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Joe Rossi (Peyton Place)

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Joe Rossi
Peyton Place character
Portrayed byMichael Christian
First appearanceFebruary 22, 1968 (#411)
Last appearanceOctober 30, 1968 (#473)
In-universe information
FamilyMichael Rossi (brother)
Lisa (sister)
SpouseJill Smith

Joe 'Joey' Rossi is a fictional character on the television drama Peyton Place. He was portrayed by actor Michael Christian, during the fourth and fifth seasons in 1968.

Character history

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Early life

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Joe had the reputation of a typical bad boy. He never had a lot of contact with his much older brother Michael Rossi and grew up in New York under the care of his sister Lisa.[1] In his teens, he spent most of his time hanging out with a bad crowd and was often put in juvenile's prison for theft and other minor criminal acts.[1] He often stood in the shadow of Michael, who was idolized, whereas Joe was looked down upon.[1]

Connection to Jill

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Offscreen, in the late 1960s, Joe had a short-lived relationship with Jill Smith, who suddenly left him.[2]

Peyton Place

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In 1968, Joe comes to Peyton Place, because he could not bear living with his sister anymore. However, it is later revealed he fled to town to avoid the revenge of a hoodlum friend in New York City. He immediately seeks contact with Michael, who criticizes him for his lack of responsibility.[1] Meanwhile, he notices Jill's baby and thinks it is his, but Jill denies it.[2]

It later turns out Joe and Jill together made up a story on their baby to scheme the residents of Peyton Place. They marry and leave town.

Production

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Michael Christian was cast in the role on September 30, 1967 and first appeared on television almost five months later.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Peyton Place, episode 412 (season 4, episode 44)
  2. ^ a b Peyton Place, episode 413 (season 4, episode 45)
  3. ^ "Another New Face In Peyton Place" by Dick Kleiner, Gastonia Gazette, May 5, 1968, p. 14