Joss Whedon was born Joseph Hill Whedon on June 23rd, 1964 in New York City, NY. He is the middle of five brothers, his younger brothers being Jed Whedon and Zack Whedon. While their mother was referred to as Lea Stearns professionally as a history teacher, she wrote novels under the name Lea Whedon. Both Joss' father, Tom Whedon, and grandfather, John Whedon, were television writers. Joss was raised in New York City and was educated at Riverdale Country School, where his mother taught. Joss furthered his education by attending Winchester College in England for two years before graduating from Wesleyan University with a film degree.

Like his father and grandfather, Joss is a television writer. He is known for his work on Roseanne (1988-2018), Parenthood (1990-1991), and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), as well as his work on Firefly (2002-2003), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-current), and The Avengers (2012). Joss has also worked on several comicbook series with Marvel and various sci-fi television shows.

Joss currently has two children with Kai Cole, to whom he is now divorced.