Written by: Emily Carter

Colin Jost: The King of Saturday Night Live

Colin Jost is a household name, synonymous with Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he has been a staff writer since 2005 and co-anchor of Weekend Update since 2014. As a comedian, writer, and actor, Jost has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy and entertainment.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 29, 1982, in New York City's Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island, Jost was raised in a family of educators. His mother, Kerry J. Kelly, was 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. Jost's younger brother, Casey Jost, is also a writer and producer, known for his work on Impractical Jokers.

Jost attended Regis High School in Manhattan, where he was the editor of the school newspaper, The Owl. He then went on to Harvard University, graduating cum laude in 2004 with a degree in history and literature. During his time at Harvard, Jost was president of the Harvard Lampoon and even won $5,250 on a college edition of Weakest Link.

Career Highlights

After graduation, Jost worked as a reporter and copy editor for the Staten Island Advance before being hired as a writer for a short-lived Nickelodeon animated show, Kappa Mikey. In 2005, he sent in a writing packet to SNL, which landed him a writing position.

From 2009 to 2012, Jost was SNL's writing supervisor, and later became co-head writer from 2012 to 2015. He regained the title from 2017 to 2022, often collaborating with fellow SNL co-head writer Rob Klein.

Weekend Update and Beyond

In 2014, Jost became the co-anchor of Weekend Update, alongside Cecily Strong. He brought his unique brand of humor to the segment, making it a fan favorite. In addition to his work on SNL, Jost has written for several other TV shows and films, including Staten Island Summer and How to Be Single.

Awards and Honors

Jost has received multiple Emmy Award nominations for his work on SNL, including Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He has also won a Writers Guild of America Award for Comedy/Variety Series.

Jost married actress Scarlett Johansson in 2020, and the couple has a daughter together. He is known for his witty humor and charming personality, both on and off screen.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Jost's senior thesis at Harvard was on Vladimir Nabokov.
• He was a member of the improv comedy group, The Upright Citizens Brigade.
• Jost has appeared in several films, including The Dilemma and Date Night.

With a career spanning over two decades, Colin Jost has solidified his position as one of the most talented and beloved figures in comedy. From his early days as a writer for SNL to his current role as co-anchor of Weekend Update, Jost continues to entertain and inspire audiences around the world.