When people think of Colin Jost, they usually picture the sharp suit, the deadpan delivery at the Saturday Night Live "Weekend Update" desk, or his high-profile marriage to actress Scarlett Johansson. But beneath the Hollywood headlines lies a tightly knit, hard-working New York family. Understanding Colin Jost's family means looking past the red carpets and examining a world built on public service, education, and local roots in Staten Island.
The narrative of the Jost and Kelly households isn't one of showbiz royalty. Instead, it's a story of public servants, educators, and creative professionals who shaped a sharp-witted kid from Grymes Hill into one of comedy's most recognizable writers and performers. Let's break down the family tree, the professions that grounded him, and the siblings and relatives who share his background.
The Parents: Public Service and Education
Colin Kelly Jost was born on June 29, 1982, in New York City, the eldest of two sons born to Daniel A. Jost and Kerry J. Kelly. His parents provided a stable, middle-class upbringing in the borough of Staten Island, far removed from the glitz of Manhattan television studios.
His father, Daniel A. Jost, spent his career as a teacher, teaching at Staten Island Technical High School. Growing up with an educator for a father instilled a strong academic discipline in Colin, who would later attend Harvard University and graduate cum laude. Additional reporting by Bloomberg highlights similar perspectives on this issue.
His mother, Kerry J. Kelly, carved out a remarkable career in medicine and public safety. She served as the Chief Medical Officer for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), managing health policies and medical responses for thousands of firefighters. In his memoir, A Very Punchable Face, Jost often highlights the distinct reality of growing up with a mother running high-stakes medical operations for the city's bravest, balancing a demanding civic role with family life.
Deep Roots in the FDNY and Staten Island
Public service runs deep through the maternal side of Colin's family. The Kelly family has generations of ties to the New York City Fire Department.
Jost has frequently spoken about his lineage of firefighters on Staten Island. His grandfather and great-grandfather both served as firefighters in the borough, and other family members have worked as department dispatchers. These blue-collar roots anchor much of his comedy and perspective. Even as a Harvard graduate working in elite comedy writing rooms, Jost maintains a distinct connection to Staten Island culture—famously purchasing a decommissioned Staten Island ferry alongside fellow SNL alum Pete Davidson as a tongue-in-cheek homage to his hometown transit.
The Younger Brother: Casey Jost
Colin isn't the only sibling working in the entertainment industry. His younger brother, Casey Jost, carved out a successful career behind and in front of the camera.
Casey is best known for his work on the hit hidden-camera comedy show Impractical Jokers, where he has worked as a writer and producer. Like his older brother, Casey shares a sharp, observational comedic sensibility. He also appeared alongside Colin in the 2015 comedy film Staten Island Summer, a project written by Colin that heavily drew upon their shared adolescent experiences growing up in New York.
While Colin took the route of sketch comedy, television writing, and late-night satire, Casey found his footing in prank television and alternative comedy production, proving that humor was a dominant currency in the Jost household.
Marriage, Children, and Extended Family
In October 2020, Colin's immediate family expanded significantly when he married actress Scarlett Johansson in an intimate ceremony in New York. The couple met initially when Johansson hosted Saturday Night Live.
Together, they welcomed a son named Cosmo in August 2021. Colin also became a stepfather to Johansson's daughter from a previous marriage. Balancing a high-profile Hollywood marriage with a traditional New York background has kept Jost grounded, often joking about the contrast between his quiet Staten Island upbringing and his current life in the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the professions of Colin Jost's parents?
His father, Daniel A. Jost, worked as a high school teacher at Staten Island Technical High School. His mother, Kerry J. Kelly, served as the Chief Medical Officer for the New York City Fire Department.
Does Colin Jost have any siblings?
Yes, he has one younger brother named Casey Jost, who works as a writer and producer on the television show Impractical Jokers.
How is Colin Jost connected to the FDNY?
Beyond his mother serving as the Chief Medical Officer for the department, Colin comes from a multi-generational FDNY family. His grandfather and great-grandfather both served as firefighters on Staten Island.
When did Colin Jost marry Scarlett Johansson?
The couple married in October 2020 at their home in New York and share a son named Cosmo, born in August 2021.
