Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LAS VEGAS – There’s a saying that hard work eventually pays off.

For Fil-Am comedian Jo Koy it’s been a long road but the seeds of his hard work are finally coming into fruition.

About 15 years ago, Koy began his comedy career on an open mic night at Buzzy’s Café, a rundown Las Vegas coffee shop that no longer exists. He joked while coffee grinded in the background, UNLV students studied in the area and spoke through loud people ordering.

It’s safe to say he won’t have to go through that again.

A few weeks ago, he was back to the city where it all started but this time he stood in front of a sold out crowd inside the Southpoint Casino.

"It’s been pretty crazy," said Koy to the Asian Journal backstage. "Unbelievable. Now, I need to make sure that I come through."

He certainly did come through that Christmas weekend. Three nights of performances at Southpoint, three sell out shows, and three standing ovations after each performance.

The Fil-Am comedian couldn’t believe that he was back to the place where his comedy career first began.

"It was cool seeing people who actually remembered me from back when I first started," said Koy, in his penthouse suite at Southpoint. "Now, they are here and their like ‘I can’t believe its Jo Koy on stage.’"

His career has truly come full circle.

Koy wasn’t just on stage. His pictures were on the electronic sign outside Southpoint, posters of him greeted casino guests and his name was on brightly lit neon lights.

"It’s been surreal, sort of weird," he said.

Koy began his comedy career here after dropping out of college. Comedy was his chosen path in life, he said.

There were times he had to work three jobs to support his comedy career. He moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. He toured comedy clubs all over the country sometimes for little or no pay. He sacrificed time with his family to pursue his dreams. And no matter how hard that was he did it with no complaints. He loved comedy that much.

Three years ago, Koy captured his big break when he performed in the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He stood there that night representing his heritage wearing a small Philippine flag above his heart.

It was important for him to recognize that part of him since many of his jokes emanate from his experience and humble upbringing with his Filipino mom.

Now, he’s representing all the Filipinos and Fil-Ams on the grand stage.

"It’s like it happened over night. Literally. My career has kind of been snowballing [since that appearance on the Tonight Show and it hasn’t stopped since," he said.

This past year, Koy has performed in front of sold out shows all over the world. Touring with comedian Russell Peters, the two performed in front of sold out crowds in Australia and the Philippines.

When not with Peters, Koy was also being kept busy by the agency that represents him CAA, Creative Arts Agency.