Colin Jost

Colin Jost
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Name	Colin Jost
Birth date	29 June 1982
Birth place	New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Comedian, writer, actor
Years active	2005–present
Notable works	Weekend Update, Saturday Night Live

Colin Jost is an American comedian, writer, actor, and producer known for his tenure as co-head writer and Weekend Update co-anchor on Saturday Night Live. He has written for numerous television specials, authored a memoir, and performed stand-up comedy across venues associated with The Comedy Store, Gotham Comedy Club, and Carnegie Hall. Jost's career intersects with personalities and institutions such as Lorne Michaels, SNL 40th Anniversary Special, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon.

Early life and education

Jost was born in Manhattan, New York City, and grew up in the Upper East Side and Staten Island neighborhoods, with family ties to Queens and the New York Yankees fan community. His parents include a corporate attorney connected to firms in Wall Street and a television executive who worked with networks like NBC and CBS, placing him amid cultural institutions such as Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. He attended St. Joseph by the Sea High School and later matriculated at Harvard College, where he studied History and wrote for the Harvard Lampoon, collaborating with students who later joined The Daily Show, The New Yorker, and The Onion. At Harvard he engaged with campus entities like Harvard Crimson, Hasty Pudding Theatricals, and the American Repertory Theater.

Career

After graduating from Harvard College, Jost began writing for television, joining writers connected to Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Saturday Night Live alumni networks. He contributed to sketch programs connected to producers such as Lorne Michaels and worked alongside writers who moved between SNL, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Jost developed stand-up material performed at clubs affiliated with The Comedy Cellar, Laugh Factory, and festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Just for Laughs. His early career involved collaborations with producers and performers from MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, and FX.

Saturday Night Live

Jost joined Saturday Night Live as a writer in the mid-2000s, advancing to co-head writer and co-anchor of Weekend Update alongside anchors like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Colin Quinn, Chevy Chase, and Seth Meyers. During his tenure, he has worked under executive producer Lorne Michaels and participated in milestone broadcasts such as the SNL 40th Anniversary Special and seasonal episodes featuring hosts like Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alec Baldwin, and musical guests including Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar. Jost's sketches have involved cast members from SNL ensembles including Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, Pete Davidson, and Kenan Thompson, and he has written material connected to political figures and events such as presidential debates involving Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden.

Writing and publications

Beyond television, Jost authored a memoir published by major houses that engaged editors with pedigrees linked to Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins. His written work has appeared in outlets connected to The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Vanity Fair contributors, and he has contributed essays that reference cultural touchstones like Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, Seinfeld, Saturday Night Fever, and films by Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese. He has also produced comedy specials for networks such as HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, working with directors and producers who have credits on projects with NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., and Universal Pictures.

Personal life

Jost has had public relationships and social ties within entertainment circles including actors and comedians from Saturday Night Live and film communities connected to New York City and Los Angeles. He has been associated with philanthropic events benefiting institutions such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, City Harvest, and arts organizations including Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art. Social connections include friendships with performers from The Daily Show, writers from The New Yorker, and producers from NBC and Comedy Central.

Awards and recognition

Jost's work earned nominations and awards from institutions such as the Primetime Emmy Awards, Writers Guild of America Awards, Peabody Awards, and industry bodies including the Hollywood Critics Association and Critics' Choice Awards. He has been recognized alongside ensembles that won honors at ceremonies like the Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and festival accolades from Just for Laughs and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Category:1982 births Category:American comedians Category:American writers Category:Saturday Night Live writers