Joe Strong's parents were both circus performers. His mother, Janet Strong, did horse riding tricks under the pseudonym of Madame Hortense. His father, Alexander Strong, performed magic using the nom de guerre , Professor Moretti. Joe Strong was orphaned at around the age of five, his father, one Professor Strong. Alexander Strong contracting pneumonia possibly related to his performance of a water trick. Joe's mother died shortly after when complications arose from injures incurred from falling off her horse.