52-year-old Host Jokoy is an actor, stand-up comedian, and the main character in the biographical film Easter Sunday, which is based on his real experiences. Well-known for his comic skills, he has appeared in multiple Netflix and Comedy Central specials.
Koy has cemented his position in the comedy world with more than 140 roundtable guest appearances on Chelsea Handler’s Chelsea Lately. He was given the honor of being named the 2018 Just For Laughs Comedy Festival’s “Stand-Up Comedian of the Year” in Montreal, Canada. Here are five interesting facts about this year’s Golden Globes host.
1. From Tacoma to the Stage: The Heartfelt Origin of Jo Koy’s Moniker ‘My Jo’
Joseph Glenn Herbert, better known by his stage name Jo Koy, was born in Tacoma, Washington, and grew up there. His family affectionately gave him the childhood nickname ‘Jo Koy’. In Tagalog, a Philippine language, “Ko” means “my,” thus “Jo Ko” becomes “My Jo.” This personal touch gives a special meaning to his chosen stage personality.
2. Unleashing Laughter: Jo Koy’s Comedy Journey through Six Hilarious Specials, from ‘Don’t Make Him Angry’ to 2022’s Comedy Triumph
Host Jokoy, who has six comedy specials under his belt, has a gift for making people laugh. The humorous adventure began with the hilarious 2009 Comedy Central stand-up special ‘Don’t Make Him Angry.’ He continued the fun with five more specials, culminating with his most recent release in 2022.
3. Silver Screen Spotlight: Jo Koy Takes Center Stage in ‘Easter Sunday’ – A Glimpse into His Diverse Acting Portfolio
Easter Sunday, featuring Jo Koy as the protagonist, will be released in August 2022. He played the character of Joe Valencia in the film. Koy has also shown his acting abilities in films such as Haunted Mansion, The Monkey King, and Leo.
4. Love Unveiled: The Rollercoaster Romance of Jo Koy and Chelsea Handler – From Secret Affection to Heartbreaking Split
Jo Koy and Chelsea Handler openly disclosed their romantic relationship for over a year before going public in September 2021. Despite their long-standing friendship, they pursued a love relationship. Regrettably, the pair announced their split in July 2022.
5. Jo Koy’s Golden Gamble: A Last-Minute Leap into the 2024 Golden Globes Spotlight
Jo Koy found himself in the Golden Globes spotlight on short notice, being called to host the 2024 awards event just two weeks before the presentation. He jumped on board without hesitation, well aware that he had less preparation time than the previous hosts. Jo Koy embraced the unpredictability and prepared for the big night, eager to lend his flavor to the prestigious event.
6. A Comedic Icon: Jo Koy’s Impact on Filipino-Americans and the Honors That Follow
Jo Koy has given Filipino Americans a sense of pride and representation to the point where some US towns have designated a day in his honor. Following Jo Koy’s breaking of the record for the most tickets sold by a single performer at its Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, the Honolulu mayor’s office proclaimed November 24th, 2017, as Jo Koy Day. From 2022 to 2022, three Californian cities—San Diego (16 October), Daly City (22 July), and Los Angeles (7 October)—have also proclaimed a Jo Koy Day.
7. From Buzzy’s Cafe to Breaking Records: Jo Koy’s Journey to Stand-Up Stardom
Host Jokoy, whose full name is Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr., was born on June 2, 1971, and according to Esquire, he received his first giggle in a coffee shop in Las Vegas named Buzzy’s Cafe. “There was no backup plan. Nothing was going to stop me from becoming a comic. Thus, he told the publication, “Even just getting that one small laugh that night was everything to me.” According to his website, he went on to become such a renowned stand-up performer that he often breaks attendance records, including the record for the most consecutive sold-out gigs for a comic.
8. He spent his childhood moving around a lot.
Throughout his early years, Koy’s family traveled around a lot due to his father’s employment in the Air Force. He lived in several locations in Las Vegas and Washington. They eventually made the permanent move to Vegas to be near his ailing grandmother.
9. From Campus to Comedy: Jo Koy’s Unfinished College Journey to Stand-Up Stardom
Jo Koy attended college, although he never finished. After being admitted to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he soon concluded that it wasn’t the place for him. He was aware that making others laugh was his passion. In general, college students don’t study that.
