Jo Koy’s Biography and Net Worth

Jo Koy, whose real name is Joseph Glenn Herbert, is a well-known American stand-up comedian and actor. Born on June 2, 1971, in Tacoma, Washington, he has made a name for himself through his comedic performances on various platforms, including Comedy Central and Netflix specials.

Jo Koy’s parents met while serving in the United States Air Force in the Philippines. After completing high school in Tacoma, his family moved to Las Vegas. He attended different high schools due to family relocation before leaving the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.

The name “Jo Koy” comes from a childhood moniker his family used to call him. During a dinner call in 1989, he misheard his aunt saying “Koy,” which means “my” in Tagalog, and he adopted it as his stage name ever since.

Jo Koy attributes his comedy and acting talents to his mother, who encouraged him to perform in talent events and for loved ones. He began performing stand-up comedy in Las Vegas in 1994 and quickly gained recognition, leading to various television appearances and performances for the USO Tour.

With several successful comedy specials, Jo Koy has amassed a net worth of $5 million.

Jo Koy has a son named Joseph Herbert Jr. from a previous relationship with Angie King. He currently resides in the San Fernando Valley neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California.

Through the Jo Koy Foundation, he has organised charitable events to support causes like the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Conclusion

Jo Koy’s journey from a young comedian in Las Vegas to a renowned stand-up performer and actor is truly inspiring. His comedic talents and dedication to philanthropy have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

FAQs

What is Jo Koy’s background and early life?

Born Joseph Glenn Herbert on June 2, 1971, at Misawa Air Base in Japan, Jo Koy was raised by an American father and a Filipina mother. He spent his childhood in Washington state before the family relocated to Las Vegas after high school. There, he briefly attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, but left to pursue stand‑up comedy full‑time, having been encouraged by his mother from a young age.

How did Jo Koy launch his comedy career?

Koy began performing in Las Vegas clubs in the early 1990s, eventually landing regular gigs at the MGM Grand and touring with “Catch a Rising Star.” After moving to Los Angeles, he made TV appearances on BET’s Comic View, Chelsea Lately (over 100 episodes), and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, where he received a rare standing ovation. His persistence paid off with Comedy Central specials (Don’t Make Him Angry, Lights Out) and later Netflix specials beginning in 2017.

What are some of Jo Koy’s major career milestones?

His first Netflix special, Live from Seattle (2017), was followed by Comin’ in Hot (2019), In His Elements (2020), Live from the LA Forum (2022), and most recently Live from Brooklyn (2024). In addition to stand‑up, he’s acted in films like Easter Sunday (2022) and animated features such as The Monkey King and Leo (2023), and hosted the 81st Golden Globe Awards in January 2024, becoming only the second Asian host in the ceremony’s history.

What is Jo Koy’s current net worth?

Estimates vary: CelebrityNetWorth places him at approximately $30 million as of January 2025, noting tour grosses of $26 million in 2024 and successful majors like the sold‑out Las Vegas arena show. Other sources give lower estimates—from $15 million to $5 million—but the most recent and authoritative figure supports a net worth of around $30 million.

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