Colin Jost: From Staten Island to "Saturday Night Live" and Beyond
Colin Kelly Jost, born on June 29, 1982, is a multifaceted American talent known for his work as a comedian, writer, and actor. He has been a staff writer for the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL) since 2005 and co-anchor of Weekend Update since 2014. In 2025, Jost received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College of Staten Island, CUNY, in recognition of his contributions to comedy, television, and community service.
Early Life and Education: Shaping the Comedian
Jost's journey began in New York City, where he was raised in a Catholic household in the Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island. His mother, Kerry J. Kelly, served as the chief medical officer for the New York City Fire Department. His father, Daniel A. Jost, was a teacher at Staten Island Technical High School. Growing up in this environment instilled in him a strong sense of community and a commitment to public service.
Regis High School and The Harvard Lampoon
Jost attended Regis High School in Manhattan, where he honed his writing skills as the editor of the school newspaper, The Owl, graduating in 2000. He then pursued higher education at Harvard University, where he studied history and literature, focusing on Russian and British literature. He wrote his senior thesis on Vladimir Nabokov.
During his time at Harvard, Jost's comedic talents began to flourish. He became president of The Harvard Lampoon, a renowned humor magazine, providing him with a platform to develop his comedic voice and collaborate with other aspiring comedians. Jost's dedication to The Lampoon was so strong that he even missed his grandfather's funeral to ensure his work was ready for publication. Jost also won $5,250 on a college edition of Weakest Link, but said he did not think he deserved to win.
Career Beginnings: From Journalism to "SNL"
After graduating from Harvard, Jost gained experience in the field of journalism, working as a reporter and copy editor for the Staten Island Advance. This early experience helped him develop his writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of local issues.
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Transition to Comedy Writing
Jost's career took a turn towards comedy when he was hired as a writer for a short-lived Nickelodeon animated show, Kappa Mikey. This marked his entry into the world of television writing and set the stage for his future success at Saturday Night Live.
"Saturday Night Live": A Defining Chapter
In 2005, Jost joined the writing staff of Saturday Night Live, marking the beginning of a remarkable career at the iconic sketch comedy show.
Writing Supervisor and Head Writer
From 2009 to 2012, Jost served as SNL's writing supervisor, overseeing the writing process and contributing his comedic talents to the show's sketches. He was co-head writer from 2012 to 2015 and regained that status from 2017 to 2022, often collaborating with fellow SNL co-head writer Rob Klein.
Weekend Update Anchor: A Lasting Legacy
During the summer hiatus following the 2012-2013 season, executive producer Lorne Michaels approached Jost with an opportunity to co-anchor the Weekend Update segment. Co-anchor Seth Meyers would soon be leaving to host Late Night with Seth Meyers, creating a vacancy that Jost would fill.
Jost accepted the offer and made his debut as Weekend Update co-anchor on March 1, 2014. He has since become the longest-serving anchor of the segment, breaking Seth Meyers' record on October 23, 2021.
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Jost has named Norm Macdonald as a primary influence for his Update anchor work, citing Macdonald's tone as the one he grew up with in high school. He has also named Tina Fey as an influence. In addition to Weekend Update, Jost made a brief cameo appearance as Ohio Governor John Kasich in a Republican presidential debate sketch. Jost has also played different characters on SNL. He has appeared as Ohio Governor John Kasich and his friend Pete Buttigieg.
Stand-Up Comedy and Writing Contributions
In addition to his work on SNL, Jost has also pursued a career as a stand-up comedian, appearing on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, TBS, and HBO. He was selected as a "New Face" at the Montréal Just for Laughs festival in 2009 and has since appeared at the Chicago Just for Laughs festival in 2011 and 2012 and the Montréal festival again in 2010 and 2012.
Jost has published four "Shouts and Murmurs" pieces in The New Yorker magazine and has also contributed to The New York Times Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Staten Island Advance, and Radar.
Film and Television Appearances
Jost's talents extend beyond writing and stand-up comedy. He wrote the screenplay for and played a minor role in the 2015 comedy film Staten Island Summer. He also had a minor role as Paul in the 2016 romantic comedy feature How to Be Single. In January 2016, Jost opened for comedian Liam McEneaney's album recording at The Bell House in Brooklyn. Jost can be seen in the Paramount film “Coming 2 America.” He also starred in the Warner Bros. live-action animation film “Tom and Jerry.” Jost is currently co-writing the untitled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film for Paramount, alongside brother Casey Jost.
WWE Appearance
Jost, along with Michael Che, appeared on the March 4, 2019, episode of WWE's Monday Night Raw, where both were announced as special correspondents for WrestleMania 35. In the March 4 episode, they got involved in a storyline with wrestler Braun Strowman, which resulted in both Jost and Che becoming participants in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania. At the event, Jost and Che went under the ring for the majority of the match and then tried to eliminate Strowman while he was trying to do the same to the Hardy Boyz.
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"A Very Punchable Face": Memoir and Personal Reflections
In July 2020, Jost released a memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir. The book offers a glimpse into his life, career, and comedic sensibilities, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the Weekend Update desk.
Hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner
On April 27, 2024, Jost hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, an annual gathering of reporters usually entertained by the president and a comedian. This prestigious event showcased Jost's comedic talents and his ability to engage with a diverse audience.
"Pop Culture Jeopardy!": A New Venture
On July 31, 2024, it was announced that Jost would be the host of the game show Pop Culture Jeopardy!, marking a new chapter in his career.
Personal Life: Relationships and Interests
Jost was dormmates with former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg while the two lived in Leverett House at Harvard. In 2015, Jost donated money to Buttigieg's mayoral reelection campaign.
Marriage to Scarlett Johansson
Jost is married to actress Scarlett Johansson, whom he met during one of her many occasions hosting SNL. They began a relationship in May 2017; in May 2019, the two became engaged. They married in October 2020 at their New York home.
Purchase of Staten Island Ferry Boat
In 2023, Jost, along with fellow SNL comedian and Staten Island native Pete Davidson, purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat, the MV John F. Kennedy.
Surfing and the Olympics
Jost is an avid surfer and was sent to Tahiti by NBC Sports for their coverage of the surfing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Awards and Recognition: A Testament to Talent
Jost's contributions to comedy and television have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards, and 13 Emmy Award nominations for his writing on SNL. Jost and Michael Che have hosted special editions of “Weekend Update” on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic national conventions as well as the primetime “Weekend Update Summer Edition” in 2017.
Legacy: A Comedic Force
Colin Jost has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of comedy and entertainment. From his early days at The Harvard Lampoon to his current role as Weekend Update anchor on Saturday Night Live, Jost has consistently demonstrated his comedic talent, writing skills, and ability to connect with audiences. His contributions to television, film, and stand-up comedy have solidified his place as a comedic force.
Colin Jost’s Roots: Uncovering the Family Background Through His Parents
Colin Jost, the acclaimed comedic broadcaster best known for his role as co-host of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live, comes from a family rooted in education and public service-a background shaped profoundly by his parents and extended network including Daniel A Jost and Kerry Kelly. Their influences reveal layers of personal resilience, cultural heritage, and shared values that quietly underpin Jost’s public persona.
The Influence of Daniel A Jost
Daniel A Jost, Colin’s father, embodies the professionalism and intellectual curiosity that have defined much of Jost’s career. A respected academic and former professor, Daniel focused his scholarly work on political communication, specializing in media’s role in shaping public opinion-a field strikingly relevant to Colin’s own media career. His career trajectory offers insight into the values Jost absorbed growing up: a commitment to clarity, informed dialogue, and respectful debate. “Daniel A Jost’s academic journey reflected a deep belief in the power of communication-an ethos Colin clearly carries forward,” noted media analyst Laura Chen. “His father’s emphasis on thoughtful discourse likely shaped Colin’s approach to journalism, blending wit with precision.”
The Quiet Strength of Kerry Kelly
This intellectual foundation was reinforced by Colin’s mother, though details about her remain more private, contributing a quiet strength to the family dynamic. Beyond immediate kin, Colin’s personal life includes key connections like Daniel A Jost’s associate and childhood friend, Kerry Kelly, though details of their relationship remain largely out of the public spotlight. These personal bonds underscore how Jost’s identity extends beyond professional fame into a web of enduring family and collaborative ties.
Family Values and Lasting Connections
While public records offer limited insight into deeper familial networks, interviews and biographical research confirm that Colin Jost’s upbringing blended academic rigor, civic engagement, and close-knit relationships. Unlike many public figures whose personal lives are tightly guarded, Jost’s connections-both parental and social-have played a notable role in shaping his journey.
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