Gina Brillon
Gina Brillon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Citizenship | American |
| Occupations | Comedian, Writer, Actress, and Podcaster |
| Website | ginabrillon |
Gina Brillon is an American comedian, writer, actress, and podcaster. She gained national recognition as the first Latina American comedian to reach the final of America’s Got Talent in 2021.[1]
Early life
[edit]Her mother entered her and her twin sister, Deborah Lynn, into a stand-up comedy contest when they were 17 years old.[2][3]
Career
[edit]At the start of her career, Brillon performed at various locations, including Carolines, The Comedy Store, and The Laugh Factory at both the Los Angeles and New York City outposts.[4]
In 2012, Brillon became the first Latina winner of NBC's Stand Up for Diversity Showcase.[5] The following year, she was named a "New Face" at the international Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.[6]
In 2013, she appeared on the TV series Gotham Comedy Live and The View; Following her TV appearances, Brillon was offered a production deal, in 2014, by Gabriel Iglesias for what became her first show, Pacifically Speaking.[4]
Her debut on Easily Offended aired on HBO Latino's Entre Nos franchise in 2019. Her sophomore one-hour special on Prime Video,The Floor is Lava, won a Gracie Award in 2021 and was nominated for an Imagen Award the same year.[7]
Brillon has appeared on television programs including Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kevin Can Wait, and The Conners.[8] In 2021, she became the first Latinx comedian to become a finalist on America's Got Talent.[9] Her fifth comedy special, Mind Your Business, debuts on YouTube on February 25, 2025.
Podcasting
[edit]Brillon is the co-host and executive producer of The State of: Women, a podcast from Clamor Audio.[10] The show explores gender equity across the United States, highlighting states that excel or falter in achieving equality and offering insights for listeners. She also co-hosted a podcast with Catherine Mendoza named Mess in Progress from 2019 to 2021.[11]
Awards and recognition
[edit]- NBC Stand Up for Diversity Showcase: First Latin winner (2012)
- America's Got Talent: First Latin comedian finalist (Season 16, 2021)
| Year | Award | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Imagen Award | The Floor is Lava | Nominated |
| 2021 | Gracie Award | The Floor is Lava | Won |
Notable works
[edit]- Easily Offended (HBO Latino, 2018)
- The Floor Is Lava (Amazon Prime Video, 2019)
- Acting roles: Kevin Can Wait (CBS), The Conners (ABC)
References
[edit]- ^ "Gina Brillon makes history as first Latina comedian finalist on AGT". Variety. September 15, 2021.
- ^ "More Than Just For Laughs: An Interview with Comedian Gina Brillon". Latino Connection Magazine. June 28, 2018. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Brillon, Gina. "About". Gina Brillon Official Website. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ a b "Gina Brillon | Biography 2021". biographyhost. August 8, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Lehan, Daniel (January 8, 2013). "NBCU Announces 2012 Stand-Up for Diversity Winners". Backstage. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Scudder, Maggie (December 22, 2022). "Gina Brillon Know Thyself". Gold Comedy. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Combs, Catherine (June 9, 2021). "46th ANNUAL GRACIE AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY THE ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MEDIA FOUNDATION". Alliance for Women in Media. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Gina, Brillon. "Gina Brillon IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ America's Got Talent (September 13, 2021). "AGT Contestants REACT to Being Voted Through to the FINALS! - America's Got Talent 2021". YouTube. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ "About". The State of: Women. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ Brillon, Gina. "Mess In Progress: A Homegirls Guide To Self-Help". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved January 20, 2025.