Colin Jost Biography: Colin Kelly Jost born June 29, 1982 is an American comedian, writer, and actor. He has been a staff writer for NBC’s Saturday Night Live since 2005 and has co-anchored the “Weekend Update” segment since 2014. Jost served as one of the show’s co-head writers from 2012 to 2015 and returned as head writer alongside Michael Che from 2017 until 2022.
Colin Jost Biography 2025
Colin Kelly Jost is an American comedian, writer, and actor. Jost has been a staff writer for the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live since 2005, and co-anchor of Weekend Update since 2014.
Born: 29 June 1982 (age 42 years), Staten Island, New York, United States
Spouse: Scarlett Johansson (m. 2020)
Height: 1.79 m
Children: 1
Siblings: Casey Jost
Parents: Kerry Kelly, Daniel A. Jost
Colin Jost Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name |
Colin Kelly Jost |
| Born |
June 29, 1982 (age 42)
New York City, U.S. |
| Medium |
|
| Education |
Harvard University (BA) |
| Years active |
2005–present |
| Genres |
- Political/news satire
- observational comedy
- sketch comedy
- blue comedy
- insult comedy
- surreal humor
|
| Subject(s) |
- Mass media/news media/media criticism
- American politics
- American culture
- current events
- pop culture
|
| Spouse |
Scarlett Johansson
(m. )
|
| Children |
1 |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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Early Life and Education
Colin Jost grew up in the Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City. His mother, Kerry J. Kelly, served as 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. He has a younger brother, Casey Jost, who is a writer and producer for Impractical Jokers and appeared in Staten Island Summer.
Raised in a Catholic household, Jost attended Regis High School in Manhattan, where he was the editor of the school newspaper, The Owl. He later went on to Harvard University, majoring in history and literature, with a particular focus on Russian and British literature. He wrote his senior thesis on Vladimir Nabokov and graduated cum laude in 2004. During his time at Harvard, Jost served as president of the Harvard Lampoon and even won $5,250 on a college edition of Weakest Link, although he expressed that he didn’t feel he deserved the win.
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Colin Jost’s Earnings and Net Worth
His success is reflected in his net worth, which is estimated at $10 million as of 2025. In a 2020 interview with The New York Times, he discussed his creative confidence, acknowledging his struggle with self-image while embracing his comedic talents.
Early Life and Career
Born on June 29, 1982, in Staten Island, New York, Jost was raised by his mother, Kerry Kelly, the Chief Medical Officer for the New York City Fire Department, and his father, Daniel A. Jost, a former teacher. After attending the rigorous Regis High School, he enrolled at Harvard University, where he became president of the Harvard Lampoon, a well-known comedic organization. Following his graduation in 2004, Jost briefly worked as a reporter and copy editor before landing a writing position at Nickelodeon’s Kappa Mikey. He submitted a writing packet to SNL and was hired in 2005. His big break came in 2014 when he became co-anchor of “Weekend Update,” solidifying his place in the spotlight.
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Earnings Breakdown
While Jost has not disclosed his exact salary from SNL, estimates suggest that writers earn between $44,000 and $83,000 annually. As a co-anchor, his earnings are likely higher. First-year cast members reportedly earn about $7,000 per episode, with top earners potentially making up to $25,000 per episode. It is believed that Jost falls into the latter category. In addition to his SNL work, Jost authored the 2020 memoir A Very Punchable Face, which became a New York Times bestseller. While the specifics of his book deal remain undisclosed, celebrity memoirs typically range from six-figure advances, given his prominence.
Other Ventures
In 2022, Jost, along with Pete Davidson and Paul Italia, purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry for $280,100, intending to transform it into a unique venue with bars and restaurants.
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Hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Colin Jost is set to host the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 27. Typically, hosts are not paid since the event serves as a fundraiser for the White House Correspondents’ Association, but it is regarded as a prestigious honor.
