First-time host of the Golden Globes, Jo Koy is a comedian and actor who promises an exciting evening when he hosts the awards show on Sunday, January 7th.
Koy, 52, said on “CBS Mornings” that he has been preparing nonstop for the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards since he was announced as host just weeks ago.
“I haven’t slept or done any social activities since the announcement,” he said. “I was binge-watching the whole time, just constantly watching everything, every category, just watching everything.”
When he was officially introduced as host of the Golden Globes in December, Koy said in a statement that he was “so excited” to host one of the entertainment industry's biggest shows, a sentiment he reiterated on “CBS Mornings.”
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“I have reached every stage imaginable in this world and this will be the greatest,” Koy said. “I’m just excited to get on stage.”
Jo Koy at the 81st Golden Globe Awards red carpet rollout and press preview at the Beverly Hilton on January 4, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. Michael Buckner/Penske Media via Getty Images
That moment comes Sunday at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) when the Golden Globes begin at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, broadcast live on CBS television and streamed on Paramount+ and the CBS app.
Who is Jo Koy?
Jo Koy is a stand-up comedian who has been putting on shows since 1994. He was born Joseph Glenn Herbert in Tacoma, Washington. His mother immigrated from the Philippines and he has spoken about her experiences with anti-Asian racism. After his family moved to Las Vegas, Koy began performing stand-up at a local coffee house.
In “Jo Koy: In His Elements,” a comedy special released by Netflix in 2020, he said that Jo was a nickname given to him by his aunt and that he used to perform under his real name but “people laughed “. He said he was discussing a stage name with a cousin in 1989 when he heard his aunt call him “Jo Koy,” a nickname she had used for him for years, and he realized that might be it. In the special, Koy said his aunt told him that she actually said “Jo Ko” – “ko” is a Tagalog term meaning “my,” Koy explained, which is why his aunt's nickname for him changed to “My.” “Jo” was translated.
How Jo Koy got his name | Netflix is a joke from Netflix is a joke from YouTube
Koy has one child, Joseph Herbert Jr., from a previous relationship with singer Angie King. Koy told “CBS Mornings” that his son was “by his side” as he prepared for his big night at the Golden Globes, calling his preparation process a “family affair.”
Koy recently dated Chelsea Handler and appeared regularly on her talk show Chelsea Lately. The two confirmed their relationship on social media in 2021, but Handler said in a 2022 post that they had broken up.
In which films and series was Jo Koy seen?
Koy made his television debut on BET's “Comic View,” a stand-up comedy TV series. He also appeared on late night talk shows and was a regular on the series Chelsea Lately.
Koy has had several comedy specials. His first two, “Don’t Make Him Angry” and “Lights Out,” were released by Comedy Central. Netflix also released the specials “Live From Seattle,” “Comin' In Hot,” and “In His Elements.” His most recent special, “Live from the LA Forum,” premiered on the streaming service in 2022.
Beyond his comedy specials and talk show appearances, Koy has appeared in several projects. Since 2018, he has appeared in eight films, including Disney's 2023 remake of “Haunted Mansion.” In 2022, he starred in the comedy “Easter Sunday.”
Lydia Gaston and Jo Koy in a scene from “Easter Sunday” directed by Jay Chandrasekhar.
Is Jo Koy doing a stand-up tour?
Jo Koy is currently on tour. His next tour date is January 12th in St. Louis, Missouri. He has dozens of tour dates planned across the United States, including a sold-out show in Los Angeles. In May, the tour will cross the Pond and make international stops throughout Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
Golden Globes host Jo Koy shares what you can look forward to. More Kerry Breen