Joe Rossi (Peyton Place)

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]

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

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.