Joe Minjares, 'Truman Show' Actor and Minneapolis Restaurant Veteran, Dies at 79

A Life on Stage and Screen

Joe Minjares, a multifaceted individual known for his work as a stand-up comedian, playwright, restaurateur in Minneapolis, and character actor in Hollywood, passed away at the age of 79. His death occurred at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, where he had been receiving treatment for pneumonia and long-standing lung-related issues. His longtime publicist and family friend, Martin Keller, confirmed the news.

Minjares' career spanned multiple creative fields, and he was involved in notable projects such as “The Truman Show” and “Roseanne.” His influence extended beyond the screen, as he played an important role in nurturing comedic talent and building community spaces for artists.

A Community Builder and Comedian

Lizz Winstead, co-creator of “The Daily Show,” worked with Minjares during several stand-up comedy tours in the 1980s and ’90s, including collaborations in Los Angeles. She praised him for creating an environment where innovative comedians could explore new ideas and push boundaries.

“I think of him as a community builder like no other — funny, smart with a huge heart,” Winstead said. Her words reflect the deep impact Minjares had on those who knew him personally and professionally.

A Unique Family Background

Minjares’ early life was marked by a complex family situation that seemed to foreshadow his future in the arts. Born in Minneapolis, his mother, Guadalupe, was pregnant with him when his father, Benjamin Minjares, returned from World War II. After their divorce, Joe was adopted by her new husband, Robert Senkyr. Later in life, Minjares sought out his biological father, Enrique Rodriguez, and eventually reunited with him.

This unique family dynamic, which included three potential fathers, was later fictionalized in the Broadway musical “Mamma Mia!” However, for Minjares, it was real, and he embraced all three of his fathers with love and respect.

From Comedy to Theater

Minjares’ journey into the world of performance began in Minneapolis, where his early dabbling in stand-up comedy led to a successful career. He grew up on the North Side of the city until the age of 13, then graduated from Central High School in south Minneapolis. He served in the U.S. Army’s intelligence division from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War.

Encouraged by his parents, Minjares and his wife, Sue, purchased the Colonial Inn in Minneapolis in 1971 and transformed it into Pepitos, a Tex-Mex restaurant that the family owned for over four decades. The establishment became a hub for local comedians and performers, with a room where Joe and others would share jokes and stories.

The family later bought and renovated the Parkway Theater next door, which became a popular spot for performing artists. Winstead recalled a sold-out three-night stand during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, featuring music by Billy Bragg and other notable acts.

A Creative Force in Theater

Jack Reuler, founder of Mixed Blood Theatre, described Minjares as “Ralph Kramdenesque,” referencing the energetic character from “The Honeymooners” played by Jackie Gleason. After seeing Minjares perform stand-up, Reuler cast him in shows at Mixed Blood and encouraged him to explore playwriting.

Minjares’ first play, “The King of Kosher Grocers,” featured a trio of Black, Latino, and Jewish protagonists in a multiracial neighborhood and was widely produced. He also wrote “Minnecanos,” an autobiographical tribute to Chicanos in Minnesota, and “River Road Boogie: The Augie Garcia Story,” which premiered at the History Theatre in 2015.

“He had a natural writing gift and he really leveraged it in his plays,” said Keller.

A Versatile Actor

In addition to his work in theater, Minjares appeared in several films, including “The Truman Show,” where he played a bartender. He also starred in “Patti Rocks,” “Nothing to Lose,” and “McHale’s Navy.” Keller noted that Minjares had a look that Hollywood found appealing.

Legacy and Family

Minjares is survived by his children Leonard Senkyr of Blaine, Kenny Senkyr and Paul Senkyr of Richfield, and Pamela Senkyr of Minneapolis; siblings Bobby Senkyr of Hugo, Liz Benson of Minnetonka, Starr Acuna of San Antonio, and Alycia Hausladen of Waverly, Minn.; 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Services are being planned to honor his life and contributions.

Winstead remembered Minjares not only for his professional achievements but also for his dedication to his family and community. “Don’t forget that Pepitos had some of the best ribs in Minnesota,” she said. “They had a honey barbecue sauce with a slight crystallized coating so there was a crunch to the outside but big, fat tenderness inside. That was Joe.”