Jo Koy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and producer who has built an impressive comedy career performing sold-out shows worldwide. Known for his energetic observational humor drawing from his Filipino-American family, Jo Koy has also found success on TV shows, podcasts, and Netflix comedy specials. As of 2023, Jo Koy’s net worth is $30 million.
Jo Koy’s Early Life
Joseph Glenn Herbert was born in Tacoma, Washington, on June 2, 1971. His mother, Josie, originally hails from the Philippines, while his father was an American Army soldier. Due to his dad’s military service, Jo’s family frequently relocated to Washington, Hawaii, Louisiana, Oregon, and elsewhere during childhood.
Koy has a younger brother named Rowan Herbert, who has served as a producer on Jo’s comedy projects. Growing up in a multicultural household gave Jo plenty of comedic material that later featured heavily in his standup routines.
Jo Koy Early Comedy Career
Koy started performing stand-up comedy on the club circuit in 1994 at 23. He adopted the stage Jo Koy, which stuck with him for the rest of his career. Initially, Koy struggled to strike a chord with audiences as an Asian minority. After almost a decade of performing at small clubs and coffee houses to pay his dues, Koy finally broke through in the early 2000s.
His energetic theatrical flavor of observational comedy reflecting his unique blend of Pinoy and American perspectives started garnering more buzz. Koy incorporated hilarious impressions of his traditional Filipino mom and ethnic and cultural insights. By the mid-2000s, the rising talent started landing TV appearances on late-night shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show, gaining more mainstream prominence.
Rise to Fame on Standup Circuit
Through the 2010s decade, Jo Koy skyrocketed as one of the most popular stand-up comedy touring acts in the United States and other countries. He released extremely successful Netflix comedy specials such as:
- Comin’ In Hot (2019)
- Live from Seattle (2017)
- Jo Koy: In His Elements (2022)
Koy also became a familiar face on TV shows like Chelsea Lately, The Preacher’s Daughters, and the reality competition The Last Comic Standing, where he finished as runner-up in 2008.
By 2019, Billboard magazine highlighted Koy as the most commercially successful stand-up act, performing almost 150+ sold-out shows per year across the world. His ticket sales averaged $1 million plus annually. Fans especially connected with his candid take on parenting challenges and childhood versus adulthood perspectives incorporated through Pinoy culture filters layered with Americanized twists.
| Birth Date | June 2, 1971 |
| Name | Joseph Glenn Herbert |
| Profession | American stand-up comedian and actor |
| Father | John C. Herbert |
| Mother | Josie Harrison |
| Height | 1.8 m |
| Birthplace | Tacoma, Washington, U.S |
| Zodiac | Gemini |
Jo Koy Acting Pursuits
Aside from stand-up comedy, Jo Koy has pursued some acting projects, too, with appearances in shows like Young Rock, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, Fantasy Island, and Always Be My Maybe.
In 2022, the comedian starred in his first lead role, playing a struggling comic stirring drama in his family right before a career-changing opportunity came for his Netflix dramedy “Easter Sunday.” Koy served as writer and executive producer, too.
The film allowed Jo to showcase his impressive acting depth beyond comedic roles. And blend touching cultural themes and coming-of-age concepts, too. Easter Sunday resonated strongly, particularly with Asian and immigrant households, for its underlying relatability also earned much praise from critics.
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Jo Koy’s Personal Life and Relationships
Outside work, Jo Koy is a doting father to his son Joseph Herbert Jr., who was born in 2003. For many years, Koy raised Joseph Jr. as a single parent juggling parental responsibilities amidst hectic touring schedules across the country before fame kicked in.
Koy maintains very close relationships with his entire family, including his parents, siblings, and relatives, many of whom have cameo roles in his shows and comedy specials on Netflix. He frequently gives back to Filipino community services and outreach programs from his hometown of Seattle and Los Angeles residents.
In 2022, it was reported Koy was dating actress Sherry Cola, confirming the relationship on Instagram.
Jo Koy Net Worth
When Jo Koy first started performing in seedy comedy clubs, he lived check-to-check, driving used cars on the verge of bankruptcy. But today, the Filipino-American comic boasts an astounding net worth of $30 million.
In the early 2000s, Koy earned up to $15K yearly, performing up to 150 small comedy shows. But by 2019, at the peak of his fame, he generated over $1 million yearly, headlining 100+ arena and theater shows. His 2019 “Just Kidding World Tour” sold 3 million tickets, grossing $3 billion.
Koy charges premium ticket prices up to $293 as one of the world’s highest-paid stand-up acts. Combined with his Netflix comedy specials and other acting gigs, he has amassed around $50 million in career earnings.
Yet behind the scenes, Koy experienced his share of struggles before the fame. The son of immigrant parents, he grew up cramped in a small house with 20+ family members at one point. He battled eviction notices and repossessions before the comedy club circuit became his saving grace.
Now, Koy is living the high life with a Rolls Royce collection, lavish homes, and closets full of $1000+ sneakers. But he remains humbled by his rag-to-riches journey. At 50, Koy shows no sign of slowing down his hilarious ascent to the top.
Conclusion
Jo Koy has cemented his legacy as one of this generation’s most successful touring stand-up acts through his stellar rise from small clubs to sold-out arenas globally. His infectious brand of observational comedy highlighting Filipino culture against American upbringing experiences continues to entertain millions. Though just crossing 50 years old, Koy shows no signs of slowing down comedy pursuits. With more acting roles and Netflix specials underway, Jo Koy’s astronomical net worth, estimated at $30 million, seems likely to keep expanding higher.
FAQ’s?
How old is Jo Koy?
Jo Koy is currently 51 years old. He was born Joseph Glenn Herbert on June 2, 1971.
Who is Jo Koy?
Jo Koy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, and writer considered one of today’s most commercially successful comics. He is best known for his comedy, which reflects his Filipino-American heritage.
Who is Jo Koy’s wife?
As of 2023, Jo Koy is reportedly dating actress Sherry Cola. He has not revealed being married previously. Koy does have a teenage son named Joseph Herbert Jr.
What is Jo Koy’s connection to Chelsea Handler?
Jo Koy became good friends with comedian Chelsea Handler after frequently appearing on her late-night talk show Chelsea Lately years ago. The two comedians toured together in 2019 for Handler’s Sit-Down Comedy Tour, featuring Koy as an opening act.
Is Jo Koy currently touring?
Yes, Jo Koy is currently on his “Just Kidding World Tour 2022/2023,” featuring over 100 shows scheduled across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries. After completing sold-out shows last year, his tour runs from August 2022 through June 2023.
Who is Jo Koy’s mom?
Jo Koy’s mother is Josie Harrison-Clark, who inspired much of Jo’s stand-up comedy featuring hilarious impressions of his traditional Filipino mom. His mom and entire family have made cameo appearances in Koy’s Netflix comedy specials over the years.
