Who Is Brianne Howey: The Netflix Star Taking Hollywood by Storm
Premiere Of Showtime’s “I’m Dying Up Here” – Arrivals
Photo – David Crotty/PMC
Brianne Howey is an American actress best known for her captivating portrayal of Georgia Miller in Netflix’s hit series “Ginny & Georgia.” Born on May 24, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, this 35-year-old performer has built an impressive career spanning television and film.
Quick Facts About Brianne Howey:
- Age: 35 years old (born May 24, 1989)
- Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
- Famous For: Georgia Miller in “Ginny & Georgia” (2021-present)
- Education: NYU Tisch School of the Arts (graduated 2011)
- Personal Life: Married to lawyer Matt Ziering since 2021, one child
- Notable Roles: “The Exorcist,” “Batwoman,” “The Passage,” “Dollface”
- Social Media: 3.5M Instagram followers
Howey’s journey from a California native to a Netflix sensation showcases the power of persistence and talent. After studying theater at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, she steadily built her resume with guest roles on shows like “90210” and “Criminal Minds” before landing her breakthrough role as the complex and morally ambiguous Georgia Miller.
The actress has proven her versatility across genres, from horror (“The Exorcist”) to comedy (“Dollface”) to superhero drama (“Batwoman”). Her ability to steer these tonal shifts prepared her perfectly for “Ginny & Georgia,” which masterfully blends dark comedy with emotional depth.
As R. Couri Hay, I’ve witnessed countless performers struggle to break through in this competitive industry during my four decades in entertainment and public relations. Howey’s strategic approach to building her career – training at top-tier institutions like NYU here in New York City and consistently delivering compelling performances – exemplifies the dedication required for lasting success in Hollywood.
Quick Brianne Howey definitions:
From California to New York: Early Life and Education
Every great story has a beginning, and for Brianne Howey, it all started under the sunny skies of the West Coast. She grew up in the lovely Los Angeles community of La Cañada Flintridge. Imagine a busy home, as Brianne is the oldest of five children! This close-knit, family-focused upbringing certainly laid a strong foundation, even if acting wasn’t something her family saw as a “job” at first. She’s even said she didn’t realize it was a real career because she didn’t have any examples of it around her.
Her early school days led her to Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Pasadena. It was in these supportive halls that Brianne truly found her calling. Like many of us, she tried out for various sports teams, only to realize she wasn’t exactly a natural athlete. (Totally relatable, right?) Her mom, ever the encouraging force, nudged her to find her “thing.” This gentle push led Brianne to audition for the school’s improv team, a decision that would change everything!
The world of improv, where you learn to build off each other’s ideas and just play, felt like home to Brianne. Being in an all-girls setting made it safe to take risks and even mess up – something she feels would have been far more daunting in a coed environment during those formative teenage years. This newfound confidence propelled her into school plays, even though she wasn’t a singer or dancer. This period was super important, teaching her the value of stepping outside her comfort zone – a priceless lesson for any aspiring artist.
After high school, Brianne Howey packed her bags and made the big move to New York City. Talk about a hub of artistic dreams and endless possibilities! She enrolled in New York University’s highly regarded New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2011. While at NYU, she dove deep into theatre, honing her skills at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. It was during her time as a student right here in the Big Apple that she started racking up her first professional credits, appearing in short films like Party Favors, Appropriate Sex, and Suckerpunch.
Her early career was a testament to pure hustle. While still studying at NYU, she landed her very first TV role on an episode of 90210. She admits this initial success was a bit misleading – it made the industry seem easy! But she soon learned the tough truth about breaking through. For a solid two years, Brianne was on an audition marathon almost every single day, constantly putting herself out there. She quickly finded that in Hollywood, building your resume is key. As your credits grow, so do the doors that open for you. Many in the industry are cautious about taking chances on brand-new faces, so consistent work is what truly helps you shine.
From our perspective here at R. Couri Hay Columns, we’ve seen the strategic planning it takes to build a lasting acting career, especially in a competitive city like New York City. Brianne Howey‘s journey perfectly shows this: from finding her passion in high school, getting top-notch training at a place like NYU, and then tirelessly auditioning to build a strong foundation. It’s a clear example of dedication and understanding that success in this industry is definitely a marathon, not a quick sprint!
The Rise to Stardom: A Career on the Ascent
Chris Kattan, Charlie McDermott, and Brianne Howey in The Middle (2009)
Brianne Howey‘s journey in Hollywood has been a steady and impressive climb, showcasing her incredible versatility. After starting with guest roles on popular shows like The Middle, Revenge, Criminal Minds, Twisted, and Scream Queens, she began landing more substantial parts. This allowed her to truly shine and demonstrate her commitment to every character she played.
One of her early standout roles was as Kat Rance in the Fox series The Exorcist in 2016. This wasn’t just a scary show; Brianne found it to be a “good family drama with this thriller horror aspect.” She loved digging into Kat’s complexities, a character dealing with guilt, trauma, and deep family dynamics. It was a multi-layered role that truly excited her as an actress. Brianne also stepped into sci-fi as Shauna Babcock in The Passage (2019) and even entered the superhero universe with a recurring role as Reagan in The CW’s Batwoman from 2019 to 2020. Her comedic timing also got a chance to sparkle as Alison B. in Hulu’s Dollface (2019–2022).
However, it was her leading role as Georgia Miller in the Netflix sensation Ginny & Georgia (which started in 2021) that truly propelled Brianne Howey into global stardom. The show became an instant hit, drawing an amazing 52 million viewers in its first season alone! Its massive popularity quickly led to renewals for more seasons, consistently placing the series in Netflix’s global top 10. For us, observing the vibrant entertainment landscape here in New York City, it’s clear that Ginny & Georgia isn’t just a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon, and Brianne’s captivating performance is absolutely central to its success.
Brianne’s portrayal of Georgia Miller has earned widespread praise for its incredible depth and nuance. She perfectly captures the essence of a complex woman who is both flawed and fiercely loving. Brianne has often spoken about how the show brilliantly blends different genres, a challenge she was perfectly prepared for thanks to her diverse acting background. In a smart move, the show’s creator even had the cast audition in multiple genres. This ensured they could handle the constant tonal shifts that are so unique to Georgia’s character – and it certainly paid off!
The Unforgettable Role of Georgia Miller
Georgia Miller is arguably Brianne Howey‘s most iconic and memorable character, and it’s easy to see why. Georgia is a whirlwind of charming chaos, a single mother with a mysterious past and an unwavering determination to protect her children, Ginny and Austin, no matter the cost. While Brianne herself grew up in sunny Southern California, her character’s distinct Southern accent is a true testament to her acting prowess and dedication to fully embodying the role.
What makes Georgia so utterly compelling is her morally ambiguous nature. She often makes choices that might raise an eyebrow, but her deepest motivation is always her profound love for her children. Brianne finds this complexity fascinating to portray, believing that characters with flaws and multiple layers are far more engaging than those who seem perfect. She views Georgia as a survivor, constantly in “fight or flight” mode, which helps explain many of her seemingly “wrong” decisions.
The mother-daughter dynamic between Georgia and Ginny forms the emotional heart of the series. Their relationship is both incredibly loving and, at times, incredibly fraught. Brianne has shared how becoming a mother herself has deepened her understanding of Georgia’s extreme thoughts and actions. She now realizes that Georgia’s intense desire to be her children’s best friend, and for them to share everything with her, is something many mothers can genuinely relate to.
Navigating the show’s sudden tonal shifts, from laugh-out-loud dark comedy to raw, heartbreaking drama, is another hallmark of Brianne’s performance as Georgia. The series masterfully blends humor with deep emotional moments, a balance Brianne credits to excellent writing and her strong connection with co-star Antonia Gentry, who plays Ginny. She sees Georgia’s humor as a way to cope with her past trauma, a defense mechanism for a character always in survival mode. A truly unique insight into her preparation for Georgia was that Brianne Howey drew inspiration from her own single mother, adding an authentic, heartfelt layer to her beloved portrayal.
Notable Film and Television Credits
While Georgia Miller has certainly cemented Brianne Howey‘s place in the spotlight, her filmography is packed with diverse roles that truly showcase her impressive range and talent. For instance, she appeared as Candy in the comedy film Horrible Bosses 2 in 2014, working alongside big names like Jason Bateman. She found that experience incredibly fun and a fantastic learning opportunity, especially watching comedic actors who excel at improv.
Brianne also took on a leading role in the British television series I Live with Models from 2015 to 2017. This meant moving to London for her first “big” regular starring role, playing Scarlet, a model who was quite different from her messy housemates. She really enjoyed the drier British humor of the show and found that improvising on set helped her develop the characters’ relationships. Later, she was part of I’m Dying Up Here (2017), a Showtime series produced by Jim Carrey, which followed the lives of stand-up comics in 1970s L.A. Brianne described it as a “perfect dark comedy”—both hilarious and heartbreaking—and found working with Jim Carrey, who had a deep personal connection to the story, to be an incredibly inspiring experience.
Beyond these, Brianne also showed her ability to lead in lighter, heartwarming fare as Jess Ramsey in the romantic comedy Plus One (2019). And, as mentioned earlier, her work in the supernatural thriller The Exorcist, the sci-fi drama The Passage, the superhero series Batwoman, and the comedy Dollface only further proved her impressive versatility.
Through these varied roles, Brianne Howey has consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt, learn, and deliver compelling performances. This has truly solidified her reputation as a versatile and highly in-demand actress in Hollywood today.
Beyond the Screen: The Personal Life of Brianne Howey
While Brianne Howey captivates audiences as the complex Georgia Miller, her real-life story is equally compelling – though thankfully much less dramatic than her on-screen alter ego. Behind the Netflix fame lies a grounded woman who has found love, acceptd motherhood, and managed to keep her feet firmly planted despite Hollywood’s whirlwind.
Brianne Howey married Matt Ziering, a Los Angeles-based lawyer, on July 24, 2021. Their wedding was the kind of celebration that perfectly captures Brianne’s down-to-earth personality – a neat ceremony in Palos Verdes that ended with the bride and groom sharing a fried chicken sandwich and dancing to the Spice Girls. It’s exactly the kind of authentic, joyful moment that makes you root for a couple.
The pair welcomed their first child in June 2023, a milestone that has profoundly shaped Brianne Howey‘s perspective both as a person and as an actress. Becoming a mother has given her an even deeper understanding of Georgia Miller’s fierce protective instincts. As she’s shared in interviews, having her own daughter has made those extreme maternal moments in Ginny & Georgia feel incredibly real and relatable.
Balancing a high-profile acting career with new motherhood is no small feat, but Brianne seems to approach it with the same thoughtful strategy she’s applied throughout her career. Her personal interests reflect her California roots – she’s passionate about hiking, beach days, and outdoor dining. The Hollywood Bowl holds special significance for her, having worked in its operations office during summer jobs before her acting career took off.
Brianne Howey is also a devoted dog mom to Bodie, whom she and Matt adopted during the pandemic when their original wedding plans were postponed. She’s a self-proclaimed foodie with a particular love for Mexican cuisine, which she considers California’s greatest culinary gift. Her ideal day involves hiking with friends and Bodie, visiting museums like LACMA, and catching a film at the New Beverly Cinema.
While she’s firmly planted in Los Angeles now, her New York City connections remain strong thanks to her formative years at NYU. For those of us who understand the pace and energy of New York life, it’s easy to appreciate how her West Coast lifestyle mirrors the cultural richness and outdoor opportunities we enjoy here in the city.
The Love Story of Brianne Howey and Matt Ziering
Phot: Getty Images
The romance between Brianne Howey and Matt Ziering reads like something straight out of a romantic comedy – and it turns out there was more orchestration involved than initially met the eye. They first encountered each other through mutual friends in Los Angeles, but what seemed like a series of coincidental meetings at various bars over three consecutive nights had a delightful twist.
During their wedding vows, Matt made a charming confession: some of those “chance” encounters weren’t quite as random as Brianne had believed. His determination to keep running into her speaks volumes about the immediate connection he felt, and clearly, his strategy worked beautifully.
Their relationship developed steadily over several years. Brianne Howey first publicly acknowledged she was in a relationship in November 2014, suggesting a long and solid foundation before they walked down the aisle. Like many couples planning weddings in 2020, they faced pandemic-related postponements, but this delay brought an unexpected silver lining – the adoption of their beloved dog, Bodie.
When they finally celebrated their union on July 24, 2021, in Palos Verdes, it was worth the wait. The magical evening that ended with comfort food and ’90s pop music perfectly encapsulates their relationship – sophisticated yet playful, neat yet refreshingly real.
From our perspective at R. Couri Hay Columns, we’ve observed countless high-profile relationships, and what stands out about Brianne Howey and Matt’s partnership is their ability to maintain authenticity while navigating public attention. For New Yorkers managing demanding careers – whether in finance, theater, or media – their story offers valuable insight into building a relationship that can withstand professional pressures while celebrating life’s simple pleasures. The key seems to be finding someone who not only supports your ambitions but also knows how to make you laugh at the end of a long day.
The Craft: Howey’s Approach to Acting and Future Projects
There’s something refreshing about Brianne Howey‘s approach to acting – it’s both professional and wonderfully human. When you listen to her talk about her craft, you realize her success isn’t just about natural talent. It’s about having a thoughtful process and staying genuinely curious about the work.
Brianne Howey has developed what she calls a balanced approach to preparation. She makes sure to know her lines inside and out, but she deliberately tries “not to be too rigid” with her performance. Instead, she focuses on staying “on her toes” during scenes, using “the room and the people around her” to ground herself in the character. It’s this willingness to be surprised that often leads to those magical moments on screen – the ones that feel completely authentic.
Her preparation process really shines when you look at her work as Georgia Miller. The character requires incredible range, shifting from dark comedy to intense drama sometimes within the same scene. Brianne Howey was ready for this challenge partly because the show’s creators were smart about their audition process. They had her perform scenes in multiple genres during her audition, which helped both her and them understand how she could handle Georgia’s complex personality.
What makes Georgia so compelling to portray, according to Brianne, is her moral complexity. She’s not a perfect character – in fact, she makes questionable choices regularly. But her underlying motivation is always love for her children, even when she’s operating in pure survival mode. Brianne Howey finds this kind of flawed, multi-layered character far more interesting than playing someone without conflict or tension.
The collaborative aspect of her work is equally important. Her chemistry with co-star Antonia Gentry didn’t happen by accident. They “vibed” from day one and have developed what Brianne calls a “shorthand” over the seasons. This natural connection allows them to “up the ante” with higher emotional stakes, making their mother-daughter dynamic feel genuine and lived-in.
Brianne Howey‘s perspective on the entertainment industry is refreshingly pragmatic. She’s noticed that the business can be hesitant to take risks on new faces, something she finds “backwards.” But she’s also learned that “the more you work, it will bring you even more work because people start to trust you and your craft.” It’s a lesson that applies whether you’re building a career in Hollywood or climbing the ladder in New York City’s competitive business world.
Looking toward the future, Brianne Howey has some exciting aspirations. While she’s found tremendous success in dramatic roles and dark comedy, she’s expressed a strong desire to tackle a romantic comedy. She grew up loving 90s rom-coms and misses that era of feel-good, blockbuster romantic films. It would be a delightful shift that would showcase yet another side of her talent.
As for concrete upcoming projects, she has a role in Kinda Pregnant, which is set to release in 2025. While details are still under wraps, it’s another opportunity for her to explore new territory as an actress.
For aspiring actors here in New York City, Brianne Howey‘s journey offers a masterclass in building a sustainable career. Her time at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts gave her a solid foundation, but it was her willingness to audition relentlessly and her thoughtful approach to character development that really set her apart. New York continues to be a launching pad for talent, and her path from our city’s prestigious acting programs to global recognition proves that with dedication and smart choices, dreams really can become reality.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brianne Howey
As entertainment enthusiasts here in New York City and beyond continue to find Brianne Howey‘s captivating performances, we find ourselves fielding the same questions about this rising star time and again. Let’s explore the most common curiosities about the actress who’s taken Netflix by storm.
How did Brianne Howey get her start in acting?
Brianne Howey‘s journey into acting began somewhat serendipitously during her high school years. After trying out for various sports teams at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and realizing athletics wasn’t her forte, her mother encouraged her to find her “thing.” That encouragement led her to audition for the school’s improv team, where she finded her natural talent and passion for performance.
The supportive all-girls environment allowed her to take risks and fail without the intimidation she might have felt in a coed setting. This confidence blossomed into participation in school plays, laying the foundation for her future career.
After high school, she made the bold move to New York City to study theatre at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 2011. Even while still a student, she was already hustling for professional opportunities, landing her first television role on 90210. However, she quickly learned that initial success could be misleading – she spent the next two years auditioning almost daily, understanding that building a solid resume was key to opening doors in an industry that’s often hesitant to take risks on new faces.
Is Brianne Howey married?
Yes, Brianne Howey found her perfect match in Matt Ziering, a lawyer from Los Angeles. Their love story reads like something out of a romantic comedy – they met through mutual friends and kept running into each other at bars three nights in a row. While Brianne initially thought it was fate, Matt later confessed in his wedding vows that he had orchestrated some of those “coincidental” meetings!
The couple exchanged vows on July 24, 2021, in a beautiful ceremony in Palos Verdes, California. Like many couples, they had to postpone their original wedding plans due to the pandemic, but they made the most of the delay by adopting their beloved dog, Bodie. Their wedding night was everything they dreamed of – magical, intimate, and ending with a fried chicken sandwich and a Spice Girls dance party.
In June 2023, they welcomed their first child together, a milestone that has profoundly impacted Brianne both personally and professionally. She’s shared how becoming a mother has deepened her understanding of her character Georgia Miller’s fierce protective instincts.
What is Brianne Howey’s most famous role?
Without question, Brianne Howey is most recognized for her powerhouse performance as Georgia Miller in Netflix’s hit series Ginny & Georgia. This role catapulted her from a working actress with solid credits to a global sensation, with the show attracting an astounding 52 million viewers in its first season alone.
What makes Georgia Miller such an unforgettable character is her complexity. She’s a single mother with a mysterious past, fierce in her love for her children Ginny and Austin, yet morally ambiguous in her choices. Brianne masterfully portrays Georgia’s Southern charm and chaotic energy, complete with a thick Southern accent that showcases her acting range.
The role allows Brianne Howey to showcase her versatility, seamlessly shifting between dark comedy and intense drama within single episodes. Her portrayal has resonated with audiences worldwide, making Ginny & Georgia a cultural phenomenon and cementing Brianne’s status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling leading ladies.
From our perspective here at R. Couri Hay Columns, watching Brianne Howey‘s rise from NYU student to Netflix star exemplifies the kind of strategic career building and authentic talent that creates lasting success in entertainment.
Conclusion
As we’ve journeyed through the incredible story of Brianne Howey, it’s clear her path is one of pure dedication and sparkling talent. From her sunny California roots to her foundational training right here in New York City, and now to her status as a beloved Netflix star, her journey is truly inspiring. We’ve watched her grow from early guest roles to embodying complex, deep characters that really connect with audiences worldwide.
Her most famous role as Georgia Miller in Ginny & Georgia truly shows off her amazing range. She masterfully steers challenging emotions and perfectly blends humor with profound drama. Brianne Howey‘s thoughtful approach to acting, her commitment to truly understanding each character, and her strong work ethic have firmly established her as a versatile and incredibly compelling actress in the entertainment world.
From our vantage point here at R. Couri Hay Columns, we see Brianne Howey as more than just a rising star. She’s an artist who is making a real difference. Her ability to bring authentic, flawed, yet relatable female characters to life adds so much to the stories we see on screen today. Her success story also highlights something very important: the lasting value of solid training and consistent effort. These are qualities that are highly prized in any field, especially within the lively media and lifestyle scene of New York City.
For anyone looking to make their own mark, whether it’s in the arts or any other industry, Brianne Howey‘s career offers a powerful example. It shows how dedication and smart choices can build a lasting brand. We encourage you to follow in her footsteps! Cultivate your skills, just like she did. And remember, knowing how to share your story effectively is absolutely key. Want to learn how to shine your own spotlight? Our team can help you amplify your message and reach your audience. Learn how to build your brand with expert publicity. After all, New York City is bursting with talent and opportunity. With the right approach, your own success story could be next!