1 Billion Views: Jessica Kirson Sets Stage for Westhampton Debut

Jessica Kirson has accumulated over one billion views across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

The 56-year-old comedian and actress will perform for the first time at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on Saturday, November 7.

Kirson, who is from South Orange, New Jersey, holds a master’s degree in social work from New York University. She originally intended to become a therapist before pursuing a career in comedy.

Her professional background includes a 2019 stand-up special on Comedy Central titled Talking to My Self. Bill Burr executive produced that special. She released another special, Jessica Kirson: I’m the Man, on Hulu in 2025.

Kirson has appeared on The Tonight Show and The View. She also acted in HBO’s Crashing. In 2021, she produced the FX documentary Hysterical. She served as a consultant, producer, and writer for the 2016 film The Comedian starring Robert De Niro.

Currently, she hosts the podcast Disgusting Hawk. She is also a regular contributor to The Howard Stern Show, where she produces and stars in prank call segments.

In a conversation about her career, Kirson said social media has completely changed her work. "The reach is unbelievable," she said. "I have fans all over the world."

She explained that her on-stage presence differs from her off-stage personality. "When I’m on stage, I’m the most present," Kirson stated. "My brain is very quick when I’m up there. When I’m not performing, I’m more relaxed and introverted."

Kirson cited Robin Williams as a major influence. She noted that Williams could perform for hours without prepared material by interacting directly with the audience. Among female comedians, she identified Gilda Radner, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett as early idols. She also mentioned Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers as figures who became important to her later.

Kirson said she wants audiences to feel seen during her shows. "I want people to say they laughed so hard and that they know how healing it is," she said. She added that she hopes fans feel like they are spending time with a friend.