Kassie Thornton, an award-winning queer actress, writer, and director with a moving blend of heart and humor, grew up in a small Kansas farm town of 500 people. After completing boot camp at Fort Knox, she opted to channel her talents into portraying G.I. Jane on TV rather than serving as a soldier. Awarded a theater scholarship, Kassie retired from farming and attended Cal State Long Beach, where she earned a degree in directing and performance.
Kassie wrote and stars in her critically-acclaimed autobiographical one-woman show, "That Don’t Hurt My Feelings None," directed by Liz Patrick of "Saturday Night Live." The show debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to rave reviews, securing 4.5 stars. Reflecting her heartfelt and humorous approach to growing up gay and evangelical, the show received glowing reviews, and Kassie plans to bring this energy to theaters across both coasts—and points in between—in 2024.
Her career began in Los Angeles, where she quickly made a name for herself by winning a county-wide comedy contest her first time standing behind a mic. She went on to become a stand-up comedian and sketch performer with The Groundlings and UCB. Her performances, infused with her signature warmth and wit, graced iconic stages such as The World Famous Comedy Store's Main Stage and the Ice House in Pasadena. Kassie also made history as the youngest director of a primetime series on ABC with "Wife Swap." Her television appearances, which include NBC, Netflix, MAX, ABC, MTV, and Paramount+, consistently showcase her unique blend of comedic flair and genuine emotion. Her latest film appearance is in "Scrambled," which premiered at SXSW and was released by Lionsgate in theaters in February 2024. Her upcoming work can be seen in "Pretty Little Liars: Summer School."
Beyond creating content, Kassie is also a professional speaker and moderator, focusing on motivational themes and serving the LGBTQ+ community.