Personal life
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Jo Koy was raised by an American-born father who met his Filipino mother in the U.S. Air Force while he was stationed in the Philippines. Koy attended two different high schools in Tacoma and then relocated with his family to Las Vegas, where he attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas until he dropped out to do stand-up comedy with his mother’s encouragement.
He performed in Las Vegas while still living with his parents, and then moved to Los Angeles after being spotted by a talent scout. Jo Koy was married to Angie King, and divorced her in 2013; the couple has one child, Joseph Herbert, Jr. Koy is currently in a relationship with comedian Chelsea Handler.