Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson (born December 21, 1989, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American screen artist known for acting, comedy, writing, and producing. She became a breakout digital creator through her self-made Instagram sketches, then expanded her reach with BuzzFeed Video and later developed streaming projects with BuzzFeed Motion Pictures.

Brunson’s defining work is Abbott Elementary, the ABC comedy she created and executive produces, also starring as second-grade teacher Janine Teagues. The series turned her sharp, character-driven humor into a mainstream hit and established her as one of the most influential voices in contemporary TV comedy.

Her awards milestones are historic: at the 74th Primetime Emmys she earned three comedy-category nominations in one year—winning for writing—and at the 75th ceremony she became the first Black woman in more than four decades to win Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy. She also received a 2022 Peabody Award for Abbott Elementary and was named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People list.

Beyond television, Brunson has appeared in projects such as Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (as Oprah Winfrey) and An American Pickle, and continues to pop up as herself in specials including 2022 Back That Year Up and A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter.