Tell me a bio of Jo Koy.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Jo Koy is a Filipino-American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster. Here's a brief bio of his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life**

Jo Koy was born on June 2, 1971, in Tacoma, Washington, to Filipino parents. His father, a Filipino-American, was a U.S. Air Force officer, and his mother was a Filipino immigrant. Koy grew up in a traditional Filipino household with his parents and two siblings. He developed an interest in comedy at a young age, influenced by comedians like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy.

**Career**

Koy began his stand-up comedy career in the late 1990s, performing in comedy clubs and bars in the Pacific Northwest. He gained popularity in the early 2000s, appearing on various TV shows, including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," and "Conan." In 2005, he won the "Showtime at the Apollo" competition, which helped launch his career.

Koy has released several stand-up comedy specials, including "Live from Seattle" (2017), "Comin' in Hot" (2019), and "In His Elements" (2020). He has also appeared in various TV shows and films, such as "Chelsea Lately," "2 Broke Girls," and "Vampire Academy."

**Achievements**

Koy has achieved significant success in his career, including:

* Selling out shows at iconic venues like the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles and the Beacon Theatre in New York City
* Being named one of the "Top 10 Comics to Watch" by Variety in 2018
* Releasing a Netflix special, "In His Elements," which debuted at number one on the platform's comedy charts
* Creating and hosting the popular podcast "The Koy Pond with Jo Koy," which features conversations with celebrities and comedians

**Impact**

Koy's impact on the comedy world is significant, particularly in the Asian-American community. He is one of the few Filipino-American comedians to achieve mainstream success, paving the way for other Asian-American comedians. His comedy often focuses on his experiences growing up Filipino-American, tackling topics like cultural identity, family, and relationships.

Koy's success has also inspired a new generation of comedians and actors. He has been praised for his unique voice, energetic stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences from diverse backgrounds.

**Philanthropy**

Koy is involved with various charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Filipino-American community organization, Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid (Help for Fellow Filipinos). He has also performed at benefit shows for organizations like the American Red Cross and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Overall, Jo Koy is a talented and influential comedian who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. His success has paved the way for other Asian-American comedians, and his philanthropic efforts have helped support various charitable causes.
Jo Koy is a Filipino-American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Here's a bio that highlights key facts about his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life**

Jo Koy was born Joseph Glenn Herbert on June 2, 1971, in Tacoma, Washington, to Filipino immigrant parents. He grew up in Spanaway, Washington, and developed an interest in comedy at an early age. Koy's parents, whom he often features in his stand-up routines, instilled in him a strong sense of family and cultural heritage.

**Career**

Koy began his stand-up comedy career in the late 1990s, performing in comedy clubs and bars in Seattle and Los Angeles. He gained recognition after appearing on "Comic View" on BET in 1999. In the early 2000s, he began touring extensively and performing at various comedy festivals, including the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal.

**Breakthrough and Success**

Koy's breakthrough came in 2007 when he was featured on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." He has since appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," "Conan," and "@midnight." He has also had his own comedy specials on Netflix, including "Jo Koy: Live from Seattle" (2017) and "Jo Koy: Comin' in Hot" (2019).

**Acting Career**

In addition to stand-up comedy, Koy has acted in several films and TV shows, including "Honey 2" (2011), "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show" (2006), and "2 Broke Girls" (2012). He has also had a recurring role on the TBS sitcom "S Sullivan & Son."

**Podcasting and Writing**

Koy co-hosts a popular podcast called "The Koy Pond" with fellow comedian Brian Simpson. He has also written for several TV shows, including "I Love Kellie Pickler" (2015) and "Vino Veritas" (2019).

**Achievements and Impact**

Jo Koy has achieved significant success in the entertainment industry, including:

* He has been named one of the top comedians to watch by Variety and Entertainment Weekly.
* He has performed at numerous comedy festivals, including the Just for Laughs festival and the San Francisco Comedy Festival.
* He has been a keynote speaker at several events, including the Asian American Journalists Association National Convention.
* He has used his platform to promote diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, particularly for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

**Personal Life**

Koy is a single father to his son, Joseph Jr., whom he often features in his stand-up routines. He is also a proud advocate for Filipino American culture and has used his platform to promote awareness and appreciation for the community.

Overall, Jo Koy is a talented and influential comedian, actor, and podcaster who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. His dedication to promoting diversity and representation has inspired a new generation of comedians and actors, and his continued success is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.