Broccoli Rob: The Italian‑American Doctor Making You Laugh & Feel Well

In a world often overwhelmed by stress and screens, Dr. Robert Anthony Ruffalo is offering a different kind of prescription. Known to audiences across California, Florida, New York, and New Jersey as Broccoli Rob, this Italian-American doctor-comedian hybrid is bridging the gap between wellness and wit—proving that laughter is, indeed, the best medicine.

Born in Jersey and raised on a steady diet of family, faith, and performance, Rob’s journey began not in comedy clubs but in community theaters. At just ten years old, he stepped into the spotlight as Patrick Dennis in Mame—and never looked back. Whether playing Jesus in Godspell or the larger-than-life P.T. Barnum in Barnum, Rob was clearly a natural-born entertainer.

But instead of Broadway, life led him to the health sciences: physical therapy and chiropractic credentials. He has taught over 175 accredited live “hands-on” continuing education seminars to physical therapists and chiropractors.

Today, Rob masterfully blends his clinical expertise with his comedic timing in what he calls edutainment: educational entertainment that leaves you both enlightened and in stitches.

How Broccoli Rob Was Born

The name Broccoli Rob didn’t come from a marketing agency. It came from a moment. While giving a nutrition talk at a grammar school, a child asked if he was TV personality “Produce Pete.” Rob, quick on his feet, responded, “No, I’m Broccoli Rob!” The name stuck. So did the laughs.

That duality—science and showmanship—is the essence of Broccoli Rob.

From Open Mics to Standing Ovations

His big comedic break came unexpectedly. While in chiropractic school, Rob noticed a sign: Open Mic Night – Governor’s Comedy Club. He took a chance and rallied 80 classmates to attend. The club manager, stunned by the turnout, gave Rob as much stage time as he wanted. He did 25 minutes. The crowd roared. A star was born.

Soon, Rob was hosting weekly shows, booking now-famous names like a young Ray Romano and Rich Voss. He didn’t just perform—he produced. He built stages for other comedians before his own act took center spotlight.

Comedy with a Cause

Broccoli Rob’s comedy isn’t about chasing fame—it’s about touching hearts. His act is clean, clever, and deeply human. One of his most memorable moments came when a widow approached him after a show and thanked him for making her laugh for the first time since her husband’s death.

His one-man show Broccoli Rob: Then & Now is a nostalgic, laugh-packed ride through life’s contrasts—from rotary phones to smartphones, from handwritten letters to emojis. It’s especially popular with mature audiences who relate to the humor rooted in time-tested traditions and cultural quirks.

What’s Cooking Next?

With a sizzle reel now live on YouTube, Rob is eyeing streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu to bring Broccoli Rob: Then & Now to a global audience. He’s also working on a new book about pickleball—through a comedic lens, of course—and a collection of essays and sketches capturing the Broccoli Rob worldview.

Recently, he appeared at Boca Raton’s Sadman Comedy Cafe alongside acts like Terry McNeely and Fat Jay, and featured on comedian Mike Marino’s Live from My Mother’s Basement podcast. He’s also graced the airwaves of WKTU’s Morning Drive with Hollywood Hamilton and the Martha Stewart Radio Show.

And yes—his act is available for private, corporate, and nonprofit events, with each performance customized for the specific audience. Notable past gigs include Delta Airlines, the National Federation of the Blind, UNICO, and the Knights of Columbus.

Legacy in Laughter

Asked whether he gets nervous before a show, Rob quips, “Public speaking is supposed to be the number one fear—even over death. That means most people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy. Not me. Give me the mic.”

Where to Find Him

• Instagram: @broccoliroblol
• YouTube: Broccoli Rob Sizzle Reel
• Touring: California, Florida, New Jersey, and more in Fall 2025
• Booking: Available for corporate, private, and nonprofit performances