Who is Jo Koy? 5 things to know about the 2024 Golden Globes host

Jo Koy is making his way from the comedy scene to awards season.

Koy, 52, was announced as the host of the 2024 Golden Globe Awards on Thursday, December 21. The ceremony, which airs on Sunday, January 7, marks Koy’s debut as the awards show host.

“I have performed on many stages around the world in my career, but this one will be extra special. I am so excited to host the Golden Globes this year,” Koy said in a press release on Thursday. “This is the moment I can make my Filipino family proud. Mahal Kita (Google it)!”

Koy follows in the footsteps of fellow Golden Globes presenters such as Jerrod Carmichael, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Ricky Gervais, Andy Samberg And Sandra O. The 2024 ceremony introduces two new categories: Best Performance in Stand-up Comedy on Television and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

The 2024 Golden Globes telecast live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, January 7 at 8pm ET. Keep scrolling for five things you need to know about Jo Koy:

1. When did Jo Koy start doing comedy?

Koy told Variety in October 2020 that he wanted to be a comedian since he was 11 years old and was inspired by Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. He credited his mother with helping him “fall in love with the stage and getting in front of people” by performing at large Philippine gatherings.

Despite a failed audition on a talent show in his teens, Koy continued to pursue his passion at open mic nights and eventually began opening up for other acts. When he moved to Los Angeles, he became a regular at comedy clubs such as the Laugh Factory Tiffany Haddish reportedly babysat his son during shows. His career took off when he joined Chelsea Handlerhis talk show, Chelsea latelyin 2009. He appeared in over 130 episodes of the show until the series’ end in 2014.

His first Netflix special, Jo Koy: Live from Seattledebuted in 2017, and he released three more before releasing a two special offers with the streaming platform in April. According to his websiteKoys Live from Seattle special landed at number 1 on the Billboard Charts in 2019.

2. What other projects has Jo Koy appeared in?

In addition to his comedy career, Koy has appeared in a number of TV shows and films, including Mr. Iglesias, Awkwafina is Nora from Queens, Haunted house, The Monkey King And Lion. He also starred in and produced the 2022 family comedy Easter Sunday.

3. Where does Jo Koy come from?

Koy was born in Tacoma, Washington, and often uses his Filipino family as inspiration for his comedy. “Filipino mothers are concerned with their children’s dreams,” he joked during his speech Live from Seattle special. “I told my mother I wanted to be a comedian. She shouted, ‘Why? Why do you want to be a comedian, Joseph? All your aunts are nurses, your cousins ​​are nurses. Do you see clowns in this family? Not me. Will you?’ Go to my dream, there.”

Related: Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy: as they were

Comedians in love? Chelsea Handler knew Jo Koy for almost two decades before they started dating, but their romance happened just in time. During an October 2021 episode of her podcast “Dear Chelsea,” Handler admitted that she may have had feelings for Koy when he was a regular guest on her late night talk show, Chelsea. […]

4. Who did Jo Koy date?

Koy is currently single, but he previously dated Handler, 48, from 2021 to 2022. “I love her, man. She is amazing. She’s a boss. She’s incredible,” he said Good morning Washington from his now ex in October 2021. “Nothing better than being in love with someone you have been friends with for a long time. She has my back, and I always had hers.”

Handler revealed in July 2022 that she and Koy had called it quits after less than a year of dating. “It is with a heavy heart to announce that we have decided together that it is best for us to take a break from our relationship now,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “I know many of you are invested in our love, and I wanted to let you know how much that meant to both of us. How much it still means. And how much I now believe in love for each of us.”

5. Does Jo Koy have children?

Koy welcomed his son, Joseph Herbert Jr., in 2003 with his ex-wife, Inge Koningwhom he was married to from 2003 to 2013. “My son is just a walking joke to me,” Koy joked during an interview in September 2019 Larry King now. “Run into something, bump into something [something]Whatever it is, I’m going to go on stage and talk about it. You’re not safe here. If what I pay for happens within these walls, I’m going to capitalize on it, and you’ll enjoy what we make of you together.