Quinta Brunson

Biography:

Quinta Brunson is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer who was born on December 21, 1989. She is the co-writer, executive producer, and creator of the ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary (2021–present), where she plays Janine Teagues, a second-grade teacher. For her self-produced Instagram series Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date, Brunson rose to fame in 2014. She later created two streaming series with BuzzFeed Motion Pictures and produced and appeared in films for BuzzFeed Video.

She received 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 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, making history as the first Black woman to be nominated three times in the comedy category. Brunson received a 2022 Peabody Award for her performance on Abbott Elementary, making her the first Black woman to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy at the 75th presentation in more than 40 years. Additionally, she was listed among the Time 100 Most Influential People of 2022. Brunson has starred in the first season of the HBO sketch comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show, voiced Lazor Wulf and Magical Girl Friendship Squad, and acted in the television shows iZombie, Single Parents, and Miracle Workers. In more recent times, she has provided voices for Big Mouth, Zootopia 2, and The Simpsons.