Bonnie Margorie Grayson Might (born c. 1990), professionally known as Bonnie Baby, is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer known for her observational comedy that often addresses themes of sexuality, religion, and social identity. She rose to prominence in the New York City comedy scene in the late 2010s and is set to gain wider recognition with her upcoming Netflix special Third Gear.

Throughout this article, she is referred to as “Bonnie” for simplicity.

Early life

Born and raised in a religious household, Bonnie's father is still an evangelical reverend. Her stage name “Bonnie Baby” incorporates her first name with a childhood nickname that stuck throughout her life. She is generally known professionally as “Bonnie Baby” or simply “Bonnie,” never just “Baby.” She grew up in a conservative environment that would later become a source of material for her comedy.

Career

Early career

Bonnie began her comedy career at Piques, a comedy club in New York City’s West Village. After years of performing at open mics and small venues, she became a regular performer at Piques, eventually working her way up to headlining shows.

Rise to prominence

In the early 2020s, Bonnie gained attention for her unique blend of LGBTQ+ themes with religious commentary. Her comedy style combines sharp social observations with personal anecdotes about growing up in a conservative religious household while discovering her own identity.

A turning point in her career came when comedian Fortune Feimster saw her perform and advocated for her inclusion in a stand-up special. This exposure significantly expanded her audience.

Style and themes

Bonnie’s comedy is characterized by her conversational delivery style and her ability to navigate complex social topics through humour. She is known for her “third gear” bit, which has become a signature part of her act, where she uses different finger gestures to represent levels of frustration.

Her material often explores the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ identity, examining the contradictions and challenges with a blend of irreverence and thoughtfulness. Critics have noted her skill at “navigating the left from a right-wing upbringing” (New York Times) and described her as “a fresh voice for a new generation” (The Advocate).

Upcoming Third Gear tour and special

Bonnie is set to embark on her first major tour sponsored by Netflix. The tour, named Third Gear after her signature bit, will include stops in several major U.S. cities and Toronto, with Netflix planning to film a comedy special during the tour.

Announced tour dates

• New York City: Piques Comedy Club, August 8

• Los Angeles: Hollywood Bowl, August 12; Dolby Theater, August 14-16

• Chicago: Chicago Theater, August 27-30

• Toronto: Massey Hall, September 10-13

• New York City: Studio 8H (SNL host), September 19

• New York City: Radio City Music Hall, September 24-27

The tour will mark Bonnie’s first major national exposure and represents a significant step in her comedy career. Her scheduled appearance as host of Saturday Night Live in September, with musical guest Alias Grace, has already generated significant buzz in the comedy community.

Personal life

Bonnie is openly gay and has been in a long-term relationship with Maxine, a florist based in New York City and owner of Maxine Blooms, since approximately 2018. She has often incorporated stories about their relationship into her comedy.

Bonnie frequently discusses her relationship with Maxine in her act, using their experiences to explore themes of love, commitment, and navigating life as a same-sex couple in contemporary America.