(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Like many famous comics, Jo Koy had early struggles at comedy clubs.
"Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo,” out Tuesday, is an ideal companion to Koy's stand-up with its humorous — and at times painful — origin stories behind some of his most popular bits.
The book shows how Koy's mixed-race background ultimately shaped his brand of comedy and his determination not to give up on his childhood dream.
“I’ve always been open to just letting people be inside my life,” Koy said.
Even with all these opportunities, Koy's mother sometimes asks him if he'll drop stand-up for a regular job “with benefits.”“I don’t think about retiring.