Joseph “Joe” Pierre Torry is an actor and comedian. He was born on September 28, 1965, to Robert Torry and Rebecca Torry in Saint Louis, Missouri. Torry attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism. While at Lincoln, Torry joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
After college, Torry quickly began his prolific acting career. His many films included House Party (1990) and House Party 3 (1993), alongside Christopher “Kid” Reid, Christopher “Play” Martin, and Martin Lawerence. He also acted in Strictly Business (1991) with Samuel L. Jackson and Hallie Berry, Poetic Justice (1993) featuring Janet Jackson and Tupac “2Pac” Shakur, Tales from the Hood (1995), Sprung (1997) with Tisha Campbell, Lockdown (2000) with Percy “Master P” Miller, Motives (2004), Hair Show (2004), Getting Played (2005), and Motives 2 (2007).
Torry also appeared in numerous television shows, including “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” “Amen,” “Def Comedy Jam,” “Roc,” “Dangerous Minds,” “ER,” “NYPD Blue,” “NCIS,” and “Girlfriends.” Aside from his film and television career, Torry is also a philanthropist. In 1996, he established the Giving Back The Love Foundation to sponsor youth and community programs. The foundation, under Torry’s leadership, has made a significant impact on African American communities across the United States, mentoring over 30,000 children and families on the importance of healthcare awareness and education.
In 2004, Torry was chosen to represent the Midwest and be the first to accept the 2004 Olympic Torch for the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece. Torry accepted the torch when it reached New York City, New York.
Throughout his career, Joe Torry has collaborated with numerous celebrities both in his film work and in humanitarian causes. That list includes Russell Simmons, Robin Harris, Robi Reed, Stan Lathan, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Torry was honored by Lincoln University with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and was inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. He also received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters for his work in the Entertainment Industry and Community service from Lincoln University in 2002.
Torry and his wife, Chrystal, have been married since 2001, and they raised Joseph Torry II as well as his child, Kameron Torry, from a previous relationship.