Josie Harrison, the mother, and John C. Herbert, the father, are Jo Koy’s parents. The American celebrity parents still support their kid separately in his budding entertainment career even though they are no longer married.
Despite the fact that Joy Koy is a well-known American stand-up comedian and actor, his parents—particularly his father—are not well-known. During this time, many people have expressed a desire to learn more about the personal life of their favorite comedian. We’ve therefore compiled all the information we have on the former couple in this piece, as well as each person’s unique role in their son’s successful career.
Jo Koy’s Father Abandoned Jo and His Mother When He Was 10
Information about how and when they met for the first time is not revealed, but according to online sources, Jo Koy’s parents were once married and lived as husband and wife. Also, details of their wedding date and the kind of ceremony they had is not public knowledge.
Jo Koy’s Parents’ marriage did not stand the test of time, as they would part ways some years later. According to records, Jo’s father abandoned his family and left for another city when Jo was only 10 years old. Meanwhile, Jo once mentioned that there are actually deeper issues that made his dad leave the family and that he didn’t just get up and leave.
However, details of what actually led to the end of their marriage have remained a mystery to the public. It is also not known if they officially divorced in court or if they just chose to go their separate ways without any formalities. Be it as it may, Jo Koy’s parents, even though they are divorced, would later come on good terms following their son’s rise to fame.
Jo Koy’s Parents Have Three Children Together
In the course of their marriage, Jo Koy’s parents had three children together, a son Jo Koy, and 2 daughters, Rowena Cook and Gemma Herbert. Jo shares a very close bond with his two sisters and sometimes shares their photos together having a great time. There is no information about his siblings in the media.
Who is Jo Koy’s Father, John C. Herbert?
The name of Jo Koy’s father is John C. Herbert, and he is a white American man who worked in the United States Air Force in the Philippines. Mr. Herbert is only and best known as Jo’s father, and so there is no information about his personal life and family background. Apart from the record that he once worked in the US Air Force, other things he did for a living are not known.
Meanwhile, Jo’s father is infamous for abandoning his wife and three children at the early stage of his marriage. The father of four, without stating any reason, decided to leave his family for another city where he would settle and start a new life.
Jo’s Reunion With His Father
Jo Koy regularly recounts how, when his father abandoned the family, his mother raised him and his three brothers by herself. The comic revealed during his appearance on the Fatherly TV program that this is the reason he never includes his father in any of his comedic performances. To quote him, “It stinks to know that my dad wasn’t there for me all the while.”
Jo Koy said that he did not know any members of his father’s family because his father and his family—including his siblings and grandparents—left the city.
However, John Herbert later came back into Jo’s life when he was in college, just after he got into comedy. The father and son currently have a great relationship. As a matter of fact, Jo said that his dad is his biggest fan. “We’ve kissed and hugged and made up and moved forward,” Jo stated.
Reconciling with him during the time he was starting out as a comedian at college, John Herbert was so excited to see that his son was making it in comedy. He has long apologized to Koy for not being there for him earlier. “Jo, I understand. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. But I totally get it. And I don’t want you to feel bad”, he expressed.
Meet Jo Koy’s Mother
The name of Jo Koy’s mother is Josie Harrison, and she was born in 1948, making her 74 years old at the moment. Josie is a citizen of the Philippines and originates from Quezon City. After her husband, Jo’s father, left the family, she took full responsibility for taking care of their three children.
Being an industrious and supportive mother, Josie had to work two different jobs at a time just to make sure she provided for the needs of her children. At this time, Jo was exceptionally close to his mother, and they shared more time together than his other siblings. Given the kind of bond he shares with his mom, Koy always identifies with being Asian and Filipino than being an American.
More significantly, Jo’s mother was the one that encouraged him to participate in school talent shows and to hold spontaneous performances for his friends. This resulted in the performance in Las Vegas, which inspired his move to Los Angeles, where he would later have his breakout story in 1994.
Interestingly, Jo’s mother has always been an actress in her home country, although she was not known. However, after Jo rose to fame, she started featuring in his comedy shows. Meanwhile, Josie once worked as the host of a radio talk show but is now retired. Jo has, on several occasions, joked about his mom being a DJ on the radio.
Jo Koy Has a Very Close Relationship with his Mother
Koy’s mother was and is still a constant presence in the life of his son, and Jo does not fail to admit this anytime he gets the chance. He credits his comedy, acting talents, and success to his mother, who has also been the major character in most of his standup comedies.
Moreover, Jo said he got his comedy talents from his mom. “My mom is naturally funny. The stories I get to tell are just a bonus,” he said. He also stated that his mom taught him the importance of hard work, which helped him get to the level where he is now.
In the meanwhile, Josie wanted his son to attend school, complete it, and find a well-paying career, just like any other father would. She initially opposed his career in show business. Jo was meant to be attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, but his mother was unaware of his hectic comic career. Josie, though, has grown incredibly joyful and proud of her kid. She is, to put it mildly, largely reaping the rewards of her efforts.
