Quinta Brunson Explained
Quinta Brunson (; born December 21, 1989)[1] is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She is best known for creating, executive producing, co-writing and starring as second-grade teacher Janine Teagues in the ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary (2021–present). Brunson gained prominence for her self-produced Instagram series Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date. She went on to produce and act in videos for BuzzFeed Video, and developed two streaming series with BuzzFeed Motion Pictures.[2]
At the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, she became the first Black woman to be nominated three times in the comedy category,[3] receiving nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (which she won), Outstanding Comedy Series (as an executive producer), and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. At the 75th ceremony, she became the first Black woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy in over 40 years.[4] Brunson was honored with a 2022 Peabody Award for her work in Abbott Elementary. She was also placed on the Time 100 Most Influential People of 2022 list.[5] [6] [7] [8]
Brunson has acted in the series iZombie, Single Parents, and Miracle Workers; provided voice work for Lazor Wulf and Magical Girl Friendship Squad; and starred in the first season of the HBO sketch comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show.
Early life and education
Brunson was born and raised in West Philadelphia.[9] Her name means "fifth" in Spanish and signifies that she is the youngest of five children.[10] Her mother, Norma Jean, taught kindergarten and her father, Rick, managed parking lots. She was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses but left the religion when she was 21.[11]
She has described herself as "obsessed" with comedy from the time she attended the Charter High School for Architecture & Design in Philadelphia,[12] and nurtured her interest by taking an improv class.[13] Brunson attended Temple University and took classes at Second City in Chicago her sophomore year. She dropped out of school shortly thereafter to move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in comedy.[14]
Career
2014–2017: Instagram and Buzzfeed
Brunson originally garnered fans online by posting comedic videos to her Instagram in 2014.[15] In particular, her Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date series went viral and grew her digital fan base.[16] [17] She then worked as a video producer for BuzzFeed Video after first freelancing for the company.[18] Her videos primarily focused on problems experienced by twenty-somethings.[19]
In 2016, Brunson sold two web series as a development partner with BuzzFeed Motion Pictures:[20] one scripted comedy called Broke for Youtube Red, which she wrote, produced, and starred in;[21] the second, Up for Adoption, was produced by Verizon's go90 video platform, which she also starred in. Brunson's performance in Broke was nominated for Best Acting in a Comedy at the Streamy Awards in 2017.[22]
2018–present: A Black Lady Sketch Show and Abbott Elementary
Shortly after Brunson left BuzzFeed in 2018, she co-starred in her first network pilot, the CW pilot The End of the World as We Know It, but the show was not picked up by the network. She also wrote and produced a series called Quinta vs. Everything that streamed on Facebook Watch from 2017 to 2018. On October 4, 2018, it was announced that a pilot co-produced by Brunson, Larry Wilmore, and Jermaine Fowler would be developed by CBS into a multi-cam comedy called Quinta & Jermaine. The pilot would star Fowler and Brunson as longtime friends who must deal with an unplanned pregnancy; however, the show was not picked up.[23]
In 2019, she appeared as Dr. Charli Collier and her twin sister, Laila, on the supernatural comedy-drama series iZombie, and also voiced multiple characters in the animated series Lazor Wulf.[24] That fall, Brunson began to co-star and write in the HBO sketch comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show, alongside Robin Thede, Gabrielle Dennis, and Ashley Nicole Black;[25] but she left the second season due to scheduling conflicts.[26] In 2020, Brunson co-starred in the Syfy animated series Magical Girl Friendship Squad, opposite Anna Akana.[27]
In 2021, Brunson appeared in a recurring role on the third season of Miracle Workers, and in June, her debut book, She Memes Well, a collection of essays about her personal life and career, was released.[28]
Brunson's single-camera pilot (previously titled Harrity Elementary, named for the school she attended, which is now a charter school[29]) was picked up by ABC with the new title Abbott Elementary in May 2021.[30] [31] Brunson is also the writer, co-executive producer, and stars with Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Tyler James Williams, and Janelle James.[32] The series premiered on December 7, 2021, and received critical acclaim.[33] It holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 38 critics' reviews.[34] Brunson received praise for bringing a fresh approach to network television with Abbott Elementary,[35] [36] named after her real-life former middle school teacher, Ms. Abbott.[37] For the show's first season she was named to Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2022.[38] In September 2022, Brunson won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing For a Comedy Series for the show, making her the first black woman to win that award solo.[39] The series received a 2023 Peabody Award.[40]
In August 2022, Brunson signed a multi-year overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, the co-production studio of Abbott Elementary.[41]
Brunson has a guest starring role on the Party Down revival series.[42] In April 2023, she made her Saturday Night Live hosting debut.[43]
In 2024, Brunson won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for playing idealistic second-grade teacher Janine Teagues on Abbott Elementary. This win made her only the second Black actress to win in this category after Isabel Sanford, who won in 1981 for her role as Louise Jefferson on The Jeffersons.[44]
Personal life
Brunson is married to Kevin Jay Anik. He works in California's legal-cannabis industry. They live in the San Fernando Valley. She posted a photo of her engagement ring in 2020 but did not publicly confirm their marriage until she referred to Anik as her husband in her 2022 Emmys speech.[45]
She is a member of the Writers Guild of America. During the 2023 Met Gala, she gave an interview where she showed her support with the writers strike that was to start on the same night of the event.[46]
In October 2023, Brunson signed an open letter by Artists4Ceasefire, calling for an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza.[47]
Accolades
Filmography
Film
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|
2016 | Broke | Miloh | Web series; creator, director and executive producer |
2017 | Up for Adoption | Michelle | go90 streaming series; creator and executive producer |
2017–2018 | Quinta vs. Everything | Quinta | Web series; creator and executive producer |
2018 | New Girl | Annabelle | Episode: "Mario"[58] |
2018–2020 | Single Parents | Bess | Recurring role (3 episodes)[59] |
2019 | iZombie | Dr. Charlie Collier, Laila | Recurring role (3 episodes) |
2019; 2022 | A Black Lady Sketch Show | Various characters | Main cast, writer (Season 1); guest (Season 3) |
2019–2021 | Big Mouth | Quinta, Girl | Voice, 4 episodes |
2019–2021 | Lazor Wulf | Blazor Wulf, The Youth, Bayonette Wulf, Farm Worker, Pearl | Voice, main cast |
2020 | Magical Girl Friendship Squad | Alex | Voice, main cast |
2021 | Miracle Workers | Trig | Recurring role |
2021–present | Abbott Elementary | Janine Teagues | Main cast; also creator, writer, and executive producer |
2022 | Cars on the Road | Ivy | Voice, 3 episodes[60] |
2023 | Harley Quinn | | Voice, episode: "A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special" |
2023 | Party Down | Jaff | Episode: "Kyle Bradway Is Nitromancer" |
2023 | History of the World, Part II | Martha Magdalene | Episode: "IV" |
2023 | Saturday Night Live | Herself (host) | Episode: "Quinta Brunson/Lil Yachty" |
2024 | Sesame Street | Herself | Episode: "Are You Ready for School?" | |
Music videos
Bibliography
Awards and nominations
Notes and References
- Web site: 2022-06-17 . Quinta Brunson . TV Insider.
- Web site: Gardner . Chris . 2023-03-11 . Quinta Brunson Thanks "Under-Appreciated" 'Abbott Elementary' Publicists: "I Know I Annoy Them" . 2023-04-19 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US.
- Web site: Dellatto . Marisa . 2022 Emmys Nominations: Selena Gomez Snubbed, Dave Chappelle Nominated . 2022-07-13 . Forbes . en.
- Web site: Calvario . Liz . 2024-01-16 . Quinta Brunson Becomes 1st Black Woman to Win Best Actress in a Comedy in Over 40 Years . 2024-01-16 . www.today.com . en.
- Web site: Searles . Jourdain . 2019-08-02 . Robin Thede Is Changing the Game With A Black Lady Sketch Show . 2019-08-03 . www.vulture.com.
- Web site: Quinta Brunson . 2018-12-06 . Forbes . en.
- Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . 2018-02-21 . 'The End Of The World As We Know It': Quinta Brunson To Star In CW Pilot . 2018-12-06 . Deadline . en.
- Web site: Otterson . Joe . 2018-10-04 . Jermaine Fowler, Quinta Brunson, Larry Wilmore Team for Multi-Cam Comedy at CBS . 2018-12-06 . Variety . en.
- Web site: JET Chats It Up With Comedian Quinta Brunson. Williams. Dee. Jet. 2018-12-06. 2016-10-11.
- Book: Brunson, Quinta . She memes well . 2021 . . 978-1-328-638984 . Boston . 2020057706 . 1228914151.
- Fischer . Molly . 2024-03-18 . How Quinta Brunson Hacked the Sitcom . 2024-05-10 . The New Yorker . en-US . 0028-792X.
- Web site: Cineas . Fabiola . Quinta Brunson on Becoming an Internet Comedy Star — and Getting Paid . Philly Magazine . October 28, 2018 . 23 October 2020.
- Web site: . 2020-10-19. You Can't Put Quinta Brunson in a Box. 2020-10-23. Vulture. en-us.
- Web site: Quinta Brunson explains it all. 2018-12-06. espnW. February 7, 2018 .
- Web site: Why Quinta Brunson Isn't Afraid To Stand Out. The FADER. en. 2018-12-06.
- Web site: Quinta Brunson Internet Comedian. Essence. 2018-12-06.
- Web site: Quinta Birthday Tweet. 2018-03-19. Okayplayer. en-US. 2018-12-06.
- Web site: BuzzFeed's Quinta Brunson makes YouTube Red debut with 'Broke'. Hamedy. Saba. Mashable. October 4, 2016 . en. 2018-12-06.
- Web site: BuzzFeed Star Quinta Brunson Sees the Comedy in Being Broke. Vogue. September 29, 2016 . en. 2018-12-06.
- Web site: BuzzFeed Motion Pictures Sells Two Quinta Brunson Series. www.thewrap.com. 2018-12-06. 2016-09-07.
- Web site: Quinta Brunson's 'Broke' Celebrates Black Friendship, Brings The Buzzfeed Touch To YouTube Red. Dry. Jude. 2016-10-07. IndieWire. en. 2018-12-06.
- Web site: Vlogger Casey Neistat, Web Series 'Mr. Student Body President' Lead Nominations for 2017 Streamys. The Hollywood Reporter. Natalie. Jarvey. August 22, 2017 . en. 2018-12-06.
- Web site: Josephs. Brian. 2019-09-26. NEXT: Quinta Brunson Is Going To Have It Her Way. 2020-10-23. Vibe. en.
- Web site: Otterson. Joe. 2021-02-16. Quinta Brunson to Write, Star in ABC Comedy Pilot 'Harrity Elementary'. 2021-08-29. Variety. en-US.
- Web site: A Black Lady Sketch Show Reveals a Cast Ready to Make You Laugh. Ewing. Aliya Semper. The Grapevine. May 25, 2019 . en-US. 2019-06-15.
- Web site: Del Rosario. Alexandra. 2021-03-23. 'A Black Lady Sketch Show': HBO Sets Season 2 Premiere Date For Robin Thede Sketch Comedy Series. 2021-03-26. Deadline. en-US.
- Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. 2020-01-17. Syfy Ramps Up Animation Push With First Original Series & Pilot Orders For New TZGZ Block. 2020-08-02. Deadline. en.
- Web site: White . Brooklyn . Quinta Brunson Reveals Title Of Debut Book—'She Memes Well' . 2021-03-26 . Essence . February 13, 2021 . en-US.
- Web site: 'Abbott Elementary' creator gifts West Philadelphia students at alma mater with free books . 2024-05-10 . Mastery Charter School . en-US.
- Web site: 2021-02-17. Quinta Brunson to write, star in ABC comedy pilot 'Harrity Elementary'. 2021-03-26. NBC News. en.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 2021-03-26. Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, 3 More Join Quinta Brunson In Her ABC School Comedy Pilot. 2021-03-26. Deadline. en-US.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 2021-05-27. Quinta Brunson Joins Season 3 Of TBS' 'Miracle Workers' As Recurring. 2021-06-16. Deadline. en-US.
- Web site: Han. Angie. 2021-12-07. ABC's 'Abbott Elementary': TV Review. 2021-12-08. The Hollywood Reporter. en-US.
- Web site: Abbot Elementary: Season 1. Rotten Tomatoes.
- Web site: Puckett-Pope . Lauren . 2022-04-13 . Quinta Brunson Has A Hit. Better Yet, She Has A Plan. . 2022-05-20 . ELLE . en-US.
- News: Marchese . David . 2022-03-28 . Quinta Brunson Knows Why America Was Ready for 'Abbott Elementary' . en-US . The New York Times . 2022-05-20 . 0362-4331.
- Web site: Broadway . Danielle . 2022-01-11 . Quinta Brunson on the real-life teacher who inspired 'Abbott Elementary' . 2022-05-20 . Los Angeles Times . en-US.
- Quinta Brunson: The 100 Most Influential People of 2022 . 2022-05-23 . Time . en.
- Web site: Quinta Brunson Lands First Emmy; Only Second Black Woman To Win In The Writing For A Comedy Series Category. Ryan. Fleming. September 13, 2022.
- Web site: Coates . Tyler . 2023-05-09 . Peabody Awards: 'Abbott Elementary,' 'Andor,' 'Severance' and 'We're Here' Among Winners . 2023-06-15 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US.
- Web site: Bell . BreAnna . 2022-08-11 . 'Abbott Elementary' Creator Quinta Brunson Inks Overall Deal With Warner Bros. TV . 2022-08-12 . Variety . en-US.
- Web site: Aurthur . Kate . 2022-06-08 . Quinta Brunson Joins 'Party Down' Revival as Guest Star (EXCLUSIVE) . 2022-07-04 . Variety . en-US.
- Web site: 2023-04-02 . 'Abbott Elementary' star Quinta Brunson makes 'Saturday Night Live' hosting debut . 2023-04-06 . PhillyVoice . english.
- Web site: Kindelan . Katie . January 16, 2024 . 'Abbott Elementary' star Quinta Brunson is 1st Black woman to win best comedic actress Emmy in over 40 years . 2024-05-10 . ABCNews.go.com . en.
- Web site: Gibson . Kelsie . February 8, 2024 . Who Is Quinta Brunson's Husband? All About Kevin Jay Anik . 2024-05-10 . Peoplemag . en.
- Web site: WGA Strike: Quinta Brunson, Amanda Seyfried Support Strike on Met Gala 2023 Carpet. Teen Vogue. 2023-05-02.
- News: Celebrities call for ceasefire, decry civilian deaths: Hollywood reacts to Israel-Hamas war . USA Today . October 16, 2023.
- Web site: Ralph . Pat . City Council honors Quinta Brunson for capturing Philly's spirit in 'Abbott Elementary' . PhillyVoice . January 31, 2022 . November 27, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220310190608/https://www.phillyvoice.com/abbott-elementary-quinta-brunson-philadelphia-city-council-resolution/ . March 10, 2022.
- Web site: The Hollywood Reporter's 2022 Women in Entertainment Power 100. The Hollywood Reporter. Mikey. O'Connell. December 7, 2022. December 12, 2022.
- Web site: Voyles . Blake . September 7, 2023 . 83rd Peabody Award Winners . September 7, 2023.
- Web site: Quinta Brunson named 2023 Commencement speaker Penn GSE . 2024-05-10 . www.gse.upenn.edu.
- Web site: 2024-03-22 . Quinta Brunson to receive honorary degree at Temple University's 2024 Commencement . 2024-05-10 . Temple Now news.temple.edu.
- Web site: Coates . Tyler . Peabody Awards: Mel Brooks, Quinta Brunson Tapped for Special Honors . The Hollywood Reporter . May 2, 2024 . Penske Media Corporation . 11 May 2024.
- Web site: Quinta Brunson - The Peabody Awards . The Peabody Awards . 11 May 2024.
- Web site: Jodie Whittaker waxes nostalgic about Glastonbury '98 on The Line-Up. Marnie. Shure. Jose Nateras. Anthony D Herrera. Dan Jakes. 2021-12-08. The A.V. Club. October 11, 2021 . en-us.
- Web site: Gyarkye. Lovia. 2021-06-15. 'As of Yet': Film Review Tribeca 2021. 2021-12-08. The Hollywood Reporter. en-US.
- Web site: Grobar. Matt. 2024-08-05. Quinta Brunson & Stephanie Hsu To Team On Universal Comedy ‘Par For The Course’. 2024-08-05. Deadline. en-US.
- Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. 2018-10-04. CBS Nabs Jermaine Fowler & Quinta Brunson Parenting Comedy From Larry Wilmore With Production Commitment. 2021-08-29. Deadline. en-US.
- Web site: Goldberg. Lesley. 2021-02-16. Quinta Brunson-Led Teacher Comedy Moving Forward at ABC. 2021-08-29. The Hollywood Reporter. en-US.
- Web site: 'Cars on the Road' on Disney+: Release Date, Trailer and What We Know. Decider. Brett. White. August 2, 2022. August 5, 2022.
- Web site: QUINTA BRUNSON X THE INTERNET X ME – Melody Ehsani . 2022-05-31 . melodyehsani.com . en.
- Web site: Childish Gambino Shares 'Little Foot Big Foot' Video Feat. Quinta Brunson, Announces Massive 2024 World Tour . Breihan . Tom . 2024-05-13 . . 2024-05-15.
- Web site: Zee . Michaela . 2022-08-22 . AAFCA Awards 2022: Courtney B. Vance, Robin Thede and More TV Honorees Talk Representation, Equal Pay and All-Black Writers' Room . 2022-12-07 . Variety . en-US.
- Web site: Complex . Valerie . 2022-06-16 . 6th Annual Black Reel Television Awards Nominations Announced . 2022-06-17 . Deadline . en-US.
- Web site: Hammond . Pete . 2022-11-02 . Celebration Of Black Cinema & Television: Angela Bassett, Quinta Brunson, Michael B. Jordan, Berry Gordy Among Honorees At 5th Annual Event . 2022-12-07 . Deadline . en-US.
- Web site: Coates . Tyler . 2022-08-17 . 'Abbott Elementary,' 'The White Lotus' and 'Yellowjackets' Among Top Winners at LGBTQ Critics' Dorian TV Awards . 2022-12-14 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US.
- Web site: Mandinach . Zach . 2022-10-25 . 2022 Gotham Awards Nominations Full List The Gotham . 2022-12-14 . en-US.
- Web site: Schneider . Michael . 2022-07-01 . Giancarlo Esposito, Quinta Brunson Among Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards Honorees (EXCLUSIVE) . 2022-07-04 . Variety . en-US.
- Web site: Verhoeven . Beatrice . 2022-07-07 . 'This Is Us,' 'Succession, 'Severance' Lead 2022 HCA TV Nominations . 2022-07-07 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US.
- Web site: Schneider . Michael . September 10, 2022 . 'Pachinko,' 'Black-ish,' 'Don't Look Up' Among Humanitas Prize Winners . February 22, 2023 . Variety.
- Snierson . Dan . September 12, 2022 . See the full list of 2022 Emmy winners . live . . https://web.archive.org/web/20230107214000/https://ew.com/awards/emmys/emmys-2022-winners-list/ . January 7, 2023 . January 11, 2023.
- Web site: Hailu . Selome . August 6, 2022 . 'Abbott Elementary' Tops 2022 TCA Awards . February 22, 2022 . . August 6, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220806180119/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/tca-television-critics-awards-2022-abbott-elementary-1235335161/ . live .
- Web site: Nordyke . Kimberly . January 15, 2023 . Critics Choice Awards: Full List of Winners . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230116052049/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/critics-choice-awards-winners-list-full-2023-1235300137/ . January 16, 2023 . January 16, 2023 . The Hollywood Reporter.
- Web site: Nordyke . Kimberly . January 10, 2023 . Golden Globes: Full List of Winners . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230111023550/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/golden-globes-2023-winners-list-1235294541/ . January 11, 2023 . January 11, 2023 . The Hollywood Reporter.
- Web site: Hipes . Patrick . Petski . Denise . 2022-12-13 . Film Independent Spirit Awards TV Nominations: 'Abbott Elementary', 'Pachinko', 'The Bear' 'Severance', More . 2022-12-14 . Deadline . en-US.
- Web site: Thomas . Christy Piña, Carly . Piña . Christy . Thomas . Carly . 2023-03-05 . Spirit Award: Quinta Brunson Wins Best Lead Performance in New Scripted Series, Dedicates Award to Aspiring Kids . 2023-04-19 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US.
- Web site: Lewis . Hilary . 2023-01-12 . NAACP Image Awards 2023: 'Wakanda Forever,' 'The Woman King' Among Top Film Nominees . 2023-01-16 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US.
- Travis . Emelyn . July 12, 2023 . Emmys nominations 2023: See the full list of nominees . Entertainment Weekly. July 12, 2023.
- Web site: Team . Glitter Editorial . 2022-12-08 . Glitter Magazine New Nominations Announced for The International Press Academy's Satellite Awards . 2022-12-13 . glittermagazine.co . en-US . December 8, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221208164135/https://glittermagazine.co/2022/12/07/new-nominations-announced-for-international-press-academys-satellite-awards/ . dead .
- Web site: Hipes . Patrick . 2023-01-11 . SAG Awards Nominations: The Complete List . 2023-01-15 . Deadline . en-US.
- Web site: 'Succession' and 'The Bear' Dominate TCA Awards; Mel Brooks and 'The Carol Burnett Show' Honored . Schneider . Michael . August 7, 2023 . . June 23, 2024.
- Web site: 2023 Writers Guild Awards Nominees . 2023-01-15 . awards.wga.org . en.
- Oppenheimer, Barbie, The Bear lead 2024 Critics Choice Awards: See the full winners list . Brathwaite . Lester Fabian . . January 14, 2024 . January 15, 2024.
- Web site: Winners & Nominees . Golden Globes . 8 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240108060306/https://goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/ . 8 Jan 2024 . live.
- Web site: July 17, 2024 . 76th Emmy Awards Complete Nominations List . July 18, 2024 . Television Academy.
- Web site: Nominations Announced for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® . . January 10, 2024 . January 10, 2024.
- Web site: 'Baby Reindeer', 'Ripley' and 'Shogun' Lead 2024 TCA Awards Nominations: Full List . . Emily . Longeretta . June 10, 2024 . June 10, 2024.
- Web site: 2024 Writers Guild Awards Nominees. Variety. Michael. Schneider. February 21, 2024. June 23, 2024.