Colin Jost, a well-known comedian and cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” has recently weighed in on the debate surrounding the correct pronunciation of his wife Scarlett Johansson’s surname. In a light-hearted moment during a segment on “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”, which he has hosted since its launch in 2024, Jost addressed an audience member’s query regarding the surname, which has stirred some discussion among fans.
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The audience member posed the question, “Is it ‘Jo-hansson or Yo-hansson?’” prompting Jost to imitate a humorous tone, saying, “Um, I don’t know — I’ve never met her in person yet,” before revealing that he typically pronounces it as “Jo-hansson.” He jokingly added, “I mean, I don’t say it, really ever… ‘Yo, Johansson! Why’s the fridge empty?’”, showcasing his comedic spirit while navigating the topic.
Delving into the roots of the name, Jost explained that Johannsson’s surname likely evolved over time. He pointed out that it was likely pronounced “Yo-hansson” based on her Danish and Swedish heritage, noting that in those languages, the letter “J” is often pronounced as a “Y.” Jost elaborated that the pronunciation might have even approached “Yo-hahn-son,” reinforcing the historical variations in the name’s pronunciation.
Reflecting on his own surname, the comedian mused that “Jost” might have originally been pronounced “Yost,” considering its German origins. “So we changed together,” Jost suggested with a laugh, “All ancestors coordinated and said, ‘Let’s get them together.’” This playful commentary adds an endearing touch to the couple’s unique understanding of their respective heritage and pronunciation.
Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson’s relationship dates back to 2006 when they first crossed paths on the set of “Saturday Night Live.” At that time, Johansson was hosting an episode, while Jost was fulfilling his duties as a writer for the show. The pair later became romantically linked in 2017 and officially married in October 2020 after three years of dating.
Their family has since expanded, with the couple welcoming their son, Cosmo, in 2021. Johansson also has a daughter, Rose Dorothy, from her previous marriage to Romain Dauriac, resulting in a blended family that Jost seems to embrace wholeheartedly.
In addition to discussing pronunciation, Jost shared a humorous insight into his marriage during a recent segment of “Weekend Update.” Following a joke from co-host Michael Che about a wife carrying contest in the UK, Jost retorted, “We both put food on the table… They’re different kinds of food.” This light banter hints at the comedic dynamics in their relationship, with both partners seemingly comfortable in sharing jokes about their lives together.
Colin and Scarlett’s affection for each other occasionally shines through their public interactions, revealing a playful side that fans have come to appreciate. Their shared experiences in the entertainment world further cement their bond, allowing them to navigate both personal and professional aspects of their lives with humour and understanding.
Overall, Jost’s comments on the pronunciation of his wife’s surname have not only sparked curiosity among fans but also provided a glimpse into their relationship. As he continues to balance his career and family life, it seems that Colin Jost is thoroughly enjoying the adventure that comes with marrying a high-profile actress.