Born in southern California, Joseph Gilbert grew up in an Air Force family, constantly moving to diverse locations each year, from the sunny California to the freezing -40 degree below zero in North Dakota, to the humid south, and everywhere in-between. This exciting and fun experience made him an expert map-reader, as he navigated through various places.
After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications, Design, and Illustration, Joseph ventured to Chicago, where he spent countless Saturday nights at Second City, watching and studying renowned comedians such as Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch, Scott Adsit, and Stephnie Weir. He later went through the Second City Improv program himself and continued his professional training at Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City, under the guidance of David Mamet and William H. Macy. He also studied with individuals from the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, and movement training with SITI Company.
Joseph's travels eventually brought him full circle back to California, where he proudly works in various mediums, including film, TV, theatre, and commercials. He is a New American Theatre studio and ensemble member, under the revered guidance of Juilliard Graduate and SAG Nominated Actor, Jack Stehlin, and Emmy and BAFTA nominated actor, Alfred Molina.
Commercially, Joseph has worked with award-winning director Mark Romanek on multiple high-profile national campaigns for Apple and UPS. He has also had the pleasure of working on several films with Tony Todd, who physically man-handled him on set during their first collaboration.
Joseph has received numerous published reviews, praising his performances as "seamless and charismatic", "engaging and intriguing", "a playful spirit", "subtly superb", "rich in acting chops", delivered "a very tense and strong performance", "played in most heartfelt fashion", and "captures a high-strung, volatile, self-indulging druggie with scary accuracy".
Beyond his acting career, Joseph is philanthropically inclined, sharing his time and talent with select charities and organizations. He mentors students in drop-out prevention programs, volunteers with an organization that brings arts programs into children's hospitals, and supports animal shelters and no-kill facilities.
