Just days before taking the stage in Abu Dhabi, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy reached a new milestone—this time not in entertainment, but in academia.
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) awarded the comedian an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts during its 2025 graduation ceremony. The recognition comes as Jo Koy continues to make waves globally, including his upcoming performance at Etihad Arena, Yas Island on May 29, 2025, as part of his “Just Being Koy Tour.”
In a touching moment shared by the university on Instagram, Jo Koy took the podium to reflect on his long journey to success. “It started 1989. [I was] 18 years old, you watch TV, you don’t have many people who inspire you especially if you are a mixed kid trying to fight for his identity,” he said, recalling a time when Asian-American representation in media was scarce.
He stressed the importance of perseverance through setbacks. “It takes a lot of work, it takes a lot of sacrifices, it takes a lot of falling flat on your face… That’s when you build the grit, and the heart, and the strength to keep pushing,” he told the graduating class.
Jo Koy, who was born to a Filipino mother and an American father, has become a household name through his sold-out tours and hit Netflix comedy specials such as Live from Seattle and In His Elements. He’s also set to appear in The Last Resort, a Hollywood film shot in the Philippines, including scenes in Palawan.
In a recent interview, he shared his enthusiasm for the project. “It’s great to finally see people recognizing the Philippines as a great location to shoot big budget movies,” he said, adding that Filipino crews were key in making the production efficient and high-quality.
