Jessica Kirson

Kirson was born and raised in South Orange, New Jersey, and is of Jewish descent. Before her family moved from Europe to the States, their last name was Kirschenbaum which means “cherry tree.” Her mother is a therapist who treated clients in Kirson's childhood home, which she has said has had a profound impact on her and her comedy.

Kirson graduated from Columbia High School in 1987. She described herself as a 'major class clown' who loved to make people laugh. Kirson is the stepsister of both actor Zach Braff and writer Joshua Braff, whose father married her mother when she was an adolescent. With the intention of becoming a therapist, Kirson graduated from the University of Maryland in family studies and from New York University with a Masters of Social Work. Kirson made her career debut in the film School Dance. Her one-hour special Talking to Myself debuted on Comedy Central and was executive produced by Bill Burr. Other projects include her series The Call Girls with longtime friend and comedian Rachel Feinstein. In 2016, Kirson acted in and served as a consultant, producer, and writer on the Robert De Niro film The Comedian. Kirson was an executive producer and appeared in the documentary Hysterical which follows a group of female comedians, on and off stage.

Kirson has performed on The Tonight Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, and Kevin Can Wait. Kirson also hosts her own podcast, Disgusting Hawk. Kirson is also a contributor on The Howard Stern Show, where she produces and stars in prank calls for the program.