Jo Koy: All You Need to Know About Who is the Real Mother of Jo Koy?
Jo Koy is one of the most beloved stand-up comedians in the world, known for his hilarious observations, high-energy performances, and family-centric humor. But if you’re a fan, you’ve definitely heard him talk about his mom. She’s become a legend in her own right through Jo Koy’s stories. So naturally, people are curious: Who is the real mother of Jo Koy?
In this detailed guide titled “Jo Koy: All You Need to Know About Who is the Real Mother of Jo Koy?”, we take a close look at the woman behind the comedian—her name, origin, role in his career, and how she shaped Jo Koy into the global comedy icon he is today.
Quick Bio
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr. |
| Stage Name | Jo Koy |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Tacoma, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Filipino-American |
| Profession | Stand-Up Comedian, Actor, Producer |
| Known For | In His Elements, Netflix Specials |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | 1 Son (Joseph Herbert Jr.) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $20 million USD |
Who is Jo Koy?
He, born Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr., is an American stand-up comedian of Filipino and European descent. He started performing in the late 1990s and rose to international fame with his wildly successful Netflix specials, including Comin’ In Hot, Live from Seattle, and In His Elements. His comedy often revolves around growing up in a Filipino household in America, with much of his material focusing on his family—especially his mother.
Early Life and Background
He was born in Tacoma, Washington, to a white American father who was in the U.S. Air Force and a Filipino mother who immigrated to the United States. After his parents divorced when he was around 10 years old, Jo and his siblings were raised primarily by their mother, which laid the foundation for much of his comedic content.
The family later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Jo began to pursue stand-up comedy, performing at small clubs before catching his big break on television.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, He is 53 years old. Known for his youthful energy and expressive face, Jo brings an unforgettable presence to any stage he steps on.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 53 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Hair Color | Bald (previously dark brown) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Ethnicity | Filipino-American |
Jo Koy Net Worth
As of 2025,He‘s net worth is estimated at $20 million USD. His income comes from multiple sold-out comedy tours, Netflix deals, film appearances, merchandise sales, and his production company.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Stand-up Comedy Tours | $10 million |
| Netflix & Streaming Deals | $5 million |
| Acting & Film Roles | $2 million |
| Merchandise & Sponsorships | $1.5 million |
| Business & Production | $1.5 million |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | $20 million |
Education
He attended Spanaway Lake High School in Tacoma before transferring to Foss High School. After moving to Las Vegas, he enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) but dropped out to pursue comedy full-time. His decision clearly paid off, as he built a career on his own terms with relentless hustle and passion.
His Father
He’s father is a white American who served in the U.S. Air Force. While not much is publicly known about him due to Jo’s focus on his mother in his comedy, Jo has mentioned that his father left the family when he was young. Though he’s played a minor role in Jo’s routines, his departure deeply shaped Jo’s childhood and further strengthened the bond between Jo and his mom.
His Mother – Who is the Real Mother of Jo Koy?
So, who is the real mother of Jo Koy?
He’s real mother is Josie Harrison, a proud Filipino woman who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in the 1960s. She has become a central figure in Jo’s stand-up acts and is beloved by fans worldwide.
Josie Harrison – A Closer Look
- Full Name: Josie Harrison
- Nationality: Filipino
- Profession: Retired banker and radio personality
- Known For: Being Jo Koy’s mother and comedic inspiration
- Cultural Impact: Symbol of strong immigrant parenting
Josie worked multiple jobs to support her children after her divorce, often doing two or three jobs at a time, including working as a banker and serving in administrative positions. Her work ethic, resourcefulness, and tough love were deeply influential in shaping Jo’s comedic voice.
She became so well-known through Jo’s comedy that she was even featured on his Netflix special In His Elements, and she’s appeared on his podcast and YouTube content as well.
Why is She So Important in His Career?
- Comedic Inspiration: Many of Jo Koy’s punchlines revolve around his mom’s Filipino accent, her strict parenting, and her unfiltered honesty.
- Emotional Anchor: She was Jo’s biggest supporter, attending his early performances and helping with his son when his career began to take off.
- Cultural Representation: She brought Filipino culture to the forefront of American comedy through Jo’s voice.
Children
He has one son named Joseph Herbert Jr., born in 2003, from his previous relationship with singer Angie King. He frequently mentions his son in his comedy, painting a humorous and heartfelt picture of modern parenting.
Jo maintains a close relationship with his son, who occasionally appears in his social media posts and public interviews.
Movies
Jo Koy made his Hollywood debut in film with Easter Sunday (2022), a comedy based on his real-life experiences and family.
Notable Projects:
| Year | Title | Role | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Easter Sunday | Lead Role (Joe Valencia) | Universal Pictures |
| 2020 | In His Elements | Host & Producer | Netflix |
| 2023 | Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn | Himself | Netflix |
Jo is also actively working on more film projects under his own production company.
Current Life
In 2025, Jo Koy continues to tour internationally, filling arenas across North America, Asia, and Europe. He has become one of the most successful stand-up comedians of his generation. He splits his time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where he enjoys family life, writing, and producing new material.
He also continues to promote Filipino culture through his work and is involved in philanthropic efforts supporting immigrant families and underprivileged youth.
Conclusion
So, Jo Koy: All You Need to Know About Who is the Real Mother of Jo Koy? — the answer is Josie Harrison, a Filipino immigrant, hardworking mother, and the soul behind Jo’s unique comedic style.
She isn’t just the inspiration behind some of the funniest jokes in Jo’s repertoire — she’s also a real-life hero who represents millions of immigrant mothers who sacrificed everything to give their children a better life. Thanks to her strength and Jo’s talent, a generation now finds both laughter and pride in Filipino-American culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the real mother of Jo Koy?
A: Jo Koy’s real mother is Josie Harrison, a Filipino immigrant and the inspiration behind much of his comedy.
Q2: What is Jo Koy’s real name?
A: His real name is Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr.
Q3: How old is Jo Koy?
A: As of 2025, Jo Koy is 53 years old.
Q4: Does Jo Koy have children?
A: Yes, he has one son, Joseph Herbert Jr.
