Jo Koy Will Keep Telling Stories Until He’s Blue in the Face
Courtesy of Netflix
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, the comedian talks his new Netflix special, Filipino representation, Forgotten Island, and what’s next after nearly 40 years in comedy.
After all these years, Jo Koy is still on a roll. Just this September, the comedian has two new projects releasing: his sixth comedy special on Netflix, Blue in the Face, and DreamWorks’ first Filipino animated film, Forgotten Island. On top of that, he’s also in the middle of his “Koy Meets World” tour, and his 2022 film, Easter Sunday, just released on Netflix.
It’s a drive that really comes from the love of the game. “I love being on the stage; it’s my favorite thing in the world,” he tells Vogue Philippines. Since last speaking to the publication, he’s done four major tours: “Funny Is Funny” in 2022, “Koy Meets World” in 2023 to 2024, “Just Being Koy” in 2025 to 2026, and another run of “Koy Meets World” in 2026.
For Blue in the Face, the comedian goes deeper into his family, focusing on his stepdad, and his role as a father to his 23-year-old son, Joseph Herbert Jr. “It sucks because once this special drops, I have to say goodbye to these jokes. I’ve been attached to it for so long,” he says. When it comes to approaching his specials, he says he wants it to reflect the “newer version” of himself and for the routine to evolve the same way he has, as well as to try new things to top the previous special.
One of his favorite details about the special is the venue, Stockton Arena. Stockton, California, was once home to the largest population of Filipinos outside of the Philippines. In the early 1900s, young Filipino men came to California to work as the primary agricultural workforce harvesting crops in the Central Valley. “Some of the migrants that were there a long time ago faced a lot and dealt with a lot of racism back then,” he says. “We understand that what happened was bad, but now we have to realize that that’s not going to be repeated anymore. And we just sold out an arena, and behind me is the Filipino sun.”
Representation is something that he always carries, even down to his shoes. One of his friends, Emil Soriano Jr., the designer, customized his pair of Jordans that he wears on stage. Instead of the Jumpman logo on the shoe’s tongue, he has a Filipino sun embroidered on his. “More than half my life has been dedicated to this thing I call standup, and I love it so much. But if I can just [have] each special incorporate my culture, my mom, give her a voice, then I did my job.”
Jo Koy has also lent his voice to the role of Datu in Forgotten Island. “I’m glad I just got a little bit of a part involved in this because I had to be a part of this,” he says. “For years, we’ve been listening to everybody else’s stories. Here’s our chance to tell our story.” He shares that he loved working on the project, praising Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado’s directing. “There was a love that was happening during the making of this, and I think everyone was feeling the same way. So it was kind of easy to do.”
Directing is also something that he has his eyes on. Last June, King Bach’s debut stand-up comedy special, Like, Share, and Comment, premiered, with Jo Koy as its director. “The more opportunity that happens, or at least I’ll try and make it happen, I’m going to make it happen,” he says.
He describes his career as a “long journey” with many challenges, especially in the beginning. Although the road is long and difficult, he hopes that he inspires others to follow their dreams. “The minute you give up is the minute your dream stops working for you. So as long as you could just keep dreaming it, just stay on the path and stay focused and enjoy the journey.”
The journey may have already been long, but Jo Koy is still looking to the horizon. In 2027, the comedian and actor looks forward to the release of the romantic comedy The Last Resort, in which he acts alongside Daisy Ridley, Alden Ehrenreich, Sam Neill, Tia Carrere, and Beck Bennett. He will also be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along with Linkin Park, Lil Wayne, Cheech & Chong, Nicole Scherzinger, The Smashing Pumpkins, Karol G, and David Guetta.
“I can’t wait for that day to happen,” Jo Koy says. “Dreams come true, baby!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Jo Koy is a Filipino American stand-up comedian, actor, and producer.
Datu is voiced by Jo Koy in Forgotten Island.
Jo Koy is currently on an extended “Koy Meets World” tour and has an upcoming Netflix special, Blue in the Face, and the film Forgotten Island.
Jo Koy’s stand-up specials can be watched on Netflix, which hosts the majority of his comedy shows.
Yes, Jo Koy is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2027.