Jessica Kirson

Jessica Kirson, born on November 14, 1969, in South Orange, New Jersey, is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and producer. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1987. Prior to her career in comedy, Kirson pursued academic studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in family studies from the University of Maryland and a Master of Social Work from New York University, initially intending to become a therapist. Her upbringing and early experiences, including her mother being a therapist, have influenced her comedic style, often incorporating personal narratives and observations. Kirson is the stepsister of actor Zach Braff and writer Joshua Braff.

Kirson made her film debut in “School Dance” in 2014. Her one-hour special, “Talking to Myself,” debuted on Comedy Central and was executive produced by Bill Burr. She also developed the series “The Call Girls” with comedian Rachel Feinstein. In 2016, Kirson acted in and contributed as a consultant, producer, and writer for the Robert De Niro film “The Comedian.” She was also an executive producer and appeared in the 2021 documentary “Hysterical,” which focused on female comedians. Her television appearances include “The Tonight Show,” “The View,” and “Kevin Can Wait.” Kirson is also a contributor to “The Howard Stern Show,” where she creates prank calls.

Her comedy frequently explores themes of sobriety, her Jewish background, and her identity as a lesbian. Kirson is recognized for her unique performance style, including performing inner monologues facing away from the audience. In 2025, Kirson participated in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival. Following her performance, she publicly expressed regret for participating and donated her fee to a human rights organization. Kirson also hosts her own podcast, “Disgusting Hawk,” and maintains a significant social media presence.