Joe Towey was an American actor best known for hosting KIRO-TV’s “Nightmare Theater” as “The Count” from 1965 to 1977, and for directing the children’s show “J.P. Patches.”
Personal and Family Life
Joe Towey was born on May 18, 1933, in Washington, USA. He was married to Sally Ann Fox until his death and had four children: Chris, Curt, Steve, and Paul. Towey also had several grandchildren, including Joe, Christine, Calvin, and Kyle, and a great-grandchild named Claire.
Career
Towey worked at KIRO-TV for 30 years, where he directed the beloved children’s program “J.P. Patches” for 22 years. He created the set design for “Nightmare Theater” and continued to revive his character “The Count” for special events, such as Halloween and Christmas, even after the show’s cancellation.
Death and Legacy
Joe Towey passed away on April 9, 1989, at his home in Seattle after a prolonged illness. He was 55 years old at the time of his death. His contributions to television, especially children’s programming, left a lasting legacy, and his character continues to be remembered fondly by fans.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| Nightmare Theater | The Count | 1968-1975 (1978) |
| J.P. Patches | Director/Mal Content/I. M. Rags/Sam Gefeltafish | 1958-1981 |