Joseph Cranford grew up in Conroe, TX where he began his theater work. He performed in several high school plays and decided to pursue a collegiate education in Theater. He is a graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos, TX where he earned his B.FA. While in college, he began performing improvisational comedy in Austin,TX. He was an ensemble member of several groups in the Austin/San Antonio area, later deciding on a career in Improv.He moved to Chicago to train with The Second City, Improv Olympic, and Annoyance Theater. He performed on multiple house teams at iO, before getting hired for Mission IMPROVable, a national touring improv group. He toured for 3 years with the group, performing at college campuses, comedy clubs, and Chicago's Lollapalooza festival. He later signed with Shirley Hamilton Inc in Chicago to begin his on-camera career.