Colin Jost, the well-known comedian and “Saturday Night Live” star, recently shared insights about his unique investment in the Staten Island Ferry during a conversation with PEOPLE. This quirky venture, a collaboration with fellow comedian Pete Davidson, includes the purchase of the decommissioned John F. Kennedy ferry, which Jost bought for $280,000 in January 2022. Both Jost and Davidson, who grew up on Staten Island, aim to transform the ferry into a hub for live entertainment.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/colin-scarlett-ferry-092526-2b126ea508ea400291f556b78b0aff70.jpg)
When asked about the views of his wife, Oscar-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson, regarding this unconventional purchase, Jost maintained a light-hearted tone. He noted that while she supports his endeavours, it is from a comfortable distance. “She’s very supportive from a distance,” he remarked, adding humorously that she is “not an active investor” in their ferry project.
Jost further speculated about Johansson’s future intentions concerning the ferry, joking that she might consider retiring there someday. “She would love to retire on this ferry, you know? If that’s what puts her over the edge, I’m hopeful,” he quipped. The banter illustrates their playful relationship, which has attracted media attention over the years.
Since acquiring the ferry, Jost and Davidson have already begun utilising it for various events, including a recent comedy show in collaboration with Snapple. Prior to this event, they hosted a fashion show for Tommy Hilfiger on the ferry, showcasing their intent to turn the vessel into a cross-disciplinary entertainment space.
However, this project has also proven to be an educational experience for both comedians. Jost shared that they are learning about maritime operations, stating, “We’re just learning about the strange ecosystem of docks in New York.” He has come to realise that nearly every profession has a maritime equivalent, a revelation that adds depth to their entrepreneurial venture.
The ferry’s purchase was somewhat serendipitous, as Davidson recalled. He mentioned that they were encouraged to bid on the vessel, only to find that there was little competition. “We had no idea that nobody else would,” he explained in a 2025 interview on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” a testament to their luck and timing in the acquisition.
The backstory of Jost and Johansson’s relationship adds a personal layer to this narrative. The couple first met in 2006 when Johansson hosted “SNL” during Jost’s inaugural year as a writer on the show. Despite their initial acquaintance, romantic sparks didn’t fly until over a decade later, when they were seen together publicly in May 2017. Their relationship blossomed, leading to an engagement in May 2019 and a quiet marriage in October 2020, which was an intimate ceremony conducted during the pandemic.
Jost and Johansson welcomed their son, Cosmo, in August 2021, which has added another dimension to their family life. Johansson is also mother to her 12-year-old daughter, Rose, from a previous marriage, highlighting the blend of family dynamics they share.
In a conversation expressing her thoughts on relationships, Johansson spoke about the importance of having a compassionate partner, a quality she recognises in Jost. During a 2023 interview on Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop podcast, she explained how understanding her personal needs contributed to the strength of her relationship with Jost.
As Jost and Davidson continue to navigate their new venture with the Staten Island Ferry, their endeavour remains an intriguing blend of comedy, creativity, and community engagement. The dynamic between Jost and Johansson will likely remain a topic of public interest, showcasing how their personal and professional lives intertwine amidst the humour and support that characterises their relationship.