Joey Buttafuoco was born on March 11, 1956, in Massapequa, Long Island. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood and developed a strong interest in mechanics. After high school, he started his own auto-body business, gaining a good local reputation. Known for his outgoing and confident personality, Joey lived a relatively normal suburban life with his family until a single event in the early 1990s changed his world forever. In this article, we will explore the life of Joey Buttafuoco — from his early beginnings and the scandal that made him a 90s household name to where he stands today, uncovering key details about his age, family, net worth, lifestyle, and more.
Quick Bio:
| Full Name | Joseph A. “Joey” Buttafuoco |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Joey Buttafuoco |
| Date of Birth | March 11, 1956 |
| Age (2025) | 69 Years |
| Birthplace | Massapequa, Long Island, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5′11″ (1.80 m) |
| Weight | Around 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Occupation | Former Auto-Body Shop Owner, TV Personality |
| Marital Status | Married to Evanka Franjko |
| Children | Jessica “Jessie” Buttafuoco, Paul Buttafuoco |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $20,000 – $50,000 (estimated) |
| Known For | The 1990s “Long Island Lolita” scandal |
The Ordinary Life Before the Scandal
Before fame and controversy, Joey was a successful business owner and family man. He married his high-school sweetheart, Mary Jo, in 1977, and together they had two children, Jessica and Paul. Life was stable and predictable — the kind of American suburban dream most people strive for. To his customers, Joey was the friendly mechanic who always had a story to tell. But behind the garage doors, trouble was quietly brewing.
The Scandal That Shocked America
In 1992, Joey Buttafuoco’s life turned upside down when a teenage girl, Amy Fisher, arrived at his doorstep and shot his wife in the face. The event sent shockwaves through the country, turning Joey, Mary Jo, and Amy into household names overnight. Fisher, only sixteen at the time, became known as the “Long Island Lolita,” while Joey became the face of scandal and betrayal. What followed was one of the most sensationalized tabloid stories of the decade.
Legal Troubles and Media Obsession
After the shooting, Joey’s hidden affair with Amy Fisher came to light. The revelation that he had been involved with a minor sparked outrage. He was charged with statutory rape and endangering the welfare of a child. Joey pleaded guilty and spent several months in jail. The case consumed the media, spawning talk-show debates, TV movies, and endless headlines. Joey went from being a local businessman to one of the most infamous names in America almost overnight.
Life After Prison
Following his release, Joey tried to rebuild his life. He and Mary Jo relocated to California, hoping to escape the constant attention. Unfortunately, his attempts at redemption were overshadowed by more legal issues, including insurance fraud and weapons charges. The same charm that once made him popular often drew him back into controversy. Over time, Joey’s public image shifted from scandalous to tragic — a man forever tied to his mistakes.
Family and Relationships
Joey’s first marriage lasted over two decades despite unimaginable strain. Mary Jo survived the attack and publicly forgave both her husband and Amy Fisher. Eventually, however, she divorced Joey in 2003, seeking peace after years of turmoil. Joey later remarried Evanka Franjko in 2005. His children have lived quieter lives, though his daughter Jessica has spoken candidly about the emotional weight of growing up with such a public scandal attached to her family name.
Media Appearances and Pop Culture
Joey became an unexpected pop-culture figure during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He appeared on shows like Celebrity Boxing and Judge Judy, and was even referenced in movies and late-night comedy. Though some viewed him as an opportunist seeking attention, others believed he was simply embracing the bizarre fame that had been forced upon him. Either way, Joey’s name remained relevant in the conversation about America’s tabloid era.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Standing at about 5′11″ with a broad frame, Joey carried himself with confidence and streetwise charm. His salt-and-pepper hair and thick Long Island accent became instantly recognizable during interviews. Even under pressure, he often displayed a defiant and outspoken personality that the public found both fascinating and frustrating. Over the years, his once-brash energy has mellowed, but the strong-willed character remains a part of who he is.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Despite his fame, Joey never turned his notoriety into long-term wealth. His repeated legal problems and the collapse of his auto-body business left his finances unstable. Sources estimate his net worth to be between $20,000 and $50,000. While not destitute, he leads a modest lifestyle far from his once sensational media image. His story serves as a reminder that fame without foundation rarely lasts — especially when it’s born from scandal.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Today, Joey Buttafuoco lives a quiet life away from public attention. Now in his late sixties, he reportedly resides in California with his wife, Evanka. Though he occasionally appears in true-crime documentaries or interviews, his days of tabloid headlines are long behind him. After years of courtrooms, cameras, and controversy, Joey has stepped back from fame, living in relative anonymity and reflecting on a life forever changed by one fateful choice.
Impact on His Family
The Buttafuoco family endured years of media scrutiny and emotional pain. Mary Jo became an inspiring example of resilience after surviving her injury and rebuilding her life. Their daughter Jessica has spoken publicly about the toll the scandal took on her family and her own journey toward self-acceptance. Despite everything, the Buttafuocos have shown remarkable endurance, finding personal healing even when the public refused to forget.
Cultural Legacy and Symbolism
The Joey Buttafuoco case became a defining symbol of the 1990s tabloid era. It reflected how quickly private tragedy could become public entertainment. His story highlighted society’s growing fascination with scandal, crime, and celebrity downfall. Even decades later, his name evokes the chaotic blend of fame and infamy that characterized the early days of reality-style journalism. The tale remains one of America’s most unforgettable cautionary stories.
Present Day and Reflection
Joey Buttafuoco’s life today is far removed from the glare of flashbulbs. Though his reputation never fully recovered, he continues to live quietly, occasionally expressing regret for the choices that led to his downfall. His story remains a strange mix of drama, remorse, and human complexity — proof that while people can move on, the past has a way of following. In the end, Joey Buttafuoco became more than a headline — he became a lesson about consequence and redemption.
Conclusion
From a Long Island mechanic to one of America’s most infamous figures, Joey Buttafuoco’s journey captures both the rise and ruin of media-made fame. His story, filled with scandal, survival, and regret, continues to fascinate audiences decades later. Today, he lives a quiet existence, far from the chaos that once surrounded him. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or a story of endurance, Joey’s life remains a reflection of how one moment can change everything.
FAQs:
Who is Joey Buttafuoco?
Joey Buttafuoco is a former auto-body shop owner from Long Island who became infamous in the early 1990s after his affair with teenager Amy Fisher led to the shooting of his wife, Mary Jo. The case became a media sensation known as the “Long Island Lolita” scandal.
How old is Joey Buttafuoco now?
As of 2025, Joey Buttafuoco is 69 years old. He was born on March 11, 1956, in Massapequa, New York, and now lives a private life in California.
What is Joey Buttafuoco net worth?
Joey Buttafuoco net worth is modest, reportedly between $20,000 and $50,000. His financial troubles over the years and legal restrictions have limited his business opportunities.
Is Joey Buttafuoco married now?
Yes, Joey Buttafuoco has been married to Evanka Franjko since 2005. He was previously married to Mary Jo Buttafuoco, with whom he shares two children.
Where is Joey Buttafuoco today?
Joey Buttafuoco lives a quiet life in California, staying away from the media spotlight. He occasionally appears in documentaries or interviews but largely avoids public attention.
