He Has a Billboard Chart Hit
Koy’s 2018 comedy special, Live From Seattle, made its way onto Billboard’s Top Current Album Sales chart dated Nov. 3, 2018, peaking at No. 94.
The 2024 Golden Globe Awards are just around the corner, and stand-up comedian, actor and author Jo Koy is set to host the star-studded ceremony on Sunday (Jan. 7).
Koy will host the three-hour broadcast for the first time, following fellow comedian Jerrod Carmichael, who hosted the show last year.
“We are thrilled to have Jo host the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards and bring his infectious energy and relatable humor to kick off Hollywood’s award season,” Helen Hoehne, Golden Globes president, said in a statement at the time of the announcement. “We can’t wait to see what he has in store for the stars in the room and a global audience.”
“I’ve stepped onto a lot of stages around the world in my career, but this one is going to be extra special,” added Koy. “I’m so excited to be hosting the Golden Globes this year. This is that moment where I get to make my Filipino family proud.”
The 2024 Golden Globes will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday (Jan. 7) starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Before the big event, see below for five things to know about this year’s host, Jo Koy.
Koy’s 2018 comedy special, Live From Seattle, made its way onto Billboard’s Top Current Album Sales chart dated Nov. 3, 2018, peaking at No. 94.
Koy is no stranger to a good comedy special, having released a whopping six of them throughout his career, beginning with 2009’s Comedy Central Stand-Up Special, Don’t Make Him Angry. He released one more special for Comedy Central in 2012, Lights Out, before switching over to Netflix. Under the streamer, he released 2017’s Live From Seattle, 2019’s Comin’ In Hot, 2020’s In His Elements and 2022’s Live From the LA Forum.
Beyond his achievements in the comedy world, Koy is also an accomplished actor and voice actor. He starred in the 2022 Universal Picture film Easter Sunday, based on his own experiences and stand-up comedy. He has also appeared series like Disney’s Haunted Mansion and Netflix’s animated film Monkey King. He’ll also be voicing the character of The Monkey King in the upcoming animated feature film, Tiger’s Apprentice, which premieres on Paramount+ Feb. 2.
The man does it all! Koy released his first autobiography, Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo, in 2021 via Harper Collins Publishers. You can find it on Amazon here.
Born Joseph Glenn Herbert, the comedian’s stage name is actually a nickname given to him by his family growing up. He revealed the cute meaning during a stand-up routine in 2019, noting that back in 1989, he was discussing making a stage name with his cousin. At the time, his aunt called him to come to dinner, shouting “Jo Ko, eat!” — Ko means “my” in Tagalog, making Jo Ko mean “my Jo.” He thought she said “Koy” instead of “Ko,” liked the sound of it, and has used Jo Koy has his stage name ever since.
Watch him break down his stage name here.