Comedian Jo Koy has spent decades making audiences laugh, but in recent years his personal life has drawn just as much attention as his stand-up. From a marriage that ended in 2003 to a high-profile relationship with Chelsea Handler, Koy’s journey offers a window into the man behind the punchlines. This piece traces his family story, romantic timeline, and what comes next for the comic who hosted the 2024 Golden Globes.
Full Name: Joseph Glenn Herbert · Born: June 2, 1971 · Profession: Stand-up comedian, actor · Ex-wife: Angie King · Notable Specials: Multiple Netflix specials · Recent Relationship: Chelsea Handler (2021–2022)
Quick snapshot
- August 2021: Koy and Handler begin dating (People)
- Continued touring and new stand-up specials (Wikipedia)
Seven facts about Jo Koy, drawn from verified records:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | June 2, 1971 |
| Real Name | Joseph Glenn Herbert |
| Ex-wife | Angie King |
| Children | One son, Joseph Jr. |
| Profession | Stand-up comedian, actor |
| Net Worth | $4 million (estimated) |
| Dating History | Chelsea Handler (2021–2022) |
The table above distills the biographical anchors that define Koy’s public profile.
Who is Jo Koy’s ex wife?
Jo Koy’s marriage to Angie King
Jo Koy was married to Angie King, who performs under the name Nura Luca. They wed in 1999 and separated in 2003, with the divorce finalized that year (The List). The couple had one child together.
The divorce and its aftermath
- The divorce was finalized in 2003, the same year their son Joseph Jr. was born.
- Koy has spoken about co-parenting amicably and setting an example for his son throughout relationship changes.
Bottom line: Koy’s only marriage ended in 2003. For fans wondering about his family life: he has one son, Joseph Jr., with ex-wife Angie King, and both parents have maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship.
Are Chelsea and Jo Koy still together?
How they met
Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy were friends for more than two decades before dating. They were introduced through mutual friend Jon Lovitz and reconnected at the end of 2019 (People). Handler had long featured Koy as a regular guest on her talk show Chelsea Lately between 2007 and 2014.
The timeline of their relationship
- August 2021: They officially began dating (People).
- September 2021: They made the relationship public (Wikiwand).
- July 2022: Handler announced the split on Instagram, saying they decided together to take a break (People).
What this means: The couple is not together. Both have moved on amicably, with Handler praising Koy and Koy calling the relationship a “beautiful time.”
How long did Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy date?
Duration of the relationship
The relationship lasted approximately one year, from August 2021 to July 2022. They were frequently seen at events together during that period, including red carpets and vacations.
Key milestones
- Handler posted a birthday tribute to Koy in June 2022, just weeks before the breakup.
- In her breakup post, she said Koy had “renewed her faith in men.”
A friendship that spanned more than 20 years transitioned into romance for only 12 months — and then back to friendship. The couple’s ability to maintain a bond suggests the breakup was more about timing than conflict.
Why did Chelsea and Koy break up?
Handler’s public explanation
Chelsea Handler cited differences in life priorities. In her Instagram announcement, she stated they decided together to take a break and that she had “so much love and respect” for Koy (People). Later interviews revealed she felt they wanted different things at that stage in their lives.
Koy’s perspective
Jo Koy has been gracious in interviews, telling ET Online there is “no bad blood” and that he and Handler are still friends. In July 2023, he told Page Six that Handler was “doing beautiful things” and that he only wishes her success.
The pattern: Both parties have consistently emphasized mutual respect and friendship, making the breakup one of the more amicable split narratives in entertainment.
What movie was Jo Koy in?
Easter Sunday (2022)
Jo Koy starred in and co-wrote the film Easter Sunday, a comedy centered on a Filipino-American family. The movie was released in August 2022 and featured Koy as the lead, Joe Valencia (Wikipedia).
Other acting roles
- Cameo in The Comeback Trail (2020)
- Voice role in The Monkey King (2023) alongside Jimmy O. Yang
- Upcoming projects include a comedy series in development with Netflix
The implication: Koy is transitioning from stand-up headliner to film and streaming lead, a move that expands his reach beyond the comedy club circuit.
Timeline of Jo Koy’s life
- June 2, 1971 – Born in Tacoma, Washington
- 1999 – Married Angie King
- 2003 – Divorced; son Joseph Jr. born
- 2021 – Began dating Chelsea Handler (People)
- 2022 – Breakup with Handler; starred in ‘Easter Sunday’
- January 2024 – Hosted 81st Golden Globe Awards
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Jo Koy’s ex-wife is Angie King (The List).
- He has a son named Joseph Jr. (ET Online).
- He dated Chelsea Handler from 2021 to 2022 (People).
- He starred in the movie ‘Easter Sunday’ (Wikipedia).
- He hosted the Golden Globes in 2024 (Wikipedia).
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons for the breakup beyond Handler’s public comments.
- Whether Jo Koy is currently dating anyone.
- The exact financial details of his net worth beyond the $4 million estimate.
While Koy’s public statements suggest harmony, the full context of why a 20-year friendship turned into a one-year romance remains known only to the two people involved.
“We decided together to take a break from the relationship.”
— Chelsea Handler via Instagram, as reported by People
“There’s no bad blood. We’re still friends.”
— Jo Koy, speaking to ET Online
“He renewed my faith in men.”
— Chelsea Handler in her breakup announcement, via People
Jo Koy’s ability to navigate public relationships — from his early marriage to a high-profile romance — while keeping his comedy career on an upward trajectory suggests a deliberate focus. For fans of stand-up, the choice is clear: watch his Netflix specials for the laughs, but know the man behind the mic has lived through the same messy human experiences as his audience. For those curious about his personal life, the story is one of grace under the spotlight, with no burned bridges and a son who remains his priority.
en.wikipedia.org, the-sun.com, the-independent.com, thenetline.com, yahoo.com, thecityceleb.com, celebsuburb.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Jo Koy’s net worth?
Jo Koy’s net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million, accumulated through stand-up tours, Netflix specials, and acting roles.
How old is Jo Koy?
He was born on June 2, 1971, making him 53 years old as of 2024.
Does Jo Koy have a new girlfriend?
As of mid-2024, Jo Koy has not publicly announced any new relationship.
Where did Jo Koy grow up?
Jo Koy was born in Tacoma, Washington, and grew up in a multicultural household with a Filipino mother and an American father.
What is Jo Koy’s most famous stand-up special?
His Netflix specials include Jo Koy: In His Elements, Jo Koy: Comin’ In Hot, and Jo Koy: Live from Seattle.
How many children does Jo Koy have?
He has one son, Joseph Jr., born in 2003.
What is Jo Koy’s real name?
His birth name is Joseph Glenn Herbert.
Is Jo Koy still touring?
Yes, Jo Koy continues to tour internationally. Check his official website for current dates.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Monitor, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.