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Jo Koy joins Club Shay Shay for a conversation about his 35-year comedy career, selling out arenas, his journey from struggling comic to one of the top-grossing stand-up comedians, and the sacrifices it took to get there. Jo Koy reflects on watching Eddie Murphy perform at 15 and later selling out the same arena twice, and his experience performing alongside comedians like Dave Chappelle, Tiffany Haddish, Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart, and Chris Rock.
Jo Koy opens up about growing up with a Filipino single mother, struggling with identity and racism, and how those experiences shaped his comedy. He discusses his stepfather, family, his relationship with his mother, and the importance of struggle, sacrifice, and perseverance. He also shares stories from his early days working at the Mirage, performing at coffeehouses, and eventually landing opportunities on BET's ComicView, Def Comedy Jam, and Showtime at the Apollo.
Jo Koy details how he built his career through relentless hustle and eventually shot his own comedy special after Netflix initially passed. He explains how that decision led Netflix to buy the special and helped establish his path to multiple Netflix specials. He also talks about his longtime friendship with Tiffany Haddish and the struggles they experienced early in their careers. Jo Koy dives into relationships, co-parenting with his ex-wife, dating, privacy, and why his ex-wife remains an important part of his life and family. He discusses public dating, celebrity relationships, and the challenges that come with living in the spotlight.
Jo Koy and Shannon Sharpe also discuss Filipino culture, Black culture, hip-hop, Filipino food, and the entertainers who paved the way for him, including Tia Carrere, Dante Basco, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bruno Mars, and Manny Pacquiao. Jo Koy explains why Manny Pacquiao and Bruno Mars hold such a special place in Filipino culture.
Jo Koy reflects on comedy legends including Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Louie Anderson, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle, while sharing stories about John Lovitz, Adam Sandler, and Martin Lawrence. He discusses how Def Comedy Jam and other comedy showcases opened doors for Black comedians and how he wants to help create opportunities for the next generation of comics.
Jo Koy reveals what's next, including his sixth Netflix special, Easter Sunday on Netflix, plans to perform at the Forum, his dream of performing at Dodger Stadium, and his new comedy showcase with Martin Lawrence, Pass the Mic.
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