Gina Yashere
Biography
Born in Bethnal Green, London, in 1974 to Nigerian parents, Yashere began her comedy career in the 1990s after working as a lift engineer. She became a finalist on Last Comic Standing and appeared on Def Comedy Jam, helping establish her career in the United States. She later became a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and developed a career spanning stand-up, television, writing, and producing.
Yashere co-created and executive produced the CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, which ran from 2019 to 2024. She also wrote for the series and played Kemi, Abishola's best friend. The show incorporated Nigerian culture and included a storyline involving a Nigerian lesbian character.
Her memoir Cack-Handed was published in 2021. In 2026, she joined Star Trek: Starfleet Academy as Lura Thok, the Chancellor's First Officer and Cadet Master.
BQW Impact
Yashere brings Black British and Nigerian perspectives into mainstream comedy and television while openly representing lesbian identity within the entertainment industry. Her work on Bob Hearts Abishola expanded Nigerian representation on American network television and created space to address sexuality within a Nigerian immigrant family context.
Notable Works
Best Female, Black Comedy Awards (2002)
Award recognizing Yashere's work in comedy.
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (2017)
Served as a correspondent, expanding her profile in American television.
Bob Hearts Abishola (2019 - 2024)
CBS sitcom co-created and executive produced by Yashere, who also wrote for the series and played Kemi.
Cack-Handed (2021)
Memoir about Yashere's childhood, career, and experiences in Britain and the United States.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (2026)
Paramount+ series in which Yashere plays Lura Thok, the Chancellor's First Officer and Cadet Master.