Joe Cortese started his career on the stage. Some of his credits include Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” and Luigi Pirendello’s “Che Che” and “The Man with the Flower in his Mouth.” He was last seen on stage in Sam Shepard’s “True West.” His stage work eventually led to his first leading role in a film, “The Death Collector” with Joe Pesci. Some of Joe’s other films are: “Monsignor” with Christopher Reeves for director Frank Perry, Gordon Willi’s directorial debut “Windows” with Talia Shire and Elizabeth Ashley, and “RUBY” with Danny Aiello for director John Mackenzie.

Joe has received acclaim for his numerous television projects. “The C.A.T. Squad” was part of a trilogy of two-hour movies for NBC and producer/directory William Friedkin. Newsday Entertainment critic Marvin Kittman described Cortese as “nerves of steel with a heart of gold,” and the best actor he has seen in this type of role. In the critically acclaimed and highly rated mini-series “Something is Out There” (NBC), USA Today’s Monica Collins described Joe as “one of the most dynamic TV men to come along.” Other TV movies include: “Exclusive” (ABC), “Assault and Matrimony” (NBC), “Just Life” (ABC), “Lettin’ Go” (ABC) and “Born to Run” (FOX). He also starred in Sydney Sheldon’s mini-series “If Tomorrow Comes” (CBS) and Jackie Collins’ “Lady Boss” (NBC).

One of Joe’s favorite characters was that of a brilliant architect in “He Wants Her Back,” a PBS special written and directed by Stanton Kaye.

In addition to acting on stage and screen, Joe was one of the founding members of the MET Theatre. He produced “A Night With Robert Duvall” and he also produced and starred in the original play “Cody Angelino’s is Coming”.