Comic Jo Koy talks race, rejection

Like many famous comics, Jo Koy had early struggles at clubs. But, unlike them, the half white and half Filipino comedian could only seem to book spots on ethnic theme nights like “Wonton Wednesdays” and “Asian Invasion.”

Segregating comics may sound bizarre and offensive in today’s world but that underlying racism “baked into” the comedy club circuit was acceptable in the early 2000s, according to Koy. How he went from there to being a Netflix darling and having a movie deal with Steven Spielberg is part of the career journey Koy, 49, tells in his new memoir.

“Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo,” out today, is an ideal companion to Koy’s stand-up with its humorous — and at times painful — origin stories behind some of his most popular bits.

Seeing his toddler son play with his mother, it hit Koy that family life could be funny fodder. While mimicking his mother is now classic Koy, he initially hesitated for fear of being labeled “the Filipino comic.” But he saw that all audiences seemed to find anecdotes involving his mother relatable.

His Filipino roots shine brightly in the book. There are instructions on how to make Filipino dishes like lumpia and chicken adobo. He wants to keep being “an ambassador for Filipino foodî and culture.”

One of his Netflix specials got Spielberg’s attention. The director’s production company is producing a starring vehicle for Koy, “Easter Sunday,”î based on Koy’s experiences.