Joy was born in Montréal, Québec to Flora Louise and Clifton Joseph Joy. He attended Oxford University and Memorial University of Newfoundland.

In 1998, Joy appeared in Gregory Hoblit's thriller Fallen, where he fit into the all star cast that included Denzel Washington, Donald Sutherland, James Gandolfini and John Goodman. Starting in fall 2005, he joined NBC television show, E-Ring and CSI: New York. Joy recently had a lead role as the simple-minded sharpshooter Charlie in George A. Romero's latest zombie movie, Land of the Dead. He last appeared onscreen in Wes Craven's remake of The Hills Have Eyes (2006 film) where he portrays a mutant named Lizard.

In addition to his acting, Joy was frequently associated with CODCO, working with the comedy troupe on many of their pre-television stage shows and appearing as a guest performer on the series.