Quinta Brunson Stuns in Chic Pixie Cut While Receiving the Key to Philadelphia

Quinta Brunson’s pixie cut era continues to be, simply put, so good. The Abbott Elementary creator and actor showed off the chic haircut again on Wednesday afternoon in Philadelphia when she received a key to the city.

The actor attended the May 28 ceremony, which was held at Andrew Hamilton School, her alma mater and the real-life inspiration for Abbott Elementary, and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker honored Brunson. The entire afternoon was more than a homecoming for the 35-year-old comedian. It was a celebration of her unwavering commitment to public education and her deep ties to the city that raised her.

Yes, Brunson's pixie cut looked chic as ever, and she complemented it with a smartly tailored suit set, comprised of a jacket, a white polo top, an asymmetrical skirt, small gold hoops, and pointy heels. The actor kept her makeup look classic, too, with a softly smoked eye and glossy lips.

During the event, the city also unveiled a mural of Brunson, capturing her likeness in bold, joyful strokes that served as an artistic nod to her impact on the community and the cultural landscape at large. Before a crowd that included her family, former teachers, and beaming fans, Brunson spoke of the power of public schools to nurture creativity and resilience, echoing the same messages that define her funny but profound TV show.

"It is crazy surreal being in this room right now," she said on Wednesday while on stage of her former elementary school. "This school was part of the architecture of Abbott." The actor revealed how much murals inspired her growing up in Philadelphia in an interview with AP, making this an even more full circle moment.

The actor and producer continues to play with iterations of her pixie cut, making sure her fans have plenty inspiration. From the glory of her finger-waves at the 2025 Met Gala (where she made her debut and wore designer Sergio Hudson) to her latest appearance in Philadelphia, her short hair has become a hallmark of her evolving style. On a deeper level, the hairstyle holds a mirror to her new chapter.

“I’ve been planning it for a really long time and I kept getting cold feet and I decided it was time to stop getting cold feet and just cut it off,” she told People September 2024 of the then-new pixie look, which she slicked back with a soft curl. She admitted the had felt "shock, but then complete freedom," after cutting it, adding she "never felt better. I just feel very much like myself. It’s like a piece of me that I was trying to get for a long time.”

Wednesday's honor on behalf of Philadelphia comes amid a period of personal and professional transformation for Brunson. Earlier this year, she filed for divorce from her husband of three years, Kevin Anik, citing irreconcilable differences. Abbott Elementary continues to thrive, with its fourth season currently airing and featuring a highly anticipated crossover with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.