Jo Koy becomes 1st Fil-Am immortalized in concrete at Hollywood landmark

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Actor and comedian Jo Koy became the first Filipino American to have his hands and feet imprinted in cement at Hollywood’s iconic TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX.

In the special ceremony Wednesday, Jo Koy joined entertainment legends who have received one of Hollywood’s top honors – to have their hands and feet immortalized in concrete at the famous forecourt of the Hollywood Boulevard landmark.

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Photo from martinlawrence/Instagram

The list of icons given the handprints-footprints tribute, a tradition begun in 1928, includes Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise. Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford, Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Frank Sinatra and Julie Andrews.

Photo from Kathy Hao-Wood/Facebook

Jo Koy is among a handful of Asian Americans who have been honored in the landmark Hollywood attraction, visited by hundreds of tourists every day. These stars include Jackie Chan, Ke Huy Quan, George Takei, Justin Lin, John Woo and Lee Byung-Hun.

‘Fail as hard as you can’

In his speech at the ceremony, the comedian was quoted as saying, “Fail as hard as you can,” an advice to convey that failure is part of any attempt to achieve success or fulfill goals and dreams. The celebrities who graced the Fil-Am’s ceremony included Babyface, Tiffany Haddish, Martin Lawrence, Taboo and Gabriel Iglesias.

Jo Koy with stand-up comedian and actor Martin Lawrence | Photo from martinlawrence/Instagram

From his humble beginnings, the son of a Filipina, Josie Harrison, and an American, John C. Herbert, has risen into one of the most popular stand-up comics, who fills stadiums and huge theaters around the world. Some of these shows became TV specials, which netted high ratings.

First Fil-Am to host the Golden Globes

Jo Koy also made history as the first Filipino American to host the Golden Globe Awards in 2024.

The actor’s upcoming projects include “The Last Resort,” a romantic comedy shot in the Philippines where he costars with Daisy Ridley, Alden Ehrenreich, Sam Neill and Tia Carrere, and “Jo Koy: Live from Stockton,” a TV special.

Lea Salonga, another trailblazing Fil-Am, is also scheduled to be honored by Hollywood this year when she becomes the first Filipino to have her star on the Walk of Fame.

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