Colin Jost Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Colin Jost

Colin Jost is a highly acclaimed American comedian, writer, and actor, best known for his extensive contributions to NBC’s iconic sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Since joining the writing staff in 2005, Jost has risen through the ranks, becoming a co-head writer and, most notably, the co-anchor of the show’s beloved “Weekend Update” segment since 2014. His sharp wit, observational humor, and deadpan delivery have cemented his status as a prominent figure in contemporary comedy. Beyond SNL, Jost is also an accomplished author, with his memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, becoming a New York Times Bestseller. He is recognized for his comedic talent, his role as a long-standing “Weekend Update” anchor, and his marriage to award-winning actress Scarlett Johansson.

Colin Jost Overview

Early Life and Education of Colin Jost

Colin Kelly Jost was born on June 29, 1982, in New York City, and was raised in a Catholic household in the Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island. His family has strong ties to public service and education. His mother, Kerry J. Kelly, served as the chief medical officer for the New York City Fire Department, while his father, Daniel A. Jost, was a teacher at Staten Island Technical High School. Colin has a younger brother, Casey Jost, who is also involved in the entertainment industry as a writer and producer, notably for the show Impractical Jokers.

Jost’s educational journey began with a significant daily commute. He attended Regis High School, a tuition-free Catholic school located in Manhattan, which required a 90-minute trip involving a bus, ferry, and subway. During his time at Regis, he honed his writing and comedic skills, serving as the editor of the school newspaper, The Owl. He graduated from Regis High School in 2000.

Following high school, Colin Jost continued his academic pursuits at Harvard University. He majored in history and literature, focusing his studies on Russian and British literature, and wrote his senior thesis on Vladimir Nabokov. At Harvard, Jost was a prominent figure in the university’s renowned humor publication, The Harvard Lampoon, eventually becoming its president. He also contributed to the school newspaper, The Harvard Crimson. He graduated from Harvard in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude.

Colin Jost’s Career

Early Career and Breakthrough into SNL

After graduating from Harvard, Colin Jost began his professional career in journalism, working as a reporter and copy editor for the Staten Island Advance. His early forays into television writing included a stint as a writer for the short-lived Nickelodeon animated show, Kappa Mikey. This diverse background eventually led him to the prestigious halls of Saturday Night Live. In 2005, Jost submitted a writing packet to NBC and was subsequently hired as a staff writer for the iconic sketch comedy series.

Rise Through the Ranks at SNL

Jost quickly ascended the creative hierarchy at SNL. From 2009 to 2012, he served as the show’s writing supervisor. His talent and dedication were further recognized when he was promoted to co-head writer from 2012 to 2015, a position he later regained from 2017 to 2022, often collaborating with fellow co-head writer Rob Klein.

A pivotal moment in Colin Jost’s career came during the summer hiatus of the 2012–2013 season when executive producer Lorne Michaels approached him about co-anchoring the “Weekend Update” segment. Jost accepted the role and replaced Seth Meyers on March 1, 2014. Initially paired with Cecily Strong, he was joined by Michael Che in September 2014, forming one of the most popular and longest-running “Weekend Update” duos in the show’s history. On October 23, 2021, Jost surpassed Seth Meyers’ record, becoming the longest-serving anchor in the history of the “Weekend Update” segment.

Other Projects and Appearances

Beyond his extensive work on SNL, Colin Jost has branched out into various other projects. He co-hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards alongside Michael Che in 2018. He also co-hosted special editions of “Weekend Update” on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic National Conventions and the primetime “Weekend Update Summer Edition” in 2017.

As an actor, Jost wrote and starred in the 2015 Paramount/Netflix film Staten Island Summer, which was inspired by his experiences as a lifeguard. He has made appearances in films such as How to Be Single (2016), Tom & Jerry (2021), and a cameo in the 2024 film Fly Me to the Moon, which starred his wife, Scarlett Johansson. In television, he has appeared in shows like The Simpsons and Miracle Workers. He has also been a stand-up comedian, performing on shows like Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and at the Just for Laughs comedy festivals.

In July 2020, Jost released his memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, which was a critical and commercial success, earning a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List. The book offers a humorous and often self-deprecating look at his life, from childhood anecdotes to his experiences behind the scenes at SNL. In April 2024, Jost hosted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, delivering a 20-minute monologue that garnered significant attention. It was announced on July 31, 2024, that Jost would host the game show Pop Culture Jeopardy! on Amazon Prime Video.

Colin Jost Personal Life & Family

Colin Jost’s personal life has drawn considerable public interest, particularly his high-profile marriage to actress Scarlett Johansson. The couple first met in 2006 when Johansson hosted Saturday Night Live, which was Jost’s first year as a writer on the show. They began a relationship in May 2017 and announced their engagement in May 2019. Jost and Johansson married in a private ceremony at their New York home in October 2020, with the news announced through the Meals on Wheels America Instagram account, encouraging support for the charity.

In August 2021, Jost and Johansson welcomed their son, Cosmo. Colin is also a stepfather to Johansson’s daughter, Rose, from her previous marriage. Jost has spoken openly about his admiration for Scarlett Johansson as a mother, stating that it was part of why he fell in love with her. He enjoys taking his son swimming and encourages his developing independence. The couple often shares glimpses of their family life, including humorous debates about parenting.

Before his marriage to Scarlett Johansson, Jost was in a relationship with actress and comedian Rashida Jones. He was raised in a Catholic household, though there is no definitive information on whether he actively practices Catholicism today. In 2023, Colin Jost and fellow Staten Island native and SNL comedian Pete Davidson made headlines when they purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat, the MV John F. Kennedy, with plans to repurpose it. Jost is also an avid surfer and was a correspondent for NBC Sports, covering the surfing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Tahiti.

Awards and Achievements of Colin Jost

Colin Jost has received significant recognition for his talents as a writer, comedian, and performer, particularly for his work on Saturday Night Live. His accolades highlight his influential role in contemporary comedy television.

Key Awards and Honors:

• Peabody Awards: Jost has been a part of the SNL writing team that received two Peabody Awards, one in 2009 and another in 2017, for their political satire.
• Writers Guild of America Awards (WGA Awards): He has won five Writers Guild Awards for Comedy/Variety (including Talk) Series for his work on Saturday Night Live, with wins in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2017, and 2018.
• Primetime Emmy Award Nominations: Jost has been nominated for numerous Primetime Emmy Awards, with a total of 19 nominations as of 2025. These include multiple nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series, and more recently, a nomination for Outstanding Host for a Game Show in 2025 for Pop Culture Jeopardy!. He has received nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, Outstanding Host for a Game Show, Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special, and Outstanding Variety Special (Live) in 2025.
• Honorary Degree: In 2025, Colin Jost received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College of Staten Island, CUNY, acknowledging his contributions to comedy, television, and community service.
• New York Times Bestseller: His 2020 memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, became a New York Times Bestseller.

Jost’s long tenure as a co-head writer and his record-breaking run as the longest-serving “Weekend Update” anchor further underscore his enduring impact on Saturday Night Live.

Colin Jost Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Colin Jost’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his diverse and successful career as a writer, actor, and comedian.

Income Sources:

• Saturday Night Live (SNL) Salary: A significant portion of his income comes from his roles on Saturday Night Live. As a main cast member and writer, particularly in his long-standing role as co-anchor of “Weekend Update,” he reportedly earns $25,000 per episode. Given that he typically appears in all episodes of a season, his annual earnings from SNL alone could be around $525,000.
• Writing and Head Writer Roles: His earlier and continued work as a staff writer, writing supervisor, and co-head writer for SNL also contributes substantially to his earnings.
• Book Sales: His critically acclaimed and best-selling memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, released in 2020, continues to generate income through sales. While the exact book deal amount is not public, celebrity memoirs can command significant figures, with estimates for Jost being in the six-figure range.
• Stand-Up Comedy: Jost maintains an active career as a stand-up comedian, performing at various comedy festivals and venues, which adds to his income.
• Acting and Film Work: His appearances in films such as Staten Island Summer, Tom & Jerry, and Fly Me to the Moon, along with other television roles, contribute to his earnings.
• Hosting Gigs: High-profile hosting opportunities, such as the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2024 and the upcoming Pop Culture Jeopardy! on Amazon Prime Video, provide additional income. For a comparison, the host of the syndicated Jeopardy! reportedly earns around $4 million annually, suggesting Jost’s earnings from the spinoff could be substantial.
• Public Appearances and Endorsements: As a prominent celebrity, Jost also earns from brand partnerships and paid public appearances. He previously modeled for the brand Geoffrey Beene, noting that the company donates all its net profits to cancer research.

Despite his significant net worth, his wife Scarlett Johansson’s net worth is considerably higher, estimated at around $165 million, largely due to her extensive career in film, particularly her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Legacy and Influence

Colin Jost’s legacy is primarily defined by his profound and enduring impact on Saturday Night Live and his distinctive voice in modern comedy. As the longest-serving “Weekend Update” anchor, he, alongside Michael Che, has redefined the segment for a generation, delivering sharp political and social commentary with a characteristic deadpan style. His influence is evident in the show’s continued relevance in satirizing current events and pop culture.

Beyond his on-screen presence, Jost’s contributions as a writer and co-head writer for SNL for nearly two decades have shaped countless sketches and comedic narratives. He is recognized for his intellectual approach to humor, blending his Harvard education in literature and history with contemporary comedic sensibilities. His work has earned him critical acclaim, including multiple Writers Guild Awards and Peabody Awards, solidifying his standing as a respected figure among his peers.

Jost’s memoir, A Very Punchable Face, offers insight into the mind of a successful comedy writer, inspiring aspiring comedians and writers by showcasing his journey from a Staten Island upbringing to a prominent national platform. His public image is one of a witty, often self-deprecating, and intelligent comedian. His philanthropic efforts, such as modeling for Geoffrey Beene to support cancer research and announcing his marriage to encourage donations to Meals on Wheels, also reflect a commitment beyond entertainment. Through his continuous evolution as a performer, writer, and public figure, Colin Jost continues to influence the landscape of American comedy and television.

Interesting Facts about Colin Jost

• Longest-Serving “Weekend Update” Anchor: Colin Jost holds the record for the longest-serving anchor of SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment, surpassing Seth Meyers’ record on October 23, 2021.
• Harvard Lampoon President: During his time at Harvard University, Jost served as the president of The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s prestigious humor magazine.
• College Dormmate with Pete Buttigieg: Jost was dormmates with former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg while they lived in Leverett House at Harvard. During Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, Jost famously portrayed him on SNL.
• Inspired by Norm Macdonald and Tina Fey: Jost has cited Norm Macdonald as a primary influence for his “Weekend Update” anchor work, appreciating Macdonald’s tone, and has also named Tina Fey as an influence.
• Early Journalism Career: Before joining SNL, Jost worked as a reporter and copy editor for the Staten Island Advance, a local newspaper.
• Staten Island Ferry Purchase: In 2023, along with fellow SNL comedian Pete Davidson, Jost purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat, the MV John F. Kennedy, with plans to convert it into an entertainment venue.
• Surfing Enthusiast: Colin Jost is an avid surfer and was even sent to Tahiti by NBC Sports to cover the surfing competition at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
• “Punchable Face” Memoir Title: His memoir, A Very Punchable Face, derives its title from the humorous notion that his face has often been seen as “punchable,” both metaphorically and literally, having sustained multiple stitches and being punched in various SNL sketches.
• Mother’s 9/11 Experience: In his memoir, Jost shares an emotional account of his mother’s experience as the chief medical officer for the New York City Fire Department, being on the scene of the Twin Towers’ collapse on 9/11.
• Game Show Host: In 2024, it was announced that Colin Jost would be the host of the game show Pop Culture Jeopardy! on Amazon Prime Video, adding game show host to his list of professions.

Controversies

While Colin Jost’s career has been largely free of major controversies, like many public figures, he has faced occasional scrutiny and minor incidents. His style of humor, particularly on “Weekend Update,” sometimes touches on sensitive topics, which can lead to mixed reactions from the audience. However, these are typically inherent to the nature of political and social satire rather than personal scandals.

One recurring comedic “controversy” involves playful on-air jabs from his “Weekend Update” co-anchor Michael Che, often at Jost’s expense, regarding his perceived privileged background or his marriage to Scarlett Johansson. These are generally understood as part of their comedic rapport and not indicative of genuine conflict. Additionally, a running joke feud with fellow SNL comedian Pete Davidson has been a humorous narrative in the public eye, with Davidson once gifting Jost a $20,000 watch as part of their comedic rivalry.

Overall, Colin Jost has maintained a relatively clean public image throughout his career, focusing on his comedic and writing endeavors, with no significant unverified or outdated controversies marring his public record.

Social Media Presence

Colin Jost maintains a presence on various social media platforms, primarily using them to promote his work, share personal insights, and engage with his audience, although he is generally more reserved compared to some other celebrities. As of August 2025, his social media presence is as follows:

• Instagram: Colin Jost is active on Instagram, where he shares updates about Saturday Night Live, his stand-up comedy, personal life glimpses (often with a comedic twist), and promotional content for his book or other projects. His follower count reflects a significant public interest.
• Twitter (X): He also uses Twitter to share quick jokes, commentary, and news related to his work. This platform allows him to engage with current events in real-time, aligning with his “Weekend Update” persona.
• YouTube: While Jost doesn’t run a dedicated personal YouTube channel for vlogs or regular content, clips of his “Weekend Update” segments, stand-up performances, and interviews are widely available and popular on YouTube, contributing to his overall online visibility.

His social media engagement is consistent with his public persona—witty, observant, and often with a touch of self-deprecation.

Final Words about Colin Jost

Colin Jost stands as a preeminent figure in contemporary American comedy, whose influence has been deeply felt through his extensive tenure at Saturday Night Live. Since joining the iconic sketch show in 2005, he has evolved from a gifted staff writer to a celebrated co-head writer and, most notably, the longest-serving co-anchor of “Weekend Update.” His sharp wit, intellectual humor, and distinctive comedic timing have solidified his place in television history, providing incisive commentary on the ever-changing landscape of news and culture.

Beyond the SNL stage, Jost has demonstrated versatility as an author with his best-selling memoir, A Very Punchable Face, a film writer and actor, and an accomplished stand-up comedian. His marriage to Scarlett Johansson and their family life add a dimension of public interest, showcasing a balance between a high-profile career and personal devotion.

As of 2025, Colin Jost continues to be a vibrant force in entertainment, earning an honorary degree from the College of Staten Island and embarking on new ventures like hosting Pop Culture Jeopardy! His legacy is that of a consistent and intelligent comedic voice, one who has skillfully navigated the demands of live television and carved out a unique space in the hearts of comedy enthusiasts. With his ongoing projects and unwavering dedication to his craft, Colin Jost’s future in comedy and media promises to remain as engaging and impactful as his career to date.