Colin Jost's Background: From Challenges to SNL

Ever wonder what shaped Colin Jost into the comedian we know today? How did he overcome early challenges to become a successful writer and performer?

In his memoir A Very Punchable Face, Colin Jost shares insights into his background and early life. You'll discover how growing up in Staten Island and facing communication difficulties influenced his journey to comedy stardom.

Read on to learn more about Colin Jost's background and the unexpected twists that led him to Saturday Night Live.

Growing Up in Staten Island

Colin Jost's background is deeply rooted in the unique community of Staten Island. This often misunderstood borough of New York City played a significant role in shaping Jost's early life and future career. Growing up in Staten Island, Jost experienced a tight-knit community atmosphere that he likens to the family dynamics portrayed in the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. Understanding Colin Jost's background is key to appreciating his comedic style and the experiences that shaped his worldview.

The diverse neighborhoods within Staten Island provided Jost with a sense of unity and emotional comfort that he would later compare to the camaraderie he felt as part of the Saturday Night Live ensemble. This connection to his hometown would continue to influence Jost's comedic perspective throughout his career.

Overcoming Communication Challenges

One of the most significant hurdles Jost faced in his early years was a delay in developing his verbal abilities. He didn't speak his first words until he was nearly four years old, which is considerably later than typical child development. Despite his keen insight into others' emotions, Jost's communication was limited to gestures and primitive sounds.

This inability to express himself verbally led to frustration and sometimes resulted in aggressive behavior as a means of communication. Even as he began to develop his speaking skills, Jost struggled with an intense fear of public speaking. This anxiety extended to simple tasks like answering phone calls, as he worried about articulating his thoughts effectively.

Academic Journey and Unexpected Turns

Despite his early communication challenges, Jost's academic journey took him to some of Staten Island's most prestigious institutions. His dedication and talent earned him a scholarship to Regis High School in New York City. This opportunity allowed Jost to explore Manhattan's diverse culture, attending various art events and even playing pool, despite the long commute from Staten Island.

Jost's academic path took an unexpected turn when he entered Harvard University. Initially focusing on economics, his love for grand European novels from his high school days led him to switch his concentration to Russian literature. During his studies, he mastered the Russian language and wrote an extensive thesis on Nabokov's early works.

This shift in academic focus showcases Jost's ability to overcome his early communication struggles. He even secured funding to travel to Russia and translate previously unavailable texts, demonstrating how far he'd come from his speech therapy sessions in Staten Island.

Finding His Comedic Voice

The Harvard Lampoon Experience

Jost's comedic career began to take shape during his time at Harvard, where he became involved with the prestigious Harvard Lampoon. This comedic publication provided a community for innovative and non-traditional thinkers, allowing Jost to mingle with others passionate about creating humorous content.

The Lampoon's environment was characterized by elaborate pranks and a challenge to traditional standards, providing the perfect breeding ground for Jost's developing comedic style. His dedication to the Lampoon was intense, mirroring the commitment required for stand-up comedy and sketch writing on Saturday Night Live.

Early Career Struggles and Persistence

After graduating from Harvard, Jost fully committed to pursuing a career in comedy. He personally reached out to various television programs, including The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Despite facing numerous rejections, Jost remained persistent in his pursuit.

His early writing career included diverse roles, from crafting a screenplay for a pilot episode similar to Reno 911 to creating fictional stories for a monthly magazine while working for the New York firefighting agency. Jost even found himself writing for a Nickelodeon show called Kappa Mikey, working out of his boss's apartment.

For about five years, Jost honed his comedic craft in downtown bars before making his way to prestigious comedy establishments like Carolines, Gotham, the Comic Strip, Stand Up NY, and the Comedy Cellar. His breakthrough came with his first appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, following a successful performance at the Montreal Comedy Festival.

Through these experiences, Jost's journey from a child struggling with communication to a successful comedian and writer becomes clear. His background in Staten Island, academic achievements, and persistent pursuit of his comedic career all contributed to shaping the Colin Jost we know today.