Jo Koy brings big smile to Rupp Arena with Netflix specials, Steven Spielberg movie

Of all the people who try to make a living as a stand-up comic, only a small percentage end up making it to where telling jokes can be a full-time profession. Considering where Jo Koy currently resides in his stand-up career, performing comedy to thousands in arenas across the country, that would make him a percentage of a percentage.

“We were talking about that the other day and we were like, ‘Oh my god. It’s just, like, a handful. Not even, right?’” Koy said about the number of stand-up acts doing successful arena tours. “When I walk into every arena, I smile. I smile big.”

During a tour break from his home in Los Angeles, you can not only hear Koy smiling through the phone and talking about his unexpected status as a stand-up comedian. You can also hear the fondness reflecting on the road that got him there.

On the way to three Netflix stand-up specials and frequenting late-night television as a recurring guest panelist on E’s “Chelsea Lately” with comedienne and former girlfriend Chelsea Handler, Koy, 51, found comedy through the distinct voices, characters and culture of his Filipino background and upbringing in Tacoma, Wa. Through frequent improvs and open mic nights and working his way up to being an opener and later a feature stand-up act, Koy said it took him 14 years to feel like he was gifted with his comedic voice based on the response he received talking about a competitive showdown with his mom on the Nintendo Wii.

“I had a Christmas day show at the Laugh Factory (comedy club in Los Angeles) and I just described what I saw,” Koy recalls. “That’s when I knew that I had something.”

While Koy had stumbled upon material and a storytelling style that translated broadly to audiences outside of his Filipino culture, it didn’t prove to be a surefire way to success in Hollywood. Netflix initially passed on financing and releasing Koy’s first special for the streaming service “Live from Seattle” in 2017, leading to Koy producing and editing the special himself before they decided to purchase and release it. He initially got a developmental deal from a network but they passed on it, offering feedback that simultaneously, stuck with, infuriated and motivated Koy and his creative pursuits.

“They said it was a little too specific. I didn’t know what that note meant,” he said. “It just kept getting buried and buried but I was going to tell my stories no matter what.”

Jo Koy movie with Steven Spielberg: ‘Easter Sunday’

This year, Koy got to tell his story not just on stage in the form of stand-up jokes for thousands of people but in a multi-million dollar film “Easter Sunday,” released this past August that was greenlit and produced by iconic film director (and Koy’s favorite) Steven Spielberg.

“He was a fan and still is and, man, I pinch myself every day this happened and thank God,” he said. “All the producers in Hollywood telling me that I’m too ‘specific.’ It makes all the other producers in Hollywood look stupid right now.”

Koy knew the chance, and possibly his only chance, to tell a story a small story of a Filipino family on film to such a large audience meant he was going to get all the stories, comedy and culture he could from his heritage on that screen, even if meant squeezing in a scene with a Balikbayan box or five seconds where they could showcase signature Filipino dishes at the dinner table.

“I had the responsibilities to tell some stories and show some of our culture,” he said. “I don’t have the benefit of saying, ‘Oh, I get to make 10 movies this year.’ I get one movie, so let’s cram it all in there. We made it flow as much as we could, but I had to tell my story, man.”

Jo Koy comedy focusing on storytelling

The comedy he is showcasing on his current “Funny is Funny World Tour,” which comes to Rupp Arena Saturday, Oct. 1, features Koy focusing his storytelling on behind-the-stories tales and struggles. Plus he shares stories involving his teenage son, now 19, who has been with him through virtually every stage of his comedy career. Much of the material is from his fourth Netflix special “Jo Koy: Live From the LA Forum” released in September. Even though it wasn’t always the smoothest journey, Koy is happy that staying true to his specific comedy has made him a relatable comedy draw.

“When I first started stand-up it’s like, yeah, I’m trying to win over some fans. I’m trying to build an audience. Now I’m blessed that these people waited six months to see me,” Koy said. “They’re ready for me, and I’ve just got to bring it. That’s all.”

Jo Koy Funny Is Funny World Tour

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

Where: Rupp Arena, 430 W. Vine St.

Tickets: $45.50 to $65.50; 859-233-3535 or Rupparena.com