Biography
"A Smile that's going to change the World" Brandon Gilpin, also known as ShowTimeBrando, is a first-generation American entertainer - an actor, dancer, musical artist, comedian, filmmaker, and all-around creative force - best known for his roles as DJ Neva Scared on the Starz series P-Valley and Renard on Grown-ish. Born and raised in Amityville, New York, Brandon is the son of Jamaican parents, and his heritage is an important part of his identity and artistic perspective. Brandon’s journey began early. At just 4 years old, he started formal dance training in hip-hop, ballet, and tap, laying the foundation for the stage presence he carries into all his creative endeavors. His passion for performance continued through childhood, and by age 10, he was already acting in a local college film. The nickname "ShowTime" was coined during his youth for the showmanship he brought to the basketball court - a nickname that perfectly encapsulates the energy he brings to his art and ultimately became his performance moniker, ShowTimeBrando. In high school, he grew a local following by teaming up with neighborhood DJs to host parties and by sharing his dance and music online, building an early fanbase. Brandon continued to pursue his craft in every form. In high school he starred as Usnavi in In the Heights, showcasing his musical theater chops. After graduating, he moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College, where he earned a degree in Theatre and Performance. Even during his first semester, he dove into the entertainment industry, landing an internship on the BET drama The Quad and gaining firsthand experience behind the scenes. While completing his degree, Brandon steadily booked professional roles. In addition to P-Valley and Grown-ish, his credits include appearances on Blue Bloods and in the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect. He’s known for bringing joy, authenticity, and his distinctive personal style to every project - a reflection of his lifelong commitment to using performance to inspire and uplift others. Inspired by 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 entertains and empowers audiences of all ages.
