Jessica Kirson Siblings: Meet the Braff Siblings

Jessica Kirson is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and producer born on November 14, 1969, in South Orange, New Jersey.

Raised in a Jewish family, Kirson’s comedic style draws heavily from her personal experiences, including her upbringing, sobriety, and identity as a lesbian.

Her mother, a therapist who saw clients at home, and her father, Jeffrey G. Kirson, who owned a nail polish company, shaped her early life, with the former influencing her humor through the quirks of family dynamics.

Kirson’s path to comedy was not direct; she initially pursued a career in therapy, earning a degree in family studies from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University.

However, her natural talent for humor, evident from her self-described role as a “major class clown” at Columbia High School, led her to comedy.

Siblings

Jessica comes from a blended family with a notable roster of siblings, many of whom have carved their own paths in creative fields.

Her stepbrothers, Zach Braff, Joshua Braff, and Adam J. Braff, along with her stepsister, Shoshanna Braff, are tied to her through her mother’s marriage to Harold Irwin “Hal” Braff.

Zach Braff, born April 6, 1975, is perhaps the most recognized, an actor and filmmaker best known for his role as J.D. on the television series Scrubs and for directing and starring in Garden State.

His work spans acting, directing, and producing, earning him critical acclaim and a strong industry presence.

Joshua Braff, born October 11, 1967, is an author whose novels explore family and identity, reflecting themes similar to those in Kirson’s comedy.

Also Read: Benson Boone Siblings: Meet the Singer’s 4 Sisters

Adam J. Braff is a screenwriter and producer, contributing to projects in film and television, though he maintains a lower public profile.

Dhoshanna Braff, a fashion designer, has made her mark in the industry with her creative vision.

Career

Kirson’s comedy career began with open mic nights in New York City, where she honed her craft while working as a bartender.

Her performances at venues like Gotham Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, Caroline’s, and The Improv established her as a fixture in the city’s comedy scene.

Her debut in the film School Dance (2014) marked her entry into acting, followed by roles in The Comedian (2016), where she also served as a consultant, producer, and writer, and The King of Staten Island (2020).

Kirson’s television appearances include The Tonight Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, Kevin Can Wait, and Last Comic Standing.

Her one-hour special, Talking to Myself, executive produced by Bill Burr, aired on Comedy Central, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerability with humor.

Kirson co-created the series The Call Girls with comedian Rachel Feinstein and produced the documentary Hysterical, which follows female comedians.

She hosts two podcasts, The Jessica Kirson Podcast and Relatively Sane, and runs The Jessy K Show on YouTube.

A contributor to The Howard Stern Show, she creates and stars in prank calls, further expanding her comedic reach.

Accolades

Kirson has been honored with the Best Female Comic award by the MAC Association in New York City, a testament to her skill in a competitive field.

Additionally, she received the Nightlife Award for Best Stand-up Comedian in New York, solidifying her status as a local icon.

These accolades reflect her ability to connect with audiences through authentic, personal storytelling and her mastery of crowd work, which critics and peers, including Bill Burr, have praised.