1949, in the United States.[1] He was the son of Louis Joseph Aresco (1920–1998) and Anna Aresco.[7][8] Louis Joseph Aresco, of Italian descent through his father Giuseppe Aresco, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and later resided in California, where he passed away in Carpinteria.[8][9] Aresco had siblings, including Phyllis Aresco and Janet Aresco.[7]Academic pursuits and shift to acting
Aresco grew up in California.[10] He reportedly attended Pierce College and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied acting.[10]Career
Early television work
Aresco made his television debut in 1973, appearing as Duke in the episode "Gang War" of the crime drama series Chase, marking his entry into professional acting on screen.[11] In 1976, he secured a recurring role as Sgt. John David "Hutch" Hutchinson, the squadron's dedicated airplane mechanic, in the first season of the World War II aviation series Baa Baa Black Sheep (later retitled Black Sheep Squadron), appearing in approximately 20 episodes from 1976 to 1977. His character, a skilled and loyal ground crew member, provided essential support to the fighter pilots and was killed off in the episode "Last One for Hutch." This role helped establish Aresco as a reliable supporting actor in action-oriented television.[12] By 1979, Aresco took on a regular supporting role as Wayne Randall, a young operating officer aboard a high-tech luxury train, in the short-lived adventure series Supertrain, appearing in five episodes. The show, NBC's ambitious but ill-fated attempt at a big-budget drama, showcased Aresco in ensemble scenes amid the train's opulent setting and episodic mysteries.[13] Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Aresco built his resume with guest appearances on popular series, including the role of Brando in the 1977 episode "Chase" of Barney Miller, a comedic police procedural. He also guest-starred as Ben Reynolds in the 1982 episode "Acapulco" of the prime-time soap Dynasty, contributing to the show's dramatic interpersonal conflicts. These spots highlighted his versatility in both comedy and drama formats.[14]Notable film and recurring roles
In the mid-1980s, Aresco appeared as Nino Vincent in a 1986 episode of the soap opera Capitol.[15] Aresco's early film roles included the television movies Target Risk (1975) and McNaughton's Daughter (1976). He followed with the supporting role of Johnny Bonnaro in Swing Shift (1984), a World War II-era romantic drama directed by Jonathan Demme, where he played a charismatic mechanic entangled in workplace romance amid wartime production.[16] The film, starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, earned critical attention for its portrayal of Rosie the Riveter dynamics, and Aresco's supporting turn helped establish his presence in feature films.[3] He followed this with a notable supporting role as Woodfield in the 1987 science fiction action film The Hidden, directed by Jack Sholder, portraying a criminal whose body becomes a vessel for an alien entity in a buddy-cop chase narrative.[17] The cult favorite, praised for its blend of horror and humor, featured Aresco alongside Kyle MacLachlan and Michael Nouri, underscoring his skill in genre roles that mixed intensity with subtle menace.[3] In the late 1980s, Aresco took on the recurring character of Boomer across four episodes of Dallas during its 13th season in 1989, contributing to the show's intricate plots involving oil rig intrigue and family rivalries.[18] His performance as the rough-edged Boomer added tension to the narrative, highlighting Aresco's versatility in ensemble casts of high-stakes primetime series.[19] Aresco also had recurring appearances on St. Elsewhere in the 1980s and General Hospital in the 1990s, portraying complex supporting characters in medical dramas and soaps.[3] On television, Aresco delivered a memorable guest performance as Brull, the leader of the Acamarian Gatherers, in the 1989 Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Vengeance Factor," negotiating peace amid interstellar conflict in a story exploring themes of revenge and reconciliation. This appearance in the franchise's third season episode connected him to science fiction fandom, with Brull's arc providing a pivotal moment in the episode's diplomatic tension. (Note: Wikipedia cited here only for episode context, but primary verification from IMDb.) Additionally, Aresco recurred as Carlo in Santa Barbara starting in 1988, appearing in multiple episodes of the NBC soap opera as a character tied to the show's web of family secrets and romantic entanglements.[20] His involvement across several installments, including episodes #1.954 and #1.958, allowed him to engage with the series' dramatic core, further solidifying his reputation in daytime television during the decade.[21] Aresco appeared in Stephen King's Sleepwalkers (1992) as a supporting role in the horror film.[1]Later projects and producing efforts
In the 2000s, Aresco continued to take on supporting roles in both film and television, though his appearances became more sporadic compared to his earlier decades. Notable among these was his portrayal of Agent Campbell in the comedy film Blonde and Blonder (2008), directed by Dee McLachlan, where he played a law enforcement officer involved in a plot revolving around mistaken identities and jewel thefts. He also appeared as Mr. Parker in the 2005 episode "Full Alert" of Stargate SG-1, contributing to the sci-fi series' ongoing narrative of interstellar exploration and conflict. Aresco had previously played Slaviash in the 1997 episode "Thor's Hammer."[2][22] Aresco's film work in this period culminated in the role of Frank Falucci in The Big Year (2011), a comedy-drama directed by David Frankel about competitive birdwatching enthusiasts, starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. In the film, Aresco's character adds to the ensemble of quirky competitors vying for the North American birding record. This marked one of his last major screen credits, highlighting a shift toward lighter, character-driven projects. On television, he guest-starred as Frank Santini in the episode "Rogue Time" of The Flash (2015), portraying a figure connected to the show's criminal underworld during a storyline involving time manipulation and supervillain alliances. Regarding producing efforts, Aresco is credited as a producer in biographical profiles, but no specific projects from the 2000s onward are documented in major film databases, suggesting any such involvement may have been limited or uncredited in publicly available records.[1] Following his 2015 appearance on The Flash, Aresco's on-screen activity appears to have significantly slowed, with no credited roles reported through 2025 based on current filmography sources. This hiatus may indicate a transition toward semi-retirement or pursuits outside of acting, though details on his post-2015 endeavors remain scarce in public domains.[2]Filmography
Film roles
Joey Aresco's film career spans several decades, with roles in both feature films and television movies. His credits are listed chronologically below, including character names and directors where documented. 1970s- 1979: Racquet, Groom, directed by David Winters[23]
- 1984: Swing Shift, Johnny Bonnaro, directed by Jonathan Demme[3]
- 1987: The Three Kings, Tony, directed by Mel Damski[24]
- 1987: The Hidden, Woodfield, directed by Jack Sholder
- 1988: Crossing the Mob, Sal, directed by Steven Hilliard Stern[25]
- 1989: Driving Force, Charles, directed by A. J. Prowse[3]
- 1989: Primary Target, Frank Rosi, directed by David A. Prior
- 1990: Circle of Fear, Joey Conti, directed by Clark Henderson[5]
- 1992: Sleepwalkers, Victor, directed by Mick Garris[26]
- 1995: Dillinger and Capone, Italo, directed by Jon Purdy[3]
- 1995: Sawbones, Blue Collar Victim, directed by J.S. Cardone[5]
- 1995: Piranha, Milos, directed by Scott P. Levy[27]
- 1997: Little Cobras: Operation Dalmatian, Harry, directed by Paulette Victor Lifton
- 1998: Overdrive, Doorman, directed by Steve Austin[2]
- 1998: Monkey Business, Louie, directed by Paulette Victor Lifton[28]
- 2001: The Wedding Dress, Auction Announcer, directed by Ron Lazzeretti[3]
- 2003: Mob Princess, Uncle Guy, directed by Robert Markowitz
- 2008: Blonde and Blonder, Agent Campbell, directed by Ken Wiederhorn
- 2011: The Big Year, Frank Falucci, directed by David Frankel
Television appearances
Joey Aresco's television appearances encompass a wide range of guest spots, recurring roles, and TV movies from 1973 to 2015, totaling over 50 credits across drama, crime, sci-fi, and soap opera genres. The following table provides a chronological catalog of his television credits, including series, miniseries, and TV movies, with roles and episode details where applicable.| Year | Title | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Cannon | Unspecified | Episode: "Trial by Terror" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1973 | Kojak | Sammy Marino | Episode: "Requiem for a Cop" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1973 | Chase | Duke | Episode: "Gang War" (1 episode)[11] |
| 1974 | Medical Center | Leo | Episode: "The Conspirators" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1975 | Target Risk | Junkie | TV movie[3] |
| 1975 | Kolchak: The Night Stalker | Electric Larry | Episode: "Chopper" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1975 | The Rockford Files | Billy Joe Hartman | Episode: "Just by Accident" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1976 | McNaughton's Daughter | Jerry Loftus | TV movie (pilot)[3] |
| 1976 | Snafu | Private Crosetti | TV movie (pilot)[3] |
| 1976 | Baretta | Johnny Evans | Episode: "The Left Hand of the Devil" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1976–1977 | Baa Baa Black Sheep | Sgt. John David "Hutch" Hutchinson | Recurring role, 20 episodes |
| 1977 | Barney Miller | Brando | Episode: "Chase" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1977 | Kojak | Richie | Episode: "I Could Kill My Wife's Lawyer" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1978 | CHiPs | Niles | Episode: "Crack-Up" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1978 | CHiPs | Husband | Episode: "The Sheik" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1978 | Lou Grant | Arthur Locatelli | Episode: "Pills" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1978 | The Eddie Capra Mysteries | Unspecified | Episode: "Now You See Her..." (1 episode)[29] |
| 1979 | The Rockford Files | Richie Gagglio | Episode: "The Man Who Saw the Alligators" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1979 | Taxi | Michael Patrese | Episode: "Hollywood Calling" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1979 | 240-Robert | Roger | Episode: "Bathysphere" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1979 | Trapper John, M.D. | Jan | Episode: "Deadly Exposure" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1979 | Supertrain | Wayne Randall | Recurring role, 3 episodes ("The Green Girl," "Where Have You Been Billy Boy," "A Very Formal Heist")[30] |
| 1980 | Eischied | Jimmy Dayton | Episode: "Buddy System" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1980 | Vega$ | Alberto | Episode: "Vendetta" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1982 | Dynasty | Ben Reynolds | Episode: "Acapulco" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1982 | Strike Force | Mitch | Episode: "Lonely Ladies" (1 episode)[29] |
| 1982 | Remington Steele | Morgue Attendant | Episode: "Steele in the Family" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1982 | St. Elsewhere | Bruce | Episode: "Rough Cut" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1983 | The A-Team | Presley | Episode: "Bad Time on the Border" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1984 | Night Court | Ronald McKenzie | Episode: "The Former Harry Stone" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1984 | T. J. Hooker | Sid Beamer | Episode: "Death Strip" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1984 | Murder, She Wrote | Rocco Pastolino | Episode: "The Family Jewels" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1985 | Capitol | Nino Vincent | Recurring role, multiple episodes (soap opera)[3] |
| 1985 | MacGyver | Nicholas Kasabian | Episode: "Bitter Harvest" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1986 | Hill Street Blues | Dominick Donatelli | Episode: "Say Uncle" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1987 | The Three Kings | Tony | TV movie[3] |
| 1987 | Star Trek: The Next Generation | Brull | Episode: "The Vengeance Factor" (1 episode) |
| 1988 | Beauty and the Beast | Jimmy Morero | Episode: "The Alchemist" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1988 | Crossing the Mob | Sal | TV movie[3] |
| 1989 | Dallas | Boomer | Episode: "Phantom of the Oil Rig" (1 episode) |
| 1990 | Booker | Unspecified | Episode: "The Red Dot" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1990 | Murder, She Wrote | Rocco Pastolino | Episode: "The Family Jewels" (1 episode, note: listed twice in sources, confirmed 1990)[3] |
| 1990 | MacGyver | Nicholas Kasabian | Episode: "Bitter Harvest" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1991 | Hunter | Dave Jordan | Episode: "The Reporter" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1991 | Jake and the Fatman | Unspecified | Episode: "Come Along with Me" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1992 | Roc | Unspecified | Episodes: "Roc Strikes Out," "A Piece of the Roc" (2 episodes)[3] |
| 1995 | Sawbones | Blue Collar Victim | TV movie (also known as Prescription for Murder)[3] |
| 1995 | Piranha | Milos | TV movie[3] |
| 1996 | Dark Skies | Jack Gettings | Episode: "Dreamland" (1 episode)[3] |
| 1997 | Little Cobras: Operation Dalmatian | Harry | TV movie (also known as Dalmatian Fever)[3] |
| 1998 | General Hospital | Moreno | Recurring role, multiple episodes (soap opera)[3] |
| 1998 | Monkey Business | Louie | TV movie[3] |
| 1999 | Days of Our Lives | Joe Moroni | Recurring role, multiple episodes (soap opera)[3] |
| 2000 | Dark Angel | Captain Dale Swanstrom | Episode: "Blah Blah Woof Woof" (1 episode)[3] |
| 2001 | The Wedding Dress | Auction Announcer | TV movie[3] |
| 2002 | The Dead Zone | Steve Carrick | Episode: "Destiny" (1 episode)[3] |
| 2002 | Just Cause | Otis | Episode: "Tonia with an O" (1 episode)[3] |
| 2002 | Tom Stone | Paul Chiarelli | Episode: "Cold Comfort" (1 episode)[3] |
| 2003 | Mob Princess | Jimmy D. | TV movie (verified via IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0337920/) |
| 2005 | Stargate SG-1 | Mr. Parker | Episode: "Full Alert" (1 episode)[31] |
| 2006 | Stargate SG-1 | Slaviash | Episode: "Company of Thieves" (1 episode) |
| 2007 | The L Word | Director | Episode unspecified (1 episode) (verified via IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0034384/) |
| 2013 | The Runner | The Suit | Recurring role, 2 episodes ("We've Got Action," unspecified second) |
| 2015 | The Flash | Frank Santini | Episode: "Rogue Time" (1 episode)[32] |