Comedian Jo Koy Boards ‘Nurse Unseen,’ Documentary About Filipino Nurses On Frontlines Of Covid Pandemic, As Executive Producer

EXCLUSIVE: Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy has joined Nurse Unseen, a new documentary from Emmy-winning director Michele Josue, as an executive producer.

He joins a roster of EPs that also includes Josue, Carlo Velayo (Lingua Franca), and Grammy and three-time Tony Award-winner Jhett Tolentino.

Nurse Unseen explores the little-known history and humanity of the unsung Filipino nurses who risked their lives on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic while facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets. The documentary also unearths the colonial ties between the Philippines and the United States that have led to Filipino nurses becoming the unknown backbone of the U.S. and global healthcare systems.

Josue, Velayo, and Joe Arciaga served as the film’s producers.

Stated Koy, “There is a reason why I talk about Filipino nurses in my stand-up as I have so many family members in the healthcare system. They are some of the hardest working people and have filled the gaps in medical facilities that are frequently understaffed and under-resourced. I’m proud to help shine a light on their heroism. No documentary has ever captured their stories like Nurse Unseen.”

Commented Josue, “I’m not only a huge fan of Jo Koy, the comedian, but I’ve also long admired his leadership within the Fil-Am community. Jo’s comedy, philanthropy, and efforts in elevating and supporting the Filipino and Fil-Am experience in mainstream culture has been incredibly impactful and meaningful to Fil-Ams like myself. In many ways, Jo’s comedy inspired me to look more deeply at my own Filipino heritage, my family’s story, and, specifically, to explore the reasons why so many Filipinos go into nursing. We couldn’t be more thrilled and honored for Jo Koy to be an official part of Nurse Unseen as Executive Producer.”

One of the best known comics working today, Koy over the summer took to Netflix with Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn, his fifth special for the service. Working as a comic for nearly three decades, he’s also put out two specials for Comedy Central. Additionally, he’s appeared in films like Easter Sunday and Haunted Mansion, while lending his voice to Netflix’s The Monkey King and Leo, Paramount+’s Tiger’s Apprentice, and more.

Koy is repped by CAA, Arsonhouse Entertainment, and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum.