About Me

Joe Lisi was born and raised in New York City. Growing up he had two dreams; to be a New York City cop, and an actor. Joe joined the NYPD in 1968. He served 24 years, retiring as a Captain. His police career was highlighted by a 12 year assignment in the Narcotics Division and 2 years as the Commanding Officer of the 17th Precinct on Manhattan's fashionable East Side.

At age 18, while already a member of the NYPD, Joe enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and reported to boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. After boot camp, he attended radio school at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. When his active duty for training was completed, Joe was transferred to a reserve communications battalion in Brooklyn. He received an Honorable Discharge as a Corporal in 1972.

When Joe was 29, he took his first acting lesson. He continued to study while still an active duty police officer. His first professional role was that of a detective in the sequel to "Looking For Mr. Goodbar." Unable to retire Joe booked small roles in movies allowing him to remain in the NYPD.

In 1989 Joe was cast as, "Captain Motta" in the NBC series, "True Blue." At the time Joe was an active captain in the NYPD while simultaneously playing one on television. When that series ended, Joe was cast in recurring roles on several TV series shot in New York City, including; "Law & Order," "New York Undercover," "Swift Justice," "New York News," and as Dick Barone on "The Sopranos." Captain Joe Lisi retired from the NYPD in 1992.

In 2003, after a successful run in London and at the Public Theater in New York, Joe made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning Best Play of the year, "Take Me Out." He created the role of, "Skipper," the manager on the embattled New York Empires.

For five seasons Joe appeared in the NBC hit show "Third Watch." His character, "Lieutenant Swersky," was the no nonsense but soft hearted platoon commander of the fictitious NYPD 55th Precinct.

Joe continues his support of the NYPD and the Marine Corps by serving as a board member of the NYPD Marine Corps Association and advisor to the USMC Public Affairs Office and Recruiting Commands in the greater New York area.

Semper Fidelis.

Find Me Online

My Other Website

www.joelisi.net