My Story By The Pichler Family

"We're here today because we'd like America's help -- we need America's help."

"We have no idea, and we'll never know unless somebody out there comes forward and lets us know what happened to my brother."

Child Actor Makes The Grade

Joseph David Wolfgang Pichler was born on Valentine’s Day of 1987 in Bremerton, Wash. Growing up in the small city about an hour west of Seattle, Joe's apparent talent came to light at an early age.

Joe began an acting career at the age of 6 when he booked a commercial for a department store in Seattle. Joe then moved to Los Angeles, where he immediately landed an acting gig in the feature film, "The Fan."

In 1999, Joe appeared in the film “Varsity Blues.” He then performed in the third and fourth “Beethoven” family films. He was cast as a lead in the 2002 film “Children On Their Birthdays.”

Joe also appeared on the TV show “Touched By An Angel.”

At the urging of his mother, family members say Joe returned home in 2002 to experience a regular school life. After graduating from Bremerton High School, Joe had planned on soon returning to Los Angeles to continue following his dream of acting.

Family members say that Joe received a large amount of money from his trust account when he turned eighteen in 2005. With some of the funds, he purchased a new Toyota Corolla, a big screen TV, and various other items to enjoy in his own apartment.

Joe's family also says that in early 2006 Joe had been working full-time as a telephone technician at an outsourcing company in Bremerton.

Acquaintances of Joe knew him as a driven and charismatic young man.

Former Star Disappears Without A Trace

Police say friends and family did not notice anything unusual about Joe’s behavior on the day of January 4, 2006.

In fact, he had been playing cards with friends who say that he demonstrated no signs of depression or distress.

Authorities say Joe dropped some friends off early in the morning on Jan. 5, 2006. His best friend was the last person to speak with him at approximately 4:30 a.m.

Friends and family were unable to reach him later that day so they eventually reported him missing.

Cops searched Joe’s apartment for signs of foul play or clues to his whereabouts.

Investigators found that the door was left unlocked and all the lights and TVs had been left on. Other than that, no evidence or witnesses have surfaced.

Joe’s car was found just a few miles away from his apartment on January 9 in a restaurant parking lot near the Warren Avenue Bridge in Bremerton. Cops say Joe’s car keys and wallet have never been found.

In the months and years that followed, those who know Joe hoped he would resurface in Southern California or make some form of contact to let them know he's okay. His mother, in particular, told AMW hope remains that someday soon her son will turn up.

Detectives are looking for any leads that will help the family find answers in the disappearance of their loved one. If you know what happened to Joe Pichler, call our hotline at 1-800-CRIME-TV.