Joey Sagal

Joey Sagal
Joey Sagal | Source: Pinterest

Who is Joey Sagal?

Joey Sagal, born Joseph B. Sagal, is an American actor, screenwriter, and performer known for his dynamic portrayals of iconic historical figures, especially Elvis Presley. With a career spanning over four decades, Joey gained recognition for co-writing and acting in the 2016 film Elvis & Nixon, which was nominated for Best Historical Film at the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. He has appeared in numerous television series and films, leaving a lasting mark as a versatile and dedicated performer.

Early Life and Family Background

Joey Sagal was born on February 12, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. He hails from a prestigious entertainment family. His father, Boris Sagal, was a Ukrainian-American film director best known for The Omega Man and Masada. Tragically, Boris died in 1981 in a helicopter accident while filming World War III.

Joey’s mother, Sara Maçon-Zwilling, was also a pioneering woman director and singer. After Sara’s passing, Boris married dancer and actress Marge Champion.

Joey is one of several talented siblings:

  • Katey Sagal – actress (Sons of Anarchy)
  • Jean and Liz Sagal – twin actresses and directors
  • Cathy Sagal – actress
  • David Lewis Sagal – Warner Bros. legal executive
  • Gregg Champion – director and stepbrother

His uncle, Daniil Sagal, was a renowned Russian actor, further adding to the family’s artistic legacy.

Education and Acting Training

Joey studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Hollywood (1975–77), where he trained alongside actors like Dominic DeFazio. He later studied at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco (1977–78), learning from renowned vocal coach Edith Skinner.

Further honing his craft, Joey trained under Peggy Feury from 1979 to 1985 and studied script analysis at Stella Adler’s Studio in both New York and Hollywood. His classmates over the years included Hollywood legends such as Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Meg Ryan, and Nicolas Cage.

Career Highlights

Breakthrough and Major Roles

Joey Sagal’s acting breakthrough came from his deep-rooted passion for Elvis Presley. He portrayed Presley in multiple projects:

  • Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King (2006)
  • Unbeatable Harold (2006)
  • Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Stage – over 350 performances)

Film and TV Credits

Some of Joey’s notable screen appearances include:

  • Elvis & Nixon (2016) – Co-writer and actor
  • Redline (2007) – Elvis Announcer
  • Cult (2007), Anna Nicole (2007), Into the Sun (2005)
  • Barb Wire (1996), Final Jeopardy (1985)
  • Sons of Anarchy – as Dr. Trout in Season 6

He is known for playing eccentric or historical characters with unmatched intensity and depth. His commitment to roles has earned him critical acclaim, especially in stage performances.

Personal Life and Relationships

Joey Sagal was previously married to Canadian screenwriter and comedian Hanana Suzan-Stadner from March 6, 2011, to June 10, 2012. Hanana co-wrote Elvis & Nixon alongside Joey and was a prominent figure in their creative partnership.

Currently, Joey is in a long-term relationship with Michelle Bolotin, a California-based real estate developer. They are often spotted at public events and outings with their dogs, Max (a pug) and Herc (a Tibetan Spaniel).

Trivia and Notable Facts

  • Joey met Elvis Presley as a child on the set of Girl Happy (1965), directed by his father. This moment heavily influenced his career.
  • He once acted opposite Denzel Washington in his first play, Moonchildren.
  • His portrayal of “The Visitor” (Elvis-like figure) in Picasso at the Lapin Agile broke box office records.
  • Joey’s stepmother, Marge Champion, was a celebrated dancer married to choreographer Gower Champion.

FAQ About Joey Sagal

1. Is Joey Sagal related to Katey Sagal?
Yes. Katey Sagal is Joey’s older sister.

2. What is Joey Sagal known for?
He is best known for co-writing and acting in Elvis & Nixon and for his recurring portrayals of Elvis Presley.

3. Is Joey Sagal married?
He was previously married to Hanana Suzan-Stadner. He is currently in a relationship with Michelle Bolotin.

4. Did Joey Sagal meet Elvis Presley?
Yes, he met Elvis on the set of Girl Happy, which his father directed.

Similar Posts