Daniel A. Jost: Colin Jost’s Father, Career and Family

Daniel A. Jost is an American retired teacher, engineer, and community leader best known as the father of Colin Jost, the comedian and longtime Saturday Night Live Weekend Update co-anchor. Daniel spent much of his professional life teaching at Staten Island Technical High School in New York City. He studied at Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before developing a career in education. His wife, Dr. Kerry J. Kelly, served as chief medical officer of the New York City Fire Department. Together, they raised two sons, Colin and Casey Jost, who both entered the entertainment industry. Beyond his family connections, Daniel served as chairman of the Staten Island Museum’s board of trustees from 2019 to 2023, helping support educational programs and community fundraising.

Quick Bio: Daniel A. Jost

Who Is Daniel A. Jost?

Daniel A. Jost is an American educator whose family became well known through television and comedy.

His eldest son, Colin Jost, is a writer and performer on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

His younger son, Casey Jost, is a television writer and producer associated with Impractical Jokers.

However, Daniel built his own professional reputation long before his sons became famous.

He worked as a teacher at Staten Island Technical High School, a specialized public school known for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

He also developed strong connections to local cultural organizations.

His involvement with the Staten Island Museum became a significant part of his life after retirement.

Unlike many parents of celebrities, Daniel has not pursued a career in television or entertainment.

He occasionally appears at charity events and family celebrations but generally maintains a private lifestyle.

Daniel A. Jost’s Early Life

Daniel grew up in New Jersey.

Published biographical accounts connect his family with Lavallette, a coastal community in Ocean County.

His parents were John A. Jost and Barbara Jost.

The family valued education.

Daniel eventually attended several respected educational institutions.

His early academic experiences helped prepare him for a professional career involving engineering and teaching.

Where Was Daniel A. Jost Born?

Daniel’s exact birthplace has not been independently confirmed.

His family’s background is closely connected to Lavallette, New Jersey.

However, this does not necessarily mean he was born in the community.

Reliable public information establishes his family connections and education more clearly than his birth records.

How Old Is Daniel A. Jost?

Daniel’s exact date of birth is not publicly established through reliable sources.

Several celebrity biography websites provide estimated ages.

However, these figures are not consistently supported by dependable records.

He was already an adult professional before Colin was born in 1982.

His age can therefore be placed within a broad generational context, but a specific figure should not be invented.

As of November 2026, his precise age remains unverified.

Daniel A. Jost’s Parents

Daniel’s father was John A. Jost.

His mother was Barbara Jost.

The family maintained connections to Lavallette, New Jersey.

Some published biographies describe Daniel’s childhood household as financially comfortable.

However, the family’s exact financial circumstances are not reliably documented.

His Mother: Barbara Jost

Barbara became known to some readers through stories about the Jost family’s long history.

She reportedly lived beyond the age of 100.

Colin has occasionally shared family-related stories involving older relatives.

However, Barbara’s complete personal history remains outside regular public coverage.

His Father: John A. Jost

John A. Jost was Daniel’s father.

Public information about his career and personal life is limited.

Some secondary biographies mention his family background.

However, there is insufficient reliable documentation to provide a detailed account of his profession or achievements.

Daniel A. Jost’s Education

Daniel pursued higher education in engineering and related subjects.

His academic background includes The Pingry School, Brown University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

These institutions are known for demanding academic programs.

His educational experience later supported his teaching career.

The Pingry School

Daniel attended The Pingry School in New Jersey.

The institution is a private college-preparatory school.

It has a long history of academic education.

The school offers subjects involving science, mathematics, languages, and the humanities.

Daniel’s experience there helped prepare him for university study.

Brown University

Daniel later attended Brown University.

Brown is an Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island.

It is known for its flexible undergraduate curriculum.

Students can explore a wide variety of academic subjects.

Daniel completed his undergraduate education there.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Daniel continued his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

MIT is widely recognized for engineering, science, and technological research.

Published biographical accounts identify Daniel as having earned a master’s degree in civil engineering.

Civil engineering focuses on designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure.

The discipline includes roads, bridges, buildings, water systems, and other important structures.

Daniel’s engineering education helped establish the technical background that later supported his work as a teacher.

Daniel A. Jost’s Career as a Teacher

Daniel spent much of his professional life teaching at Staten Island Technical High School.

The school is located in Staten Island, New York City.

It is one of the city’s specialized public high schools.

Students are admitted through a competitive examination process.

The school emphasizes mathematics, engineering, science, and technology.

What Did Daniel Teach?

Published accounts describe Daniel as teaching engineering and technology-related subjects.

His technical education made him well suited to this environment.

Engineering teachers help students understand scientific principles and practical problem-solving.

They may introduce subjects involving design, structures, technology, and mathematical applications.

Daniel’s background combined formal engineering education with classroom experience.

Why Is Staten Island Technical High School Special?

Staten Island Technical High School is known for its academically demanding programs.

Students study advanced mathematics and scientific subjects.

The school also places emphasis on engineering and technology.

Its programs prepare students for university education and professional careers.

Teaching in this environment involves working with students who have strong academic interests.

Daniel’s experience as an educator became an important part of his professional identity.

Daniel A. Jost’s Retirement

Daniel eventually retired from teaching.

By 2025, public reporting identified him as a retired Staten Island Technical High School teacher.

However, the exact year of his retirement is not consistently documented.

After leaving classroom teaching, he continued participating in community activities.

His work with the Staten Island Museum became particularly important.

This demonstrated that his involvement in education and community service extended beyond his original profession.

Daniel A. Jost’s Wife: Dr. Kerry J. Kelly

Daniel is married to Dr. Kerry J. Kelly.

She is a physician who developed a distinguished career with the New York City Fire Department.

Kerry became the department’s first female chief medical officer.

Her professional responsibilities involved supporting the health and medical needs of firefighters.

She also played an important role in occupational health programs.

Who Is Kerry Kelly?

Kerry Kelly is an American physician best known for her work with the FDNY.

She helped oversee medical care for firefighters.

Her work involved occupational health and emergency-related medical issues.

She became especially important during the years following the September 11 attacks.

Her professional experience made her a respected figure within New York City’s emergency services community.

Kerry Kelly’s Career With the FDNY

Kerry worked with the New York City Fire Department for several decades.

She became chief medical officer in 1994.

Her responsibilities included medical assessments, fitness-for-duty evaluations, and occupational health concerns.

She also helped develop medical programs for firefighters.

Her career continued through major changes in emergency services and public health.

She retired in 2018 after approximately 37 years with the department.

Kerry Kelly and the September 11 Attacks

The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks created extraordinary challenges for New York City’s emergency services.

Hundreds of firefighters and other emergency workers responded to the disaster.

Many experienced dangerous conditions during rescue and recovery operations.

Kerry played an important role in medical support and follow-up care.

Protecting Firefighters’ Health

Following the attacks, medical professionals became concerned about the long-term effects of exposure to dust, smoke, and harmful materials.

Firefighters required monitoring and specialized care.

Kerry helped oversee medical programs addressing these concerns.

Her work was connected to the health needs of people who served during one of New York City’s most difficult periods.

Why Was Kerry’s Work Important?

Firefighters face occupational risks that can affect their health over many years.

These include respiratory conditions, injuries, and exposure to dangerous substances.

Medical programs help identify problems and support treatment.

Kerry’s leadership contributed to this work.

Her professional achievements also made her an important role model for women entering traditionally male-dominated fields.

Daniel A. Jost and Kerry Kelly’s Marriage

Daniel and Kerry built their family in Staten Island.

Some secondary biographies suggest that they married during the 1970s.

However, their exact wedding date has not been independently verified.

Their marriage produced two sons, Colin and Casey.

Both children later became successful comedy writers.

Raising a Family in Staten Island

The Jost family lived in the Grymes Hill neighborhood of Staten Island.

Colin has spoken about growing up in the borough.

He attended school in New York City before continuing to Harvard University.

Casey also developed an interest in entertainment.

Their parents worked in demanding professional fields.

Daniel was a teacher.

Kerry was a physician.

The household therefore combined interests in education, medicine, and community service.

Daniel A. Jost’s Children

Daniel and Kerry have two sons.

Their eldest is Colin Jost.

Their younger son is Casey Jost.

Both became involved in television comedy.

Their careers developed in different areas of entertainment.

However, both became associated with successful television programs.

Colin Jost: Daniel’s Famous Son

Colin Kelly Jost was born on June 29, 1982.

He grew up in Staten Island.

He attended Regis High School in Manhattan.

During his school years, he developed an interest in writing and journalism.

He eventually attended Harvard University.

Colin Jost at Harvard

Colin studied history and literature at Harvard.

He also became involved in comedy writing.

He served as president of The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s famous humor publication.

The organization has helped develop several successful comedy writers.

Colin graduated in 2004.

His education provided a foundation for his professional writing career.

Colin Jost on Saturday Night Live

Colin joined the writing staff of Saturday Night Live in 2005.

The NBC comedy program features sketches, political satire, celebrity guests, and musical performances.

Colin developed a successful career behind the scenes.

He eventually became one of the show’s head writers.

In 2014, he began appearing as a Weekend Update co-anchor.

What Is Weekend Update?

Weekend Update is a recurring news-parody segment on Saturday Night Live.

The anchors deliver jokes about political developments, celebrities, and current events.

Colin became a familiar face through the segment.

He later formed a popular on-screen partnership with Michael Che.

Their performances became a major part of the show’s identity.

Colin Jost’s Professional Achievements

Colin has earned Emmy Awards for his comedy writing.

He also wrote the memoir A Very Punchable Face.

The book was released in 2020.

It describes his childhood, early career, personal experiences, and life in comedy.

He later expanded his television work through other presenting and entertainment projects.

His successful career brought additional attention to his parents.

Casey Jost: Daniel’s Younger Son

Casey Jost was born in 1985.

Like his older brother, he grew up in Staten Island.

He developed interests in comedy, writing, and producing.

However, his professional career became particularly associated with Impractical Jokers.

Casey Jost and Impractical Jokers

Impractical Jokers is a hidden-camera comedy television series.

It features comedians completing unusual challenges in public.

Casey became involved in writing and producing the program.

He eventually worked as an executive producer.

He also participated in related entertainment projects.

Casey’s Other Work

Casey has worked as a performer and comedy writer.

He appeared in the film Staten Island Summer.

He has also collaborated with Colin on entertainment projects.

Their shared professional interests demonstrate that both sons developed careers in comedy.

However, they did not simply follow identical career paths.

Colin became a prominent Saturday Night Live personality.

Casey focused heavily on television production and comedy development.

Daniel A. Jost and Scarlett Johansson

Daniel became connected to another famous entertainment family when Colin married actress Scarlett Johansson.

Scarlett is an American actress known for movies including Lost in Translation, Marriage Story, and Marvel’s superhero films.

She and Colin began dating in 2017.

They became engaged in 2019.

The couple married in October 2020.

Scarlett Johansson as Daniel’s Daughter-in-Law

Scarlett’s marriage to Colin made her Daniel’s daughter-in-law.

The wedding was relatively private.

It took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple later welcomed a son named Cosmo.

Daniel therefore became connected to a younger generation of the family.

Daniel A. Jost’s Grandchildren

Colin and Scarlett welcomed Cosmo in August 2021.

Scarlett also has a daughter named Rose Dorothy from an earlier marriage.

Casey and his wife, Lisa Kleinman, welcomed a daughter named Mari Klein in December 2021.

These children are part of the wider Jost family.

However, Daniel’s personal relationships with his grandchildren have not been extensively documented in public interviews.

Daniel A. Jost and the Staten Island Museum

Beyond teaching, Daniel became actively involved with the Staten Island Museum.

The museum is an important cultural institution in the borough.

Its collections cover natural history, art, and regional history.

It also provides educational programs for children and adults.

Daniel served on the organization’s board of trustees.

Daniel’s Leadership Role

Daniel became chairman of the Staten Island Museum’s board in 2019.

He served until 2023.

The museum publicly recognized his contributions in its 2024 program materials.

His leadership included supporting fundraising events and helping the museum navigate difficult circumstances.

Leading During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Daniel’s board leadership coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Museums and cultural organizations faced major challenges during this period.

Many institutions temporarily closed or reduced public programs.

They also had to adapt their finances and educational services.

The Staten Island Museum acknowledged Daniel’s thoughtful leadership during these years.

His work helped the organization continue serving the community.

The 2019 Staten Island Museum Comedy Benefit

One of Daniel’s most notable community achievements occurred in September 2019.

He helped organize a comedy benefit for the Staten Island Museum.

The event featured Colin and Casey Jost.

Michael Che also participated.

The comedy show took place at the St. George Theatre.

How Much Money Did the Event Raise?

The benefit raised approximately $50,000 for the museum.

The money supported the organization’s activities.

The event demonstrated how Daniel combined his community interests with his sons’ entertainment careers.

Rather than organizing a private celebrity celebration, he helped create a public fundraising event.

Why Was the Benefit Special?

Both Colin and Casey returned to Staten Island to participate.

Their connection to the borough made the event particularly meaningful.

Daniel helped bring their professional talents into a community setting.

The successful fundraiser demonstrated that entertainment can support educational and cultural organizations.

Daniel A. Jost and the Impractical Jokers Exhibition

Daniel also helped support an exhibition connected to Impractical Jokers.

The Staten Island Museum developed a display exploring the comedy program and its local connections.

The show has strong links to Staten Island because its original performers grew up in the borough.

Casey’s professional involvement created another family connection.

Why Was the Exhibition Important?

The exhibition connected popular television entertainment with local history.

It attracted interest from fans and visitors.

It also demonstrated that museums can explore modern culture alongside traditional collections.

Daniel’s work helped bring the project to the institution.

Daniel A. Jost at Colin’s 2025 Honorary Degree Ceremony

In June 2025, Colin received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College of Staten Island.

The ceremony recognized his contributions to comedy, television, and the community.

Daniel attended with Kerry Kelly.

The family appeared together in official photographs.

A Proud Family Moment

Colin had become one of Staten Island’s most recognizable entertainment personalities.

His honorary degree celebrated that success.

The event also recognized his continuing connection to his hometown.

Daniel’s attendance reflected his ongoing involvement in his son’s professional milestones.

It was a particularly appropriate setting because Daniel had spent much of his life working in education.

Daniel A. Jost’s Personality

Daniel does not regularly give entertainment interviews.

However, accounts of his work suggest a serious interest in education and community service.

He pursued advanced engineering education.

He spent years teaching students.

He later helped lead a major local museum.

These activities demonstrate a long professional commitment to learning and public institutions.

Does Daniel Have a Sense of Humor?

Although Daniel is best known for teaching and community service, his family includes two successful comedy writers.

Colin has occasionally shared humorous stories involving his father.

For example, during discussion of his purchase of a retired Staten Island ferry, Colin recalled that Daniel asked whether he had done his homework.

The comment reflected a practical parental response to an unusual business decision.

However, it would be speculative to assume that Daniel personally inspired every part of his sons’ comedic styles.

Daniel A. Jost’s Net Worth

Daniel’s personal net worth has not been independently verified.

Some celebrity biography websites publish estimated figures.

However, these amounts are not supported by reliable financial records.

His professional background includes teaching and community leadership.

He also received advanced education in engineering.

Nevertheless, those facts do not establish his current wealth.

Is Daniel Wealthy Because of Colin Jost?

Colin has earned income from comedy writing, television appearances, and other entertainment work.

However, his income should not be treated as Daniel’s personal wealth.

Parents and adult children have separate financial circumstances.

Without verified information, assigning Daniel an exact net worth would be speculative.

Where Is Daniel A. Jost Now?

As of November 2026, Daniel remains best known as a retired educator and former Staten Island Museum board chairman.

He completed his term as chairman in 2023.

He continued receiving public recognition for his contributions to the museum.

He was also photographed with his wife and Colin at the 2025 honorary degree ceremony.

His exact current residence and everyday activities are not publicly established.

He generally maintains a private lifestyle outside community events and family celebrations.

Interesting Facts About Daniel A. Jost

• Daniel is Colin Jost’s father.

• He is also the father of comedy producer Casey Jost.

• His wife is Dr. Kerry J. Kelly.

• He grew up in a family connected to Lavallette, New Jersey.

• He attended The Pingry School.

• He studied at Brown University.

• He earned a graduate engineering degree from MIT, according to published biographies.

• He taught at Staten Island Technical High School.

• His wife became the FDNY’s first female chief medical officer.

• He raised his sons in Staten Island.

• He served as chairman of the Staten Island Museum board from 2019 to 2023.

• He organized a comedy benefit that raised approximately $50,000.

• The benefit featured Colin, Casey, and Michael Che.

• He helped bring an Impractical Jokers exhibition to the museum.

• Scarlett Johansson is his daughter-in-law.

• He attended Colin’s honorary degree ceremony in 2025.

• His exact birthday and net worth remain unverified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Daniel A. Jost?

Daniel A. Jost is an American retired educator and former Staten Island Museum board chairman best known as Colin Jost’s father.

Is Daniel A. Jost Colin Jost’s father?

Yes. Daniel is Colin Jost’s father.

How old is Daniel A. Jost?

His exact age has not been independently verified.

What does Daniel A. Jost do?

He is a retired teacher who previously worked at Staten Island Technical High School. He has also served in museum leadership.

Where did Daniel A. Jost teach?

He taught at Staten Island Technical High School in New York City.

Where did Daniel A. Jost attend college?

He attended Brown University and later studied engineering at MIT.

Does Daniel A. Jost have an engineering degree?

Published biographies identify him as having earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from MIT.

Who is Daniel A. Jost’s wife?

His wife is Dr. Kerry J. Kelly, the former FDNY chief medical officer.

How many children does Daniel A. Jost have?

He has two sons, Colin Jost and Casey Jost.

Who is Casey Jost?

Casey is a television writer and producer known for his work on Impractical Jokers.

Is Scarlett Johansson related to Daniel A. Jost?

Yes. Scarlett Johansson is his daughter-in-law through her marriage to Colin Jost.

Does Daniel A. Jost have grandchildren?

Yes. His extended family includes Colin and Scarlett’s son Cosmo and Casey’s daughter Mari.

Did Daniel A. Jost work at the Staten Island Museum?

He served on its board and was chairman from 2019 to 2023.

Did Daniel organize a comedy fundraiser?

Yes. He helped organize a 2019 comedy benefit that raised approximately $50,000 for the Staten Island Museum.

Was Daniel at Colin’s honorary doctorate ceremony?

Yes. Daniel and Kerry attended the College of Staten Island ceremony in June 2025.

What is Daniel A. Jost’s net worth?

His individual net worth has not been independently verified.

Where is Daniel A. Jost now?

He maintains a relatively private life after retiring from teaching and completing his museum board chairmanship.

Final Thoughts

Daniel A. Jost has built a meaningful life through education, family, and community service.

Although many people recognize him as Colin Jost’s father, his achievements extend far beyond that family connection.

He studied at respected academic institutions, including Brown University and MIT.

He then devoted much of his professional career to teaching at Staten Island Technical High School.

His wife, Dr. Kerry Kelly, also pursued a distinguished public service career as a physician with the New York City Fire Department.

Together, they raised Colin and Casey Jost, who became successful entertainment professionals.

Daniel later continued supporting his community through the Staten Island Museum.

His leadership helped the organization navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and raise funds for educational activities.

The 2019 comedy benefit organized with his sons demonstrated how family success can support meaningful community projects.

In 2025, Daniel attended Colin’s honorary degree ceremony, providing another public glimpse of the family’s close connections.

As of 2026, Daniel A. Jost remains an example of an educator and community leader whose contributions deserve recognition independently of his famous family.

His story combines professional dedication, academic achievement, family relationships, and service to Staten Island.

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