Jo Koy, born Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr., is an accomplished stand-up comedian and actor from the United States. He rose to fame through his regular appearances on the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately on E!, a platform that significantly boosted his popularity and introduced him to a larger audience.
Jo Koy Biography
Jo Koy was born on June 2, 1971, in Tacoma, Washington, and is 52 years old as of 2023. His early life saw him move around quite a bit, with his family relocating from Spanaway to Tacoma, and eventually to Las Vegas. Koy attended both Spanaway Lake High and Foss High School in Tacoma. After high school, he briefly attended the University of Nevada, Los Angeles, but ultimately dropped out to pursue his dream of becoming a comedian.
Physical Traits
- Height: About 5’9″ (180 cm)
- Hair: Bald
- Eyes: Hazel Green
Family Background and Siblings
Jo Koy grew up in a Christian household in the United States. Jo Koy’s father, John C. Herbert, was a member of the United States Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines during his service. His mother, Josie Harrison, is credited with nurturing his passion for comedy and acting, influencing his career path. Jo Koy also has a close-knit family, including three siblings: his two sisters, Gebba Herbert and Rowena Cook, and his brother, Robert Herbert.
Jo Koy’s Son and Former Marriage
Koy has a son, Joseph Herbert Jr., from his previous marriage to Angie King. The father and son duo currently reside in the San Fernando Valley, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, where they continue to build their lives together.
Jo Koy’s Relationship with Chelsea Handler
In September 2021, Jo Koy and Chelsea Handler made their relationship official with a heartfelt post on Instagram. But, in a surprising twist, just under a year later, the pair revealed their separation through a candid announcement on Chelsea’s Instagram page.
Jo Koy’s Career Beginnings
In 1994, Jo Koy made the bold decision to leave university and pursue a career in stand-up comedy. He started performing at a local comedy club in Las Vegas, gradually gaining recognition. His talent quickly caught the attention of the industry, and he soon earned a regular gig on the renowned Catch a Rising Star show at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, marking the start of his rise in comedy.
Jo Koy’s big break came when a talent scout from Los Angeles discovered him, leading to his first TV appearance on Comic View.
This opened the door to numerous other high-profile opportunities, with Koy featuring on shows like Jamie Foxx Presents: Laffapalooza, Showtime at the Apollo, I Love the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Tru TV’s World’s Dumbest, and New Millennium. He also starred in Amp’d Mobile commercials. His growing success led to a second invite to the renowned Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, where he earned the prestigious Gemini Award, further cementing his status as a rising comedy star.
Television Career
Jo Koy’s television career began in 2013 when he landed his first role in the American sitcom Family Tools, portraying the character Berrick. He followed this with another notable role in 2020, appearing as Bob in the popular sitcom Mr. Iglesias. More recently, Koy has been involved in shows such as Reindeer in Here and Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, further expanding his television presence.
Film Debut and Roles
Jo Koy made his entry into the film world in 2018, starring in the drama Virginia as the character Chester Blind. His performance quickly captured attention, and later that same year, he took on another significant role in the movie Wake, playing Peter Lewis. These early roles highlighted his adaptability and skill in both dramatic and nuanced performances.
In 2019, Jo Koy took on a notable role in Anastasia: Once Upon a Time, where he portrayed the renowned Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. His portrayal earned him significant recognition for its compelling and nuanced execution, drawing attention for its skillful depth.
In 2023, Jo Koy takes on three exciting roles: in Haunted Mansion, a horror-comedy, he blends humor with suspense; in The Monkey King, a fantasy-adventure, he embarks on a thrilling journey; and in The Leo, a drama, he showcases his emotional depth. Fans are eagerly awaiting his performances across these diverse films.
Jo Koy is a true car enthusiast, often sharing his love for luxury vehicles in interviews. His collection, housed in a stylish garage, boasts some impressive rides, such as:
- Mercedes-Benz 550
- Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon
- Porsche Panamera
- Porsche 911
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Roadster
Jo Koy Net Worth & Real Estate Investments
In addition to his passion for cars, Jo Koy has made significant investments in real estate. In 2013, he purchased a mansion near Studio City for $1.2 million. Over the years, he has expanded his portfolio to include several luxurious properties across the U.S. Moreover, Jo is planning to open his own stand-up comedy venue in Las Vegas, further adding to his growing business ventures.
As of 2024, Jo Koy’s wealth is estimated to be $20 million, with multiple streams of income driving his impressive fortune.
Full Name: Jo Koy
Estimated Wealth: $20 Million
Profession: Stand-up Comedy Artist
Yearly Earnings: $700,000+
Annual Revenue: $1 Million+
Monthly Earnings: $80,000+
Yearly Expenses: $120,000+
Most Recent Update: 2024
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- In 2017, Koy set a personal milestone by selling over 23,000 tickets for his shows. He also became one of the select few comedians to sell out 11 consecutive performances at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall.
- During an interview, Jo Koy shared that actor Tom Cruise is his biggest inspiration and a major celebrity crush.
- His 2019 comedy album, Live from Seattle, reached the top spot on the Billboard Charts, showcasing his widespread popularity.
- Jo Koy enjoys a close friendship with fellow comedian and actor, Jon Lovitz.