You might have seen him popping up in those viral TikTok videos — he’s the dad of TikTok star Joe Mele, whose hilarious and heartfelt content quickly took the internet by storm. Known for his unmistakable Long Island accent, Joe Mele’s father became a fan favorite almost instantly after making his debut on his son’s TikTok account back in December 2019. It’s kind of funny how life works — one minute he’s just a regular guy, and the next, he’s part of a digital phenomenon that’s amassed over 31 million followers.
Joe Mele’s rise to fame brought not just him into the spotlight, but also his whole family, especially his dad, who naturally stole scenes with his authentic reactions and classic East Coast charm. The bond between Joe Mele and his father resonated with audiences, adding a layer of warmth and relatability to their content. Off-camera, the family stays close-knit — Joe Mele and his brother Nick were raised by their parents, including their now-famous dad and their mom, who’ve supported them every step of the way.
So yeah, while Joe Mele is the name behind the camera and the face of the brand, it’s clear that his father plays a big role in the story too — not just as a recurring character, but as a real-life personality fans genuinely love. And honestly? That’s what makes the whole thing feel so genuine.
He had been getting a ton of comments pointing out how much he looked like the restaurant critic from the Disney movie Ratatouille—you know, that strict guy with the dramatic flair. After hearing it again and again, he finally decided to lean into the joke and put together a TikTok where he actually dressed up just like him. The whole thing was kind of spontaneous, but it totally paid off. People loved it. In fact, the video ended up going viral and racked up over 50 million views. Honestly, you could say he became almost as famous as the character himself for a little while. He really made the most of the moment, and honestly, who wouldn’t?