Jo Koy on Getting His Start in Comedy, Racism from Family Being Half Asian

Jo Koy started his career in comedy right after high school when he decided to move to the luminous city of Las Vegas from Seattle. Influenced by Eddie Murphy's Delirious, he says he was motivated to pursue the world of comedy and like most comics, bombed his first try. Still determined to make it big, he says a major opportunity landed on his lap when he was asked to perform a short set for Comic View on the Road when the booked comedians ran late. After that, Koy's lucky streak kept running full speed when he won a competition at the legendary Apollo stage.
Check out the full interview above.

[@dankdandy]

This dude is so nice. Years ago when I worked at a coffee shop he stopped by. I was excited and surprised it was him. He went out of his way to give me a shirt, DVDs, autograph, and took a picture with me. Very humble guy I'm glad I met him.

[@oppapayah]

You are lucky.

[@skYt9139]

Brian how to be you...

[@tandekangoma5715]

That’s soo nice of him.

[@sandrasesdoyro3857]

I hope I get to meet him when he comes to Manila

[@JoyofRVing]

I lost my kids at the Topanga mall once and when I found them they had a selfie with Jokoy on their phones 🤣. Apparently, Jokoy and his son were shopping and my son asked him if he was Jo Koy, and if he was, can he have a photo with him. He obliged, and took a selfie with my sons. Nice guy!

[@soulreavergirl1]

He's so super honest, real, transparent, and honest. Hes funny as hell. He deserves to be a star ⭐...Love me some Jo Koy comedy! 😊😊😊😊

[@RaskyEspineliRasco-desertfox]

What I admire about Jokoy is his humility and he acknowledges the people he met along the way and helped him get to where he is right now. God bless you and your family.

[@faertap2075]

Humility is in his voice. One of the best comics out there.

[@ellissmith23]

He's lowkey one of the best stand up comedians out right now

[@suadpolashek6400]

He's really good, love you, Jo Koy!!

[@optimuspringle5920]

Why low key?🤔

[@rickrollrizal2364]

@@optimuspringle5920 underrated guy. And low key cause he doesn't virtue signal

[@a.schottinthedark57]

@@rickrollrizal2364 I just found out he’s dating Chelsea Handler (apparently for awhile now.) Hope he doesn’t go all “woke” suddenly.

[@bamboo851]

@@a.schottinthedark57 He would never. I have a buddy that Tours with Jo and he’s the most purest and loyal guy out there.

[@maryemerson8314]

He’s always so funny but watching this almost made me sad for him. His “white side” family didn’t understand or want to accept his Asian family or his mother after his mom and dad divorced at age 11. He didn’t grow up with them around. So sad. I’m so glad he is around his son and family as much as possible. God bless his entire family and his bond with his son.

[@TheBenny808]

Same here, full Filipino dad and a white mother. The white side didn’t accept me, but the Filipino side is so family oriented and raised Filipino style.

[@BabyNoah22]

yup...married to Philipina ......great great people!....some of the best of humanity.

[@rosep8481]

Can’t imagine caring that my grandkids are half Filipino. We love them and the Filipino grandparents. One big happy family

[@gabrieljohannson6777]

Just goes to show how fucked up & racist white families can be. Not all are like that but dude, its the flippin majority it seems.

[@Martin-yh7vi]

I'd be ecstatic if I heard i have a cousin or relative that's half any race. Its just interesting to meet them even if we don't necessarily click as in become the best of friends but i'll at least acknowledge they're family if they acknowledge me back as well.

[@michelledonnanwhodoesntkno5771]

That's so awful about your Caucasian family -- I was so loved by my grandparents (miss them terribly) and they were the only ones I ever knew, and Aunts, Uncle's and older. Being the military kind I moved every 3 years and some places there was no problem and others big big problem with my mom and my 1/2 Japanese race (not that the dummies I met knew Asia has many countries). It was still hurtful and harder b.c. I was the new kid in town and there were no others like me (ethnically). Army kids stuck together, never race hate. I am much more of my father on the inside, he paid me much attention growing up (Irish Catholic NYC Army lifelong) 😎. I'm floored to hear about this family unacceptance from the inside 😦. That's kinda evil sounding -- deal with the outside world and your own blood. I thought Joe Koy was Hispanic! Right off the rip 😆. I laughed until I cried watching him on Netflix. Glad they saw the light and put him on ❤️😎 I love Josepp. 😄

[@bondoson88]

I think that Jo Koy is very funny. To understand his humor it helps a lot if you have been around a lot of Filipinos, I used to work with a lot of Filipinos and his imitations and the mannerisms are so true. Plus , I'm also mixed Asian and Caucasian I understand what it's like to have 2 cultures intertwined relating to one more but then realizing that you look more like the other.

[@lealeak7458]

Gail Adams not true. And you being mixed is irrelevant to his comedy.

[@kuunami]

No matter what time period it is it just amazes me that people could allow race to stop them from getting to know their own grand children.

[@MNVikes]

sad as hell

[@Yung_Cash_Money_Billionaires]

+NCeeJayM just stating the truth

[@ayt2744]

+Alarm4321 facts

[@soulcology]

That's white people for ya.

[@robinsings]

Araya Hope not any white people I know.. you guys who are calling white people out are probably the racists.. we have all races in my family..do you?

[@paulv9122]

Jo Koy is the most down to earth guy... Stay cool Jo!!

[@ruthylopez1575]

This guy is awesome I remember back around 2009 watching him on comedy central and tears coming down my face he was so funny! Next time he's in Boston I'm definitely buying tickets to go see him live!

[@volooooo]

Take me w you

[@HorsepowerIndustries]

its 2020 and Jo is KILLING IT right now.

[@mark2e583]

Continue with your craft Jo Koy, you are a very funny comedian. I love your storyline about being Asian, I love that you incorporate your mom in your comedy. Truly awesome!!!

[@RaiRaiBrown]

Wow, I didn't know he was a military kid. I've gotten many "what are yous?",(referring to my race) from people. That's very sad but he made the best of things. They say funny people feel the most pain, they use humor to cover up deep sorrow. Like a defense mechanism. I am not a professional comic, but I can relate to that.

[@michaelsierra9]

RaiRaiBrown Your very cute. Judging by your picture you look half black, half chinese, more or less. I’m mixed myself, Spanish and other white mixed with Filipino and Chinese.

[@joanns7007]

I grew up in military towns ! So sorry people are ignorant, Yous are GORGEOUS!!! 🥰💗👏🤗😘

[@kenschilli8058]

My wife is Philipina, married 36 years, relate to his comedy, my daughter is good at imitating my wife

[@auraasuncion9144]

Filipina

[@PrinceofPeace2000]

@@auraasuncion9144 either works ms. OCD

[@michaeldev5962]

Hahahha you must have a good laugh lol

[@RenzaissanceTV]

@@PrinceofPeace2000 It's looks dumb lol

[@iheartheenim]

@@PrinceofPeace2000 It does not. I'm a Filipina, not a Philippina.

[@f.mazz.459]

Seems like a really down-to-earth guy. I knw exactly what he means when he talks about feeling depressed in Seattle. There is no sunshine up in the Pacific North-west. Cloudy 9 months out of the year

[@cezanniemelchor2395]

He's so inspirational to those who want to follow their dreams

[@ShyBoyEddie]

I'm half white and half Filipino but I look straight up mexican

[@Jusss10]

Edward Kelliher it be like that 🤣

[@fineguy2696]

you know filipina is product of mexican

[@kingoso6700]

fineguy stop no it isnt its asian

[@tobito2013]

Most of us looks Mexican. We're the asian Mexicans.

[@amerikanonpulpugan7856]

my father (born 1946), is a son of an unknown G.I. soldier and a Philippino Nurse. He never met any of his parents til his death last 1992.

[@SantosChronicles]

This is such aspiring story!! Love the hustle Jo Koy. Gives the rest of us hope. So sincere.

[@mmoney9362]

I watched him on Netflix recently. Dude is too funny.

[@ladylioness4065]

So glad you kept pushing Jo and shout out to that security guard for looking out. One of the best comics

[@eagleonefour9750]

Funny how supposed family will come into your life when you’re already successful.

[@beaulahdownunder]

That was experienced by Barry Manilow too.

[@doriwilson6991]

They only care about you when you have money. Those are the ones I told my kids to avoid.

[@Blackhaze3000]

Damn this nigga has heart...he never stopped and kept it pushin. Much respect

[@yourface3154]

Isn't that how everyone that's made it is? Lol.

[@linateacup]

@@yourface3154 not if they have connections.

[@yourface3154]

@@linateacup They still have to put in the work.

[@naastione]

Wish he could find that security guard, he was the key to Yvette Anderson. Very inspirational interview.

[@optimuspringle5920]

I love you Jo Koy!!! You're so amazing May God continue to bless you! Hope you come to Fresno again so I can see you

[@cajjaca3705]

love your mom brother . . she's a kick ass for bringing you up what you are right now

[@heyitsbroski]

Shout out to Yvette Anderson!

[@darthstructure7370]

Jo is hilarious!!!! Watch the skit about his mom getting mad about him losing his lunch box.

[@theraile]

Very true. Sometimes, our friends, relatives and family won't care about us once we are at our lowest point of our life. It'll now depend on how you were raised on how you will treat them when they come back once we're at the pinnacle.

[@deftones2625]

Damn this dude is really cool. seems very real and humble

[@hustlaire7012]

Damn, he took me way back with the tape over the VHS slot.

[@claudiogomez685]

I remember that sometimes the tape was not enough and you also had to put a paper ball in the hole ... all those moments will be lost in time like tears of rain

[@lizanomura6854]

I did that too put tissue paper in the hole and tape

[@PrinceofPeace2000]

I was the best DJ in my own little world👌

[@JC-iw5lm]

I can relate with Jo Koy! I grew up in Texas and I rarely see my white fathers sided the family. Truth is that most Filipino women are married to white men that are in the military. Lol

[@sungkim1933]

Tough upbringing. Gave him heart and put his feet on the ground.

[@shellybelly2075]

"Rice Is Rice." Instant Classic. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@morethan3756]

I'm happy his sacrifices paid off. I love Jo Koy.

[@paulvicentevcurimao5596]

jokoy should find a way to be a contestant in the dancing with the stars. He sure would be a great revelation to a lot of americans who were not familiar with his person.

[@bambibrosemer1597]

It's nice to know that even though he's big in the comedy world he stays grounded and makes sure his son has good morals and values and is still friendly and respectful with his ex. His love and respect for his mom is awesome. The way he portrays and sees his sister's shows he's got mad love for them. He's 😎 awesome!

[@joannamariesegura7048]

Good thing they were late! We wouldn't have been watching your skits now! I LOVE Jo Koy!

[@sarahpengcomedy]

Nice interview! "Comedy is comedy", funny is funny, can't agree more! Jo Koy is a bridge between east and west, cool combination!

[@Konchewy]

ok i was suppose to sleep but then i watched 1 show now its almost 2am .. 😃 still watching! .. funny guy!

[@thelightseeker94]

Never thought I'd say it Vlad. You been consistent with the good interviews lately.

[@kuunami]

Yeah I hope he keeps it up and stays away from the reality stars and Z list celebs.

[@rift0tripper]

+kuunami what's z list lol

[@JuanWickington]

+rift0tripper lmaooooooo

[@Amanboy2012]

Watch, now Vlad's gonna bring back Slim Jesus.

[@Amanboy2012]

Aye SALUTE to Jo Koy; I remember when this dude was on Jamie Foxx's LaffaPalooza back in '05/'06. Dude was hella funny; much love and respect!

[@ziero9072]

Hats off man! Respect! Luv your gigs Jokoy!

[@razparedes4647]

Filipino is born witty and positive people

[@kartoon1971]

Jo is one hilarious ass dude. Check out his interview with The Breakfast Club! One of my favorites of all time.

[@sclawattslowks1661]

This the most positive comment section yull probly get #only real niggas roast themselves #jo the man💯

[@kristikoz8607]

❤️❤️❤️Jos-sip! ❤️👏🇨🇦 been a fan for 5 years - u deserve all the credit and love u get!!

[@Mikeplaysdbd]

Many people dont know that being a comdian takes lot of sacrifice and dedication but you have to work and your family member may be having a birthday party or a special event or something special and you have half way across the world making people laugh it is amazing but it is tiring because you are gone all day for weeks traveling but youre doing it for the love of your job and your family i want to do stand up.

[@OfeliaGarciaPhcdn]

If Jokoy experienced Racial discrimination when his looks is more white than Pinoy, imagine what pinoy looking like me experienced, especially in the workplace.

[@patootie3529]

I found it quite strange, coz living in the US as a person with both Filipino parents, I didn't experience any racial discrimination. I thought they would've moved on from that shit already, and I'm sure they did. Thing is, it wasn't in Jo's time, so I guess that explains it.

[@PeterDGrate]

I grew up in Orange County in the 80s. Let's just say my brothers and I totally relate!

[@nenabunena]

a stewardess just called him oriental so clearly he doesn't look that white

[@deannedoniamuniz7777]

He looks pinoy if you go to the Philipines you see diffrent dialects some of them look full blooded spanish not al, filipinos look the same

[@newtype5005]

@Sebastian Benitez nobody's claiming to be Hispanic here. She probably meant some of the older generation which are the 2 percent left that look Spanish.... 😒 Other than that, Filipinos in The Philippines identify as Asians or Southeast Asians.

[@TheOriginalHeisenberg]

Big shout out to the security guard, it sounds like without him, we may have never met JoKoy.

[@pecanpraline8576]

He's a cool guy...genuinely funny...great energy...Jo Koy...he's cool

[@bufferover_flo4727]

This nigga standup is crazy funny!!!!! Good interview Vlad

[@AneshaSimone26]

He's like my friends/ family I grew up with. He's great!

[@snowburd1942]

I am so happy for Jo Koy ! Josep, you are adorable and so so funny ! I hope you get the big "O" every performance !

[@ismrph]

Pinoy Pride! We’re so proud of you JoKoy! Keep shining..We Love You!

[@edgardocrespo3840]

Keep on the good works, rooting for you.

[@zaneshepherd5245]

LOve Joy Ko the nicest guy most deserving of his success ... hope he hits the sky :)

[@RNicolasRuvalcaba]

I've seen him several times in Orange County, Irvine Improve & Brea Improve but good luck getting tickets now - it sucks for me but I'm happy for him cuz he deserves it..

[@klausledda5903]

as a filipino im so very proud that we have a filipino-american standup comedian like him with the likes of russel peters or kevin hart but the only problem is that he was never recognized in the philippines if not he must be recognized there to make him proud even more... MABUHAY KA JOKOY!!!

[@jhei242]

He is recognized here in the Philippines. He even has shows in Cebu and Manila this coming January 14 and 15, 2020.

[@klausledda5903]

thats a great news because i really love this guy...

[@mariadelosreyes9298]

Wishing one day you’ll come to Hong Kong... pretty sure you’ll take away all the stress and homesick to all FILIPINO workers specially to the helpers out here.

[@positive_vibes_2427]

A story I can relate to! Another great interview Vlad!

[@Myunsolicitedthoughts]

jo koy is funny as fuck yo, stand up will have you in tears

[@frenzroyalsimblante8038]

those drums🔥 i wish i had one of those😌

[@arturomansour-hull930]

Racism is normal for mixed families in the Pacific Northwest.

[@fr0stb1ght34]

Really? That's literally something I never would have guessed.

[@seesnails]

I'm 100% Mexican and I look Filipina.

[@yayarea6326]

Sees Nails I'm 100 percent Filipino but I look like Latina

[@vincentbinsoy6452]

Where cousins

[@johnreyvequiso5868]

you know latinos..invade past decade thats why filipino looks like mexican. last name if the filipinos. morales. gonzales.garcia..and many more.

[@babicjosip3453]

Cool man,successful and humble.Intellegent guy make his own life great.I am very hapy to see he did it,for himself and his mom.Go Joy,go Mom.🇺🇸🇭🇷✌😃🌏

[@ShaToosi82]

Jo Koy! been listening to his stand up some years now. hilarious guy man!

[@dawnmaestascowell6930]

You are refreshing absolutely historical ! Loving you from Oregon

[@lanternprime4081]

Hell yeah, reppin Hawaii. You da man Jo!!!

[@lovepinay]

For those who are wondering why Filipinos can look white (Spanish mestizos), Chinese, Mexican, Thai (Southeast Asian), Malay, even African or Caribbean- Philippines is a mesh of multiple cultures and influences, also its first people from Africa. It’s truly multicultural and reflected in their personality, distinct from other Asians. Lastly, as the third Catholic nation and with rich Spanish influence is even considered the Latinos of Asia.

[@noah2339]

Spanish colonized the Philippines named after King Philip I’m Mexican and people think I’m half white and Filipino which is a random mix but I’ve gotten it a lot for some reason( I don’t see it lol) so I can relate to him saying he feels all three white, Latino and Filipino. But the point is there is a respect between Mexican and Filipinos because of the Spanish connection. Also I had Filipino neighbors and they always watched the Mexican soap operas and were similar to our culture so we always thought of them as Latinos but Asians lol.

[@maidaraman7726]

Latinos in Asia my friend... 😊💕

[@tagacale1733]

philippines is literally the mexico in Asia

[@roadschoolerusa9621]

noah2339 true!I am new in Texas and when I see some people outside I was like maybe she/he is a filipino but I realized they’re mexican when they start talkin.Their ways are kinda like Filipinos too.And I’m surprise especially in my Little town in the Philippines we got this native dialect that I didn’t know it’s Spanish word until I came here. As in lots of words in my dialect mostly Spanish words and that’s maybe bcoz of colonization. Anyway I like Mexican stores.

[@AnbusKi]

I don't know if Vlad knows it but he expands a lot of these peoples audience by interviewing them.(I know I'm not the only one that got introduced to a lot of dope comedians/musicians etc through Vlad.)

[@lulun3724]

Pretty Green Eyes 👀

[@nenzone808]

Loving the hat man...Hawaii in the house.. *Kaneohe Hawaii* you are so hilarious...Filipino mom impression on point...Hawaii is made with Lots of filipinos. Gotta love em.

[@nasa9439]

People in Hawai'i brag about shit no one else brags about..."- Jo Koy. 😂😎💯

[@immaog34]

I like Jo Koy I like the idea of Jo Koy...

[@selfishstockton6123]

"What do you mean by the idea of Jo Koy?"

[@rastachandolo9766]

immaog34 that's what Hopsin said about drake

[@melaniey.9800]

Buddha Simpson.

[@megana9793]

He’s so down to earth 👍🏻

[@Smorgasvord]

Vlad always starts every interview with " *GUESTS NAME*......what's good!" He always does that without fail lol

[@vladtv]

yup

[@Smorgasvord]

*VLAD*......what's good!

[@exus2sky]

+djvlad interview martin lawremce

[@fadzfitwork6871]

Nooe..the interview with Montana of 300 doesnt

[@Ph.40Lowks]

I'm glad he made it

[@Slappysan]

Know him from Chelsea Lately. Wonder if clips four or five will cover that.

[@Domindi]

Vlad: So you're dad is white and your mom is...filippino correct? Yes.....*2 mins later* sooooo dad is white and your mom issssss filippino?....Yes

[@DesdeEscondido]

Indi Higgins he got lost in Jo's eyes man

[@theresaharwell783]

His eyes are beautiful

[@francissaxor530]

Her mother is Chinese or part Chinese part Malay ...... our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was the same - part Chinese part Malay

[@kinaadman7584]

@@francissaxor530 funny thing is, majority of Filipinos are descended from Taiwanese aboriginals and ancient south Chinese. We're basically a mixed of Austronesian, Taiwanese, and Chinese + some European, East Asian, and Oceania.

[@lovelife2996]

@@kinaadman7584 I don't think so. You got that all Wrong!!!

[@IzzyMakesMusic]

Watch hella niggas comment, "who is this?" This one of the funniest comics out. I fucking died listening to his jokes about his Filipino Mom's hard accent. Calling him Josep and shit

[@kulupingerzi]

Black Excellence Productions 😁😁😁 Yeah that's funny as heck!!!

[@tandekangoma5715]

He is really good. Soo hilarious.

[@edgystyle7351]

@Johan Larsson You mean *SouthEast Asia and neighbor to East Asia. Philippines is near Hongkong China and Vietnam. Also, two hours away from Japan. I did my research and my relatives know it too. You can fly by either Korean airlines or Chinese airlines to get to the Philippines as well. Both continents are the same race, they share similarities in culture and genetics. The Philippines is known as the pearl of Orient. So, that is geography for you and a little knowledge about us Oriental people. Peace!

[@klebeau4]

i found his lil 2 minutes on comicview he look hella different back in 98 😂 waaaaay back

[@gallarterodelio2559]

Love you JO KOY😘😘😊❤️❤️❤️ hope to see you soon 😘😘😘

[@calidub2855]

I'm half black half Filipino, from the bay area California, his comedy is my life just swap out the white for black and of course the money.... one of my favorite comics period

[@dududski]

when youre funny, youre funny no matter where you are hence universal.

[@Sweetrage4chu2024]

Awesome stand up comic, saw him this past May in Napa, laughed my ass off!

[@jcjamesnegre]

Jo Koy and Gabriel Iglesias have a lot in common growing up and they were both inspired by Eddie Murphy

[@beaulahdownunder]

Sorry Jo Koy, we missed your show when you were here in Australia. My daughters were as disappointed as I was.

[@Mikeplaysdbd]

This dude is aoo underrated

[@jaironcuadra]

Inspiration man. Very relate-able story.

[@edwardgeorge2514]

He just seems so cool

[@Buddahmonk]

I'm 42, to say being mixed was "strange" back even in the 80s... got in a whole lot of fights because of my mom's differences...

[@penninator1]

I couldn't IMAGINE not loving or knowing my grandkids because of their race and I am almost 70! Their loss.

[@znarfoal694]

Amazing 😉 vlog ! Thanks for sharing

[@renaissancelight4971]

Comic view was the shit back in the day. I don't remember him on the show. I found out about him through Chelsea Handler's show.

[@jacobymcgowan1167]

That’s dope, I remember his Comic View skit. He had hair. Definitely one of my favorite comics

[@matafilms]

thank you mr. security guard :)

[@Juice84]

This nigga needs his on show. Very funny dude!