Biographie
A Smile That Will Change the World" Brandon Gilpin, known as ShowTimeBrando, is a first-generation American entertainer—an actor, dancer, musician, comedian, filmmaker, and creative powerhouse—renowned for his roles as DJ Neva Scared on Starz’s P-Valley and Renard on Grown-ish. Raised in Amityville, New York, Brandon is the son of Jamaican immigrants, with his cultural roots playing a vital role in shaping his identity and artistic vision.
Brandon’s artistic journey started young. At age 4, he began formal training in hip-hop, ballet, and tap dance, establishing the strong stage presence he carries through all his creative work. By age 10, he was already acting in a local college film. His youthful showmanship on the basketball court earned him the nickname "ShowTime," which perfectly captures the energy he brings to his performances and eventually became his stage name, ShowTimeBrando.
In high school, Brandon built a local following by collaborating with neighborhood DJs to host parties and sharing his dance and music online, growing an early fanbase. He also starred as Usnavi in the musical In the Heights, highlighting his talent in musical theater. After graduation, Brandon moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College, earning a degree in Theatre and Performance. During his first semester, he secured an internship on the BET drama The Quad, gaining valuable behind-the-scenes experience.
While completing his studies, Brandon steadily landed professional roles. Beyond P-Valley and Grown-ish, his credits include appearances on Blue Bloods and the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect. He is celebrated for infusing joy, authenticity, and his unique style into every project—a testament to his lifelong dedication to inspiring and uplifting others through performance.
Drawing inspiration from classic shows like Everybody Hates Chris, That’s So Raven, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Brandon continues to blend acting, music, comedy, and filmmaking into work that both entertains and empowers audiences across generations.
