Daniel A. Jost is best known today as the father of Colin Jost, the famous Saturday Night Live star. But long before his son became a household name, Daniel built a respected life as a teacher in Staten Island. His quiet role as an educator and family man gave both of his sons the foundation to pursue creative and successful paths. This article looks deeply at his life, family, and influence.
Quick Bio Table of Daniel A. Jost
Full Name | Daniel A. Jost |
---|---|
Birthplace | Staten Island, New York |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Retired Teacher |
Spouse | Dr. Kerry J. Kelly |
Children | Colin Jost, Casey Jost |
Known As | Colin Jost’s father |
Education | Local Staten Island schools (details private) |
School Taught At | Staten Island Technical High School |
Famous Event | Teaching during September 11, 2001 |
Family Wealth | Middle-class background, not a fortune |
Values Passed Down | Education, Discipline, Service |
Current Life | Retired, living privately in Staten Island |
Early Life of Daniel A. Jost
Daniel A. Jost was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. Unlike his son who later stepped into the spotlight, Daniel lived a private and simple life. His focus was on building a stable household and serving the community. Growing up, he valued education and discipline, which later shaped the way he raised his own children.

He studied locally and pursued teaching, a career path that matched his patient and steady personality. Teaching not only gave him stability but also helped him become a role model to countless students across Staten Island.
Marriage and Family Background
Daniel married Dr. Kerry J. Kelly, a highly respected physician who worked with the FDNY as chief medical officer. Kerry became an important figure during September 11, 2001, when she supported the health of New York’s firefighters and first responders. Together, Daniel and Kerry formed a family based on public service, responsibility, and education.
They raised two sons: Colin Jost and Casey Jost. Both children went on to achieve great things in the entertainment industry, proving how Daniel’s steady hand and Kerry’s commitment influenced their success.
A Career in Teaching
As a teacher at Staten Island Technical High School, Daniel A. Jost built a reputation as someone who guided students with patience and care. Teaching high school demanded discipline and responsibility, both of which Daniel showed throughout his career.
While his wife was busy saving lives in hospitals and with the FDNY, Daniel worked every day in classrooms, shaping young minds. His example gave his sons a deep respect for education and consistency.
Life on September 11, 2001
When the 9/11 attacks took place, Daniel was teaching at Staten Island Tech. Like many other teachers that day, he had the heavy job of calming students as chaos spread across New York. At the same time, his wife Kerry was in the front lines supporting firefighters.
This event showed how both parents played different but equally important roles during a historic crisis. For Colin Jost and Casey Jost, watching their parents serve in such a way left a strong impression.
Raising Colin and Casey Jost
Daniel A. Jost raised his sons with balance. Colin, born in 1982, grew into a curious child who loved writing and comedy. Casey, born in 1985, developed an interest in music, producing, and writing. Both children followed creative careers, supported by a father who believed in education first.
The family did not live with the luxuries that many assume. Rumors about “Colin Jost heir to fortune” or “Colin Jost family money” are not true. Daniel and Kerry were hardworking professionals who lived a middle-class life.
Colin Jost’s Path to Fame
With a teacher for a father, Colin Jost grew up in an environment where schoolwork came first. He attended Regis High School in Manhattan, a top Catholic school, and later studied at Harvard University. There, he joined the Harvard Lampoon, a humor magazine that trained many comedy stars.
The discipline and love for writing that Colin showed were part of what Daniel passed down. Without his father’s support and values, Colin’s success at Saturday Night Live may have been harder to reach.
The Role of Kerry J. Kelly
While this article is about Daniel A. Jost, his wife also shaped the family’s story. Dr. Kerry Kelly worked with the FDNY for more than 20 years. She became well known for her care of firefighters after 9/11, and her medical expertise saved many lives.
The Jost household was filled with books, science, and curiosity. Daniel’s career in teaching and Kerry’s medical work created a home where learning and discipline were respected.
Casey Jost and His Career
The younger son, Casey Jost, also made his mark in entertainment. He is a writer and producer for Impractical Jokers, a comedy show loved worldwide. He also works in music and acting, showing how the Jost family carried a creative spark.

Some websites speak about Casey Jost net worth, but the more important fact is his steady career. He built his name through his work, not by relying on family wealth. Again, this reflects Daniel’s values of working hard and staying focused.
The Truth About “Family Fortune”
It is common to see searches like “Colin Jost family money” or “Colin Jost heir to fortune.” But evidence shows otherwise. Daniel A. Jost was a teacher. Kerry Kelly was a physician. They were respected professionals, but not billionaires or heirs.
Colin’s money today comes from his long career at SNL, his memoir A Very Punchable Face, and deals like the Staten Island Ferry comedy project with Pete Davidson. His parents gave him values, not fortune.
Colin Jost’s Career at SNL
Colin joined Saturday Night Live in 2005 as a writer. He later became the co-anchor of Weekend Update in 2014. His sharp jokes and calm delivery made him a key part of the show. Along with Michael Che, he became one of the most popular anchors of recent years.
His father’s influence as a teacher helped him handle the discipline of writing weekly sketches and surviving in a competitive industry. Daniel A. Jost may not be in the spotlight, but his quiet role is felt in Colin’s success.
Colin Jost’s Marriage to Scarlett Johansson
Another reason people search about the Colin Jost family is his marriage to Scarlett Johansson, the famous actress known for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The marriage in 2020 brought even more attention to the Jost family.
Yet Daniel and Kerry have stayed away from the cameras. They continue to live privately in Staten Island, showing their preference for a simple life.
Legacy of Daniel A. Jost
Even though many articles focus only on Colin, the story of Daniel A. Jost deserves attention. He is an example of how parents influence children not by wealth or fame, but by values. As a father, teacher, and community member, he built a solid base for his family.
The success of both Colin Jost and Casey Jost proves how much impact Daniel’s guidance and Kerry’s example gave them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Daniel A. Jost?
He is a retired teacher and the father of Colin Jost from SNL.
2. What school did he teach at?
He taught at Staten Island Technical High School.
3. Who is his wife?
He is married to Dr. Kerry J. Kelly, former FDNY medical officer.
4. Does the Jost family have a fortune?
No, both parents worked middle-class jobs.
5. Who are Daniel’s children?
He has Colin Jost and Casey Jost.
6. What happened on 9/11 with the Jost family?
Daniel was teaching, while Kerry worked with FDNY during the crisis.
7. Is Colin Jost really an “heir to fortune”?
No, that is a rumor.
8. What is Casey Jost’s career?
He is a writer and producer for Impractical Jokers.
9. What values did Daniel pass to his sons?
Education, discipline, and service.
10. Where is Daniel now?
He is retired and lives privately in Staten Island.
Conclusion
The life of Daniel A. Jost shows how a father’s influence can shape the path of his children. He was never in the spotlight, yet his work as a teacher and his steady guidance gave Colin Jost and Casey Jost the foundation for success. The story clears the air about “Colin Jost family money” myths and highlights what really matters: values, education, and love.
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