Celebrity Info
Colin Jost has undoubtedly become one of the standout figures in modern comedy, and his journey to the top is both impressive and inspiring. As one of the youngest writers ever hired for Saturday Night Live—a show that’s been a cornerstone of American sketch comedy since its 1975 debut on NBC—Colin Jost joined the team back in 2005, marking the beginning of what would become a defining era for the series. At just 22 years old, Colin Jost stepped into a writers’ room already buzzing with talent, and it wasn’t long before he made his mark.
Over the next nearly ten years, Colin Jost worked tirelessly behind the scenes, earning recognition that few can claim: eight Emmy nominations, three Writers Guild of America Awards, and even a Peabody Award. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. By 2012, Colin Jost had risen through the ranks and was named head writer—a role that often serves as a launching pad for greater visibility on the show. And sure enough, in early 2014, Colin Jost made his official on-screen debut as co-anchor of “Weekend Update,” SNL’s legendary satirical news segment.
Born on June 29, 1982, in the Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island, New York, Colin Jost grew up in a family where intelligence and public service were highly valued. His father, Dan, taught at Staten Island Tech, while his mother, Kerry, served as the chief medical officer for the FDNY. But despite the serious professional backgrounds, humor ran in the family too—Colin Jost’s younger brother, Casey, would later find fame as a cast member and writer on truTV’s Impractical Jokers. It seems comedy was always in the cards for Colin Jost.
His passion for writing emerged early. While still in high school, Colin Jost contributed to the Staten Island Advance as a teen correspondent, later returning as a college intern from 2000 to 2001. After attending a private Jesuit prep school in Manhattan, he went on to Harvard University, where he not only studied but thrived in the world of satire. He eventually became president of the Harvard Lampoon, the famed student-run humor magazine that’s launched the careers of comedy legends like Conan O’Brien. Much like institutions such as the Upright Citizens Brigade or Chicago’s Groundlings, the Lampoon has long been a breeding ground for comedic talent—and Colin Jost was no exception.
After graduation, Colin Jost returned briefly to journalism before taking a bold step: he submitted some original sketches to SNL cold. That risk paid off when he landed an interview with then-head writer Tina Fey, followed by a meeting with the show’s legendary creator, Lorne Michaels. The rest, as they say, is history. Hired in 2005, Colin Jost found himself writing alongside soon-to-be superstars like Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, and Jason Sudeikis—talent that helped revitalize the show during a crucial period.
Though primarily known for his writing, Colin Jost wasn’t shy about performing. A seasoned stand-up comedian, he toured nationally and appeared on shows like Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show. He also kept his pen sharp with regular contributions to The New Yorker’s “Shouts & Murmurs” and New York Magazine, proving his versatility across platforms.
When Seth Meyers left SNL to take over Late Night, the search began for a new “Weekend Update” anchor. With his deep institutional knowledge, polished writing skills, and natural screen presence, Colin Jost was the obvious choice. He debuted alongside Cecily Strong on March 1, 2014. Though Strong eventually returned to sketch work, she was replaced by Michael Che, forming what would become one of the most dynamic duos in the segment’s history. The contrast between Colin Jost’s preppy, slightly neurotic delivery and Che’s sharp, street-smart edge brought a fresh energy to the show—especially during the politically charged 2016 election and the early days of the Trump administration.
Beyond the anchor desk, Colin Jost expanded his reach into film, co-writing and starring in Staten Island Summer (2015), a coming-of-age comedy that paid homage to his hometown roots. In 2018, he and Michael Che took their chemistry to the Emmys stage, hosting the prestigious ceremony together—an honor rarely given to current SNL cast members.
And then came the headlines: in 2019, after two years of dating, Colin Jost got engaged to actress Scarlett Johansson. The news sent waves through pop culture circles, cementing Colin Jost not just as a comedy writer and performer, but as a public figure whose influence extends well beyond late-night television.
From teenage reporter to Emmy-nominated head writer, from behind-the-scenes scribe to front-and-center anchor, Colin Jost’s career has been anything but ordinary. Yet through it all, he’s remained grounded, witty, and relentlessly dedicated to the craft. And if the past is any indication, Colin Jost’s story is far from over.
So, when it comes to Colin Jost’s film career, there’s definitely a standout in terms of critical reception. Colin Jost’s highest rated movie is How to Be Single from 2016—a romantic comedy that actually got pretty decent reviews and showed off a different side of his on-screen presence. On the flip side, not every project has landed as well. In fact, Colin Jost’s lowest rated film came a few years later with Tom & Jerry in 2021, which, despite its nostalgic appeal, didn’t quite win over critics or audiences. It just goes to show that even talented performers like Colin Jost can have highs and lows across their body of work. Still, Colin Jost continues to be recognized for his comedic timing and versatility, whether he’s in front of a live audience or on the big screen.
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