Gina Brillon is an American comedian, actress, writer, and podcaster. She gained national recognition as the first Latina American comedian to reach the final of America's Got Talent in 2021.
Early Life
Brillon was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, to a Puerto Rican family. She has a twin sister named Deborah Lynn. Her mother entered both sisters into a stand-up comedy contest when they were 17 years old, which launched Brillon's career in comedy.
Career
Brillon began performing at venues including Carolines, The Comedy Store, and The Laugh Factory in both Los Angeles and New York City. In 2012, she became the first Latina winner of NBC's Stand Up for Diversity Showcase. The following year, she was named a "New Face" at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival.
Her first one-hour special, Pacifically Speaking (2014), was produced by comedian Gabriel Iglesias and aired on NuvoTV. Her half-hour special Easily Offended aired on HBO Latino's Entre Nos franchise in 2019. Her sophomore one-hour special, Gina Brillon: The Floor is Lava (Amazon Prime Video, 2020), won a 2021 Gracie Award and was nominated for an Imagen Award. Her fifth comedy special, Mind Your Business, was released on YouTube on February 25, 2025.
Brillon has appeared on television programs including The View, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kevin Can Wait (CBS), and The Conners (ABC). In 2021, she became the first Latina comedian to become a finalist on America's Got Talent (Season 16).
Podcasting
Brillon co-hosted and executive produced The State of: WOMEN, a podcast from Clamor Audio that explored gender equity across the United States. She also co-hosted Mess in Progress with Catherine Mendoza from 2019 to 2021.
Personal Life
Brillon is married to a man from the Midwest. The couple has a son, born during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has spoken publicly about her experiences with motherhood, interracial marriage, therapy, and anxiety.
Awards and Recognition
- NBC Stand Up for Diversity Showcase: First Latina winner (2012)
- Just For Laughs Festival: "New Face" (2013)
- America's Got Talent: First Latina comedian finalist (Season 16, 2021)
- Gracie Award: Won for The Floor is Lava (2021)
- Imagen Award: Nominated for The Floor is Lava (2021)
