Debbie Rochon: Remembering Troma Legend Joe Fleishaker

Troma loses yet another another superstar; Debbie Rochon remembers.

Last December, at age 70, we lost the irreplaceable Lemmy, frontman for the timeless metal band Motorhead. He was loved and worshiped by many, including The Troma Army for his multiple appearances in Lloyd Kaufman’s films.

Joe Fleishaker died on Monday May 23^rd at the age of 62. While the likes of Ben Affleck, Tom Cruise and Michael Bay may not have worked with him, he was a superstar in the Tromaville Universe. Troma fans around the world mourn his passing.

His began as an extra in TROMA’S WAR and was immediately upgraded as soon as Lloyd Kaufman saw this epic talent through his viewfinder. Possibly Lloyd’s male foil to John Water’s Divine character, Joe Fleishaker would be in everything that Lloyd helmed; from their first collaboration till the day Joe passed. Films to movie posters to cable TV skits, Joe was there front and center creating memorable characters and performing scenes that would forever be burned into the psyches of all who witnessed them. He was a kind man. He would give anyone the shirt off his back if only it would fit. And thus would be Joe’s struggle throughout his too short life. He had a serious problem with over eating and not keeping his health in check. Once he began getting roles on TV, he played David Letterman’s son on multiple occasions, and in movies that were focused on his grand impression he became trapped by it. While it would have been no walk in the park for him to cut a svelte new look, it was his size that brought him the notoriety and cult-fame he so desired. Joe loved being a Troma star more than anything. We all loved him for his bigger than life characters and in Tromaville it was always accompanied by a lot of gooey stuff. You have to tip your hat to the man. Most actors, of any size, would not have so happily endured the buckets of fake blood, fake feces, fake vomit or any other fake body fluid (not to mention the not so fake nudity) for that matter. I myself had witnessed Joe endure some of the most treacherous of scenes, special effects wise, and he did it with more gusto than an Ironman Triathlon winner. Not without discomfort and a certain amount of vocalizing his plight to the crew. But really who wouldn’t? Joe always knew what was expected of him and he knew Lloyd’s sensibilities as much as any actor could. Joe had the ability to put aside all unessential ego baggage and play a demanding role of a superhero called Lardass. Please keep in mind Lardass is a side kick of sorts to The Toxic Avenger himself, which has a certain cache. While Joe’s story is one of struggle it’s also one of accomplishment. He became the superstar in Lloyd’s cinematic world, an ‘Andy Warhol Factory’ of it’s own kind. One without the pomp and circumstance that is normally associated with a cultish group. There is no need for red ropes in Tromaville, the choosing of participants is purely based on who can work harder, longer and with the thickest skin, all while being paid in more Savoir-faire than subway fare.

Joe Fleishaker may not be known to the aforementioned ‘A’ listers, however, he is and will always be deeply respected and loved by some of the indie industries brightest stars. When I reached out to some of my Troma alumni they swiftly responded with the most heartfelt responses.

Lloyd Kaufman, who is simply shattered by Joe’s passing said; “Flags are flying half mast in Tromaville. Toxie and The Troma Team weep! Joe Fleishaker was not just a (very big) part of the Troma family for over 30 years, but was a beloved member of the Kaufman family. My wife loved him and my children were mentored by his wisdom and humor from the time they were babies.

Joe played many roles in our movies, ranging from action star in TROMA’S WAR and the TOXIC AVENGER movies 2-4, to romantic star in TERROR FIRMER and TROMEO AND JULIET, to Jared the subway sandwich guy in POULTRYGEIST, to a surprise featured role in RETURN TO NUKE’EM HIGH aka Vol.2–to even portraying my camera shy partner Michael Herz when the media called, or when I and Michael Herz needed to introduce DVDs such as TALES FROM THE CRAPPER with Debbie Rochon.

Joe loved his Tromaville. Whether he was getting ground up in an escalator or exploding with the direst case of diarrhea in movie history, Joe reveled in Troma movies! He usually re-wrote his lines and made them much better. He was a great man!!!!

Gabe Friedman, editor of many Fleishaker scenes, reminds us that Joe’s middle name, by the way, was Isaac. His initials are JIF, just like Joe’s favorite peanut butter, which he used in his action super hero role in CITIZEN TOXIE. Joe was a legendary Troma personality, a great actor, and a great friend. RIP Joe. Troma will never be the same without you.

Ave atque Vale, Joe!”

DEAD GIRL writer Trent Haaga remembered Joe by sharing, “Joe and I were known to butt heads from time to time, but he was there for every step of my then-nascent film career and I always respected the fact that he showed up and did the work no matter how physically tough or psychologically humiliating it was. Troma lost a true superstar this week, but Joe’s legacy will live on in cinema and I know that would thrill him. Rest in Peace, big fella – Tromaville salutes you.”

Gorgeous Tiffany Shepis who not only worked with Joe at Troma but also even modeled for him-he was a phenomenal photographer, added, “When I heard about Joe passing my heart sank. Joe was a part of the Troma family but if you ever met Joe you became instantly part of HIS family. He never forgot a face and would always make every person feel as important as the president when talking to him. He did that for me and most people who knew him. Joe was a good man, a funny actor, a great photographer, massive collector and friend I was lucky to have known. Fly high in the sky my big friend.”

Doug Sakmann joined the Troma Team in 1999 when he worked on CITIZEN TOXIE and has been a huge supporter and friend of Lloyd’s ever since. Doug has gone on to direct and deliver many feature films of his own. He became close friends with Joe over the many years they worked together. Doug was even working on a documentary about Joe Fleishaker and his struggle to become healthy called BIG STAR but sadly Joe passed before it was completed. Doug reminisces, “’Joe truly was the biggest star of them all, in personality as well as size. He always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face. While his physical situation may have been stressful for him, when he was on set or in front of the camera he was just happy to be surrounded by that energy, knowing that he was doing what he loved to do. He loved movies of all types and always had stories and anecdotes about his times on set, which was where he shined the brightest. The night sky is going to be a lot more vibrant now that Joe has left this earthly realm. In the last few years of Joe’s life, the legacy of what he became known for, his size, was ultimately his undoing. He was fully aware of this and had accepted that was the way things were. Though he was relegated to a hospital bed his mind was perfectly intact and when I did talk to him, even if months or years had passed it was as if it was only yesterday we were on set getting bloody. Joe was a genuinely good dude and will be very missed by the people of Tromaville and the world.”

It is with great sadness that all of us that reside in the Troma Universe will not have the good fortune to see him or work with him again. But like the rest of the world we have all of his movies on our DVD shelves and can see Joe as he has always wanted to be seen. A big star on the small screen.