Trivia

He got the lead role in Effects (1979) when he had to drive his girlfriend to an audition that he knew nothing about. Disgruntled with the audition, the producers needed someone to read with her. He read and she ended up not getting a part. They re-wrote the entire lead role for him.

Wore two-inch lifts in his cowboy boots to the audition for Day of the Dead (1985).

Liked to be called "Joseph." After Day of the Dead (1985), everyone called him "Joe." He changed the lettering for a 'ph' to an 'f' so people will call him "Joseph" (spelled Josef). People started pronouncing it "Yosef.".

Did not own a computer.

In 1983 he auditioned for the role of Stevie Steeler, the Pittsburgh Steelers' new mascot. He would have worn a giant foam costume during games. He did not become the mascot at first, but when he was called back later, his schedule was too busy. Stevie Steeler lasted from 1983-91.

In the early 1980s he was a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh's Speech Department (today known as the Drama Department).

Born and raised in the Italian section of East Boston, he became an altar boy when he went to Catholic school. His father, a trombonist, played with Les Brown and His Band of Renown, and Pilato played guitar and accordion (and taught himself the trombone). Initially, he was going to be a lawyer but changed his mind.

Enjoyed golf.

Played two different characters who have been ripped in half (Guy Zupan in Empire of the Dark (1991) and Rhodes in Day of the Dead (1985)).