Meet Joe Barbara

Called to the Stage: Broadway Actor Joe Barbara on His Catholic Faith

From his Catholic upbringing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida to the bright lights of Broadway, Joe Barbara is using his career to inspire others to live their faith boldly.

Before veteran actor Joe Barbara steps onstage of Just in Time on Broadway, he makes the Sign of the Cross.

It's a small ritual, but one that reflects a lifelong commitment to his Catholic faith — a commitment he has carried from his childhood in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to some of the biggest stages in entertainment.

From his Broadway debut as Danny Zuko in Grease! to playing Gyp DeCarlo in Jersey Boys in Las Vegas and originating the role of Carmine in A Bronx Tale, Barbara has spent decades bringing characters to life. But beyond the curtain, he believes he has another calling: to be a visible witness to his faith in an industry where religious beliefs aren't always openly discussed.

From Sacred Heart Parish to Broadway

Barbara's Catholic foundation began at Sacred Heart Parish in New Smyrna Beach, where faith and family were deeply intertwined.

His mother worked as a secretary at the parish school, and the priests and religious sisters became an extension of his family. He fondly recalls their influence, including a sister who stayed after school each week to teach him guitar.

His father's advice has also stayed with him throughout his career: "The good Lord didn't take you this far to dump you now."

It's a message Barbara has carried through the highs and lows of an unpredictable entertainment industry.

“If you don’t have your faith and your family, this business will chew you up and spit you out,” Barbara said. “This is not a business for people who don’t have that kind of foundation.” 

A Crucifix With a Purpose

For more than 40 years, Barbara has worn a crucifix. 

When quick costume changes made wearing it challenging, Just in Time costume designer Catherine Zuber created a magnetic clasp that allows him to easily remove and replace it between characters. 

As an original cast member, Barbara hopes this small accommodation will set a precedent for future productions.

To Barbara, the crucifix represents something much greater than a personal tradition — he hopes that when fellow performers, audience members, or aspiring actors see him wearing it, they will feel more comfortable expressing their own beliefs.

It's also part of why he values greeting audiences at the stage door. Beyond photographs and autographs, those encounters offer another opportunity to be openly Catholic in an industry where faith may not always be visible.

Barbara's career has included Broadway, Off-Broadway, television, and film, with credits ranging from Jersey Boys to Law & Order, Blue Bloods, and FBI.

But his faith has shaped far more than his professional journey. It has also influenced the values he hopes to pass on to his family.

“He taught me not to lose myself trying to fit into any career,” said Barbara’s son, Joseph. Barbara also taught him to pray for discernment and the wisdom to recognize when to step up, where to draw the line, and when not to be afraid to make my voice heard when it comes to expressing his faith.

Barbara continues to attend Sunday Mass and looks for everyday opportunities to share his beliefs.

While the characters he portrays may not always reflect his personal values, he believes his responsibility extends beyond the roles he plays.

His ultimate goal has never been simply to become a successful actor. It has been to use his God-given talents to fulfill a greater purpose.

Joe Barbara is the first featured guest of Daily Call, a new Catholic storytelling platform exploring how faith shapes the careers, everyday decisions, and lives of Catholics in the arts, leadership, and beyond.

Your Work Is Your Witness.