Gina Yashere

Regina Obedapo Iyashere, widely known by her stage name Gina Yashere, was born on 6 April 1974 in Bethnal Green, London, to Nigerian parents and grew up navigating the cultural crossroads of a vibrant East London community. Before stepping onto the comedy stage, she broke gender barriers as the first female lift maintenance technician and engineer at her company, an experience she frequently references to highlight both workplace discrimination and the absurdities of everyday life. Her early foray into comedy began with a finalist spot in the 1996 Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition, launching a career that would span both sides of the Atlantic and cement her reputation as a sharp social satirist.

Over the ensuing decades, Yashere has become a household name in both British and American entertainment, delivering memorable performances on shows such as The Lenny Henry Show, Mock the Week, and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. She broke new ground in 2008 as the first Briton to appear on Def Comedy Jam and later co‑hosted the MOBO Awards alongside 2Baba and Coolio. In 2015 she featured on Gotham Comedy Live, and her one‑hour Showtime special Skinny Btch* showcased her fearless commentary on race, gender, and pop culture. As a writer and co‑showrunner, she helped create the groundbreaking sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, the first U.S. series to centre a Nigerian family, while also portraying Kemi, the protagonist’s best friend. Openly lesbian, Yashere resides in Altadena, California with her partner Nina Rose Fischer, and continues to influence the comedy landscape with her blend of observational wit and unapologetic authenticity.