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Gina Brillon (born April 7, 1980) is an American comedian, writer, actress, and podcaster known for her sharp wit, personal storytelling, and establishing her achievements as a prominent comedian in her field. A proud Bronx native, she blends her Puerto Rican heritage, life experiences, and universal humor to connect with audiences worldwide.
Early Life and Background
Gina Brillon was born on April 7, 1980 in the Bronx, New York, into a Puerto Rican family. Her cultural background and upbringing in a vibrant urban environment are central to her comedic perspective. Brillon began performing stand-up comedy at 17 years old, showcasing her talent early and steadily building her career.
Career
Brillon's comedic career spans decades, during which she has made significant contributions to stand-up, television, and writing. In 2012, she became the first (and only) Latina winner of NBC's Stand Up for Diversity Showcase. The following year, she was named a "New Face" at the prestigious Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. Her comedy specials have earned critical acclaim: Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava (Amazon Prime Video) is her sophomore 1-hour special, which won a 2021 Gracie Award and was nominated for an Imagen Award. Her half-hour special, Easily Offended, was a standout hit from HBO Latino's Entre Nos franchise and continues to stream on all HBO digital platforms. Brillon has appeared on major television programs, including The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. She also acted in CBS's Kevin Can Wait and ABC's The Conners. In 2021, she made history as the first Latina comedian to become a finalist on America's Got Talent season 16, further solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the comedy world. She is a regular on Jimmy Failla's Fox News Saturday Night. Her fifth comedy special, Mind Your Business, is debuting on YouTube on February 10, 2025.
Podcasting
Brillon is the co-host and Executive Producer of The State of: WOMEN, a podcast from Clamor Audio. The show explores gender equity across the United States, highlighting states that excel or falter in achieving equality and offering actionable insights for listeners. She also co-hosted a podcast with Catherine Mendoza named Mess in Progress from 2019 to 2021.
Other Creative Pursuits
In addition to comedy, Gina Brillon is a singer, published writer, and poet. Her written works have appeared in publications such as the New York Post and the Daily News. She continues to explore creative avenues beyond stand-up.
Personal Life
Gina Brillon is a proud mother and often incorporates her experiences as a parent into her comedic material. She remains a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and gender equity, using her platform to inspire change and foster connection.
Awards and Recognition
- NBC Stand Up for Diversity Showcase: First (and only) Latina winner (2012)
- Imagen Award: Nominee for Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava
- Gracie Award: Winner for Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava (2021)
- America's Got Talent: First Latina comedian finalist (Season 16, 2021)
Notable Works
- Easily Offended (HBO Latino, 2018)
- The Floor is Lava (Amazon Prime Video, 2019)
- Guest appearances: The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live
- Acting roles: Kevin Can Wait (CBS), The Conners (ABC)
References
- ^ Brillon, Gina. "About". Gina Brillon Official Website. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- Lehan, Daniel. "NBCU Announces 2012 Stand-Up for Diversity Winners". Backstage. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- Scudder, Maggie. "Gina Brillon Know Thyself". Gold Comedy. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- Combs, Catherine. "46th ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION". Alliance for Women in Media. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- Gina, Brillon. "Gina Brillon IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- America's Got Talent. "AGT Contestants REACT to Being Voted Through to the FINALS! - America's Got Talent 2021". YouTube. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- "About". The State of: Women. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- Brillon, Gina. "Mess In Progress: A Homegirls Guide To Self-Help". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 20 January 2025.
- Brillon, Gina. "Becoming a mother changed the game for me. It's the hardest thing I have ever done emotionally and physically. Honestly it has been worth every minute to watch my lil one grow #motherhood #ginabrillon". Instagram. Retrieved 20 January 2025.