Brian Quinn (comedian)
A Staten Island everyman turned hidden-camera comedy king, he brings a uniquely pained sincerity to public humiliation.
Born 1976 (age 50)·American comedian·Birthday: March 14·Generation X
Biography
Brian Quinn, universally known as Q, didn't set out for television fame. Before comedy, he was a New York City firefighter, a background that informs his grounded, often bewildered persona. His life pivoted when he joined his high school friends in The Tenderloins comedy troupe. Their concept, 'Impractical Jokers,' transformed their real-life friendship dynamics into a televised experiment in mutual embarrassment, with Q frequently emerging as the most entertainingly reluctant participant. His signature exasperated reactions and failed attempts to maintain composure became a cornerstone of the show's success. Beyond the dares, he co-hosts the popular podcast 'Tell 'Em Steve-Dave!' and has parlayed his fame into roles in films and other TV projects, all while maintaining the relatable vibe of a guy who can't believe his luck.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Brian was born in 1976, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1976
#1 Movie
Rocky
Best Picture
Rocky
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Brian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1976Born
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1981Started school
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1989Became a teenager
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Could drive
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1994Could vote
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Turned 21
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2006Turned 30
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2016Turned 40
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 50
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Stars as a central cast member in the long-running hit TruTV series 'Impractical Jokers,' which began in 2011.
- Co-founded The Tenderloins comedy troupe, whose live shows and online sketches led to their television breakthrough.
- Co-hosts the long-running and influential comedy podcast 'Tell 'Em Steve-Dave!' with fellow comedians.
- Executive produced and starred in the 'Impractical Jokers' feature film, 'The Movie,' released in 2020.
Did You Know?
He served as a firefighter with the FDNY for several years before committing to comedy full-time.
Quinn is a dedicated fan of the metal band Metallica and has appeared on their official podcast.
He has a fear of heights that is frequently exploited in challenges on 'Impractical Jokers.'
His nickname 'Q' originated during his firefighting days to distinguish him from another Brian.
“The best part about being a fireman was the days off. The best part about this is every day is a day off, but you're working.”
