Colin Jost is an American comedian, writer, actor, and television personality best known for his long-running work on Saturday Night Live and its popular Weekend Update segment. He joined the show’s writing staff in 2005 and became a co-anchor of Weekend Update in 2014.
Beyond SNL, Jost has appeared in films and television projects, written the memoir A Very Punchable Face, and hosted Pop Culture Jeopardy! He has also received major industry recognition, including Writers Guild Awards and Peabody Awards.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colin Kelly Jost |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Staten Island, NY, U.S. |
| Profession | Comedian, Writer, Actor, Television Host |
| Education | Harvard University |
| Known For | Saturday Night Live, Weekend Update |
| Wife | Scarlett Johansson |
| Children | Cosmo Jost |
| Brother | Casey Jost |
| Parents | Daniel A. Jost and Kerry J. Kelly |
| Years Active | 2005–present |
Early Life and Family
Colin Kelly Jost was born on June 29, 1982, in Staten Island, New York City. He grew up in the Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island with his younger brother, Casey Jost. His father, Daniel A. Jost, worked as Jost’s father taught at Staten Island Technical High School, while his mother, Kerry J. Kelly, worked as a medical professional, served as chief medical officer for the New York City Fire Department.
Jost attended Regis High School in Manhattan, where he became editor of the school’s newspaper. He later attended Harvard University, studying history and literature with a focus on Russian and British literature. While at Harvard, he was president of The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s well-known humor publication. He graduated in 2004.
Colin Jost’s Brother
Jost’s younger brother, Casey Jost, also works in comedy and television. Casey is a writer and producer associated with Impractical Jokers and has collaborated with Colin on entertainment projects. The two brothers have both built careers in comedy and writing.
Colin Jost’s Career
After graduating from Harvard, Jost began building a career in writing and journalism. His major television breakthrough came in 2005 when he became a writer for Saturday Night Live. Over the years, he moved into senior writing positions and became one of the show’s prominent writers.
In 2014, Jost became a co-anchor of Weekend Update, the long-running news satire segment on SNL. His partnership with Michael Che became one of the show’s most recognizable recurring features. Jost also served as a head writer during different periods of his SNL career.
His work on SNL has earned him multiple Emmy nominations and other industry honors. The Television Academy currently lists him with two Emmy wins and 20 nominations across his career.
Colin Jost’s Movies and TV Shows
Jost has expanded beyond sketch comedy into film and other television projects. He wrote and starred in Staten Island Summer, a comedy inspired in part by his experiences as a lifeguard.
His acting credits also include films such as How to Be Single, Coming 2 America, Tom & Jerry, and Fly Me to the Moon.
In 2024, Jost was announced as the host of Pop Culture Jeopardy!, adding another major television hosting role to his career.
Colin Jost’s Wife, Scarlett Johansson
Colin Jost is married to actress Scarlett Johansson. The two first met through Saturday Night Live and later began dating in 2017. They became engaged in 2019 and married in a private ceremony in October 2020.
Their relationship has remained a frequent subject of public interest because of their respective careers in comedy and Hollywood. Jost has also spoken publicly about family life and his experiences as a husband and father.
Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson’s Children
Jost and Johansson welcomed their son, Cosmo, in August 2021. Johansson also has a daughter, Rose, from her previous marriage to French journalist Romain Dauriac.
For accuracy, Cosmo is Colin Jost’s biological child with Johansson, while Rose is his stepdaughter.
Colin Jost’s Other Work
Jost is also an author. In 2020, he released his memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, which explored his childhood, education, career, and experiences in comedy. The book became a New York Times bestseller.
He has also hosted major events, including the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards alongside Michael Che in 2018.
Colin Jost Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Jost has received recognition for his writing and television work. His documented achievements include:
- Two Primetime Emmy Awards
- Five Writers Guild Awards
- Two Peabody Awards
- Multiple Emmy nominations for Saturday Night Live
- Hosting the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards
- Hosting Pop Culture Jeopardy!
- Received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College of Staten Island in 2025
Colin Jost’s Life Today
As of 2026, Jost continues his work in television, comedy, and entertainment. He remains part of the Saturday Night Live cast, with the show’s 52nd season scheduled to include him as a returning repertory player.
His career has developed from behind-the-scenes comedy writing into a broad entertainment profile encompassing television, film, books, and hosting.
Final Thoughts
Colin Jost’s career combines comedy writing, television performance, acting, and hosting. His long association with Saturday Night Live, particularly Weekend Update, remains central to his public profile, while his work outside the show has established him in film, publishing, and television hosting as well.Colin Jost Biography