Colin Jost has spent more than twenty years shaping the way Americans laugh at politics and culture through his work on Saturday Night Live. As of early 2026, he remains a fixture on the show, anchoring Weekend Update with his trademark dry wit. Yet his story is not only about comedy—it is also about his marriage to Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, and the family they have built together.
Born in Staten Island in 1982, Jost grew up in a household that valued education and service.
His father, Daniel, taught at Staten Island Technical High School, while his mother, Kerry Kelly, served as chief medical officer for the New York City Fire Department.
His brother, Casey, pursued a career in television as well, working on Impractical Jokers.
Jost’s academic path took him to Harvard University, where he studied history and literature and became president of the Harvard Lampoon.
That experience sharpened his comedic instincts and prepared him for the professional world of satire.
Jost joined Saturday Night Live in 2005 as a writer and rose to co‑head writer by 2012.
In 2014, he stepped in front of the camera as co‑anchor of Weekend Update, paired with Michael Che.
Their contrasting styles—Jost’s understated delivery and Che’s more direct approach—created a chemistry that audiences embraced.
Together, they have become one of the longest‑running duos in the segment’s history.
Beyond SNL, Jost has pursued stand‑up comedy, acting roles in films such as Staten Island Summer, How to Be Single, and Tom & Jerry, and authored the bestselling memoir A Very Punchable Face.
His career has been steady, marked by versatility and a willingness to explore different creative outlets.
His personal life, however, has drawn just as much attention. Jost began dating Scarlett Johansson in 2017, and the couple married in October 2020.
Johansson, known for her roles in films ranging from Lost in Translation to the Avengers franchise, brought her own star power to the relationship.
In 2021, they welcomed their first child, choosing to keep their family life private. Despite their fame, both Jost and Johansson have emphasized the importance of shielding their child from public exposure.
Their marriage represents a blending of two worlds: Jost’s steady presence in television comedy and Johansson’s global recognition as a film star.
Together, they navigate the demands of careers that often place them in the spotlight while maintaining a commitment to family.
Jost has spoken about how his Staten Island roots and family values keep him grounded, and Johansson has echoed similar sentiments about balancing work and motherhood.
Financially, Jost has built stability through his work, earning a reported $25,000 per episode of SNL, with additional income from tours, acting, and writing.
Johansson, one of the highest‑paid actresses in Hollywood, adds her own success to the household.
Yet both have shown a preference for privacy over publicity, focusing on their shared life rather than the headlines.
At 43 years old, Jost remains a central figure in American comedy.
He continues to anchor Weekend Update, perform live shows, and explore new projects, while Johansson continues to act in films and pursue creative ventures.
Their partnership reflects a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment, between satire and cinema.
Colin Jost’s journey from Staten Island to national prominence illustrates the enduring appeal of sharp, thoughtful comedy.
Scarlett Johansson’s career highlights the power of versatility and resilience in Hollywood.
Together, they form a couple that embodies both humor and glamour, navigating the intersection of entertainment and family life with authenticity.