Augusta Marsh Birney, professionally known as Gus Birney, was born in New York, to a family of actors, with her mother Constance Shulman and father Reed Birney being part of the city's thriving theater scene. Growing up amidst the performing arts, Gus and her brother Ephraim were surrounded by the world of entertainment from a young age.
As a child, Gus's talent and passion for the arts were evident, and she began her professional journey at just 14 years old with a stint in a Clean and Clear commercial. This initial foray into the industry led to her signing with Click Models, and she quickly made a name for herself by walking the runway for esteemed designers such as Kanye West and Vivianne Hu.
At 16, Gus's big break came when she was cast in Spike Lee's series, The Mist. This opportunity was so significant that she decided to drop out of high school to pursue acting full-time. Although she chose not to complete her high school education, Gus later obtained her GED and has since continued to work as a model, partnering with State Management.
In addition to her modeling career, Gus is also a talented songwriter and musician. She has been writing and recording her own music, showcasing her versatility and artistic range.