Joe DeBartolo(I)

Actor, Producer known for Torture the Flesh (2024), Cellar Secret (2016), Beyond the Edge (1986), Ride Along (2012), Planet Dead (2011), A native Chicagoan, Joe started his own film production company D-Bar Film Productions in 1969. Produced, directed, wrote, edited and acted in over 200 short and feature films and video productions including Borcca Morcca (1978), Beyond the Edge (1986). First major production appearance was as a criminal in the Bryan Forbes film, The Naked Face (1984). Trained under Del Close at ImprovOlympics in Chicago. Appeared in a handful of TV and film productions through 1990. Returned to acting in 2010. Stand out performances in The Clown Dies at Midnight (2017), Mentis (2017) and On the Hunt (2018). Although he has been the lead in a number of films he is best known as a 'character' actor. Winner of the Best Actor Award (Special Jury) and Best Actor Award (Outstanding Achievement) from the Roshani International Film Festival 2025 for his lead portrayal of Detective Frank Stevens in Torture the Flesh.