A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir

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Saturday Night Live head writer and Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost has endured six sets of stitches on his face from various sketches, including one punch from his boss, Lorne Michaels. Comedy often requires resilience, both metaphorically and sometimes physically. Growing up as an overweight kid in a family of firefighters on Staten Island, Jost commuted three hours daily to high school, witnessing bizarre sights like a Russian woman tossing a stroller off a ferry. He attended Harvard during Facebook's rise but chose a path in comedy instead, navigating life like a "slightly smarter Forrest Gump." Readers will uncover surprising aspects of Jost's life, gaining insight into his behind-the-scenes experiences at SNL, where he crafted iconic sketches and characters over the past fifteen years, and his role on Weekend Update alongside Leslie Jones. His journey as a touring stand-up comedian is also explored, from performing in rural cafeterias to opening for Dave Chappelle at Radio City Music Hall. Each accomplishment, such as hosting the Emmys, comes with its share of setbacks, while absurd moments, like witnessing paramedics performing CPR on a raccoon, contrast with deeply emotional recollections, including his mother's experience during the 9/11 attacks. This narrative reveals the brilliant mind behind some of television's silliest sketches, showcasing the heart and humor of a dedicated comedian.