Jo Koy
Birthdate: Jun 2, 1971
Birthplace: Tacoma, Washington, USA
A popular stand-up performer who is part of the new wave of Asian American comedians, Jo Koy (birthname: Joseph Glenn Herbert) has gained a large following through his series of comedy specials on Comedy Central and Netflix. Early in his career, Koy was part of the cast of Gilbert Le’s independent, Huckleberry Finn-inspired film, Virginia (2005). 13 years later, Koy’s next feature as an actor was Cyrus Mirakhor’s dark comedy-drama, Wake. (2018), with Myndy Crist and James Denton.
In writer-director Blake Harris’ fantasy adventure, Anastasia: Once Upon a Time (2019), Koy portrayed Vladimir Lenin opposite Emily Carey’s Anastasia, Brandon Routh’s Nicolas II, and Amiah Miller. Jo Koy’s first starring role in his first studio feature is a struggling Filipino-American comedian in Universal Pictures’ Easter Sunday (2022), directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, with Jimmy O. Yang, Tia Carrere, and Tiffany Haddish. Koy appears in the ensemble in the animated, Chinese-themed feature, The Monkey King (2023), with Jimmy O. Yang, BD Wong, Stephanie Hsu, and Bowen Yang.
Personal Details
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Jo Koy was raised by an American-born father who met his Filipino mother in the U.S. Air Force while he was stationed in the Philippines. Koy attended two different high schools in Tacoma and then relocated with his family to Las Vegas, where he attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas until he dropped out to do stand-up comedy with his mother’s encouragement.
He performed in Las Vegas while still living with his parents, and then moved to Los Angeles after being spotted by a talent scout. Jo Koy was married to Angie King, and divorced her in 2013; the couple has one child, Joseph Herbert, Jr. Koy is currently in a relationship with comedian Chelsea Handler.
Filmography
actor
Previous (1)
- 2022 | Easter SundayasJoe Valencia
Easter Sunday
Set around a family gathering to celebrate Easter Sunday, the comedy is based on Jo Koy's life experiences and stand-up comedy.
Some Facts About Jo Koy
Philanthropist: Jo Koy created the Jo Koy Foundation, which has produced fundraising comedy shows supporting such organizations as the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
