Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro
Bryan Berlin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Tig Notaro
Birth name	Mathilde O'Hara Notaro
Birth date	24 March 1971
Birth place	Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Occupation	Comedian; actor; writer; producer
Years active	2000–present

Tig Notaro Mathilde O'Hara Notaro is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for her deadpan delivery and personal storytelling. She gained national prominence following a widely acclaimed 2012 set that addressed her cancer diagnosis, leading to appearances on major television programs and tours at venues such as The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and festivals including Just for Laughs and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Notaro has worked across film, television network series, and radio programs, collaborating with notable figures and institutions in contemporary American comedy.

Early life and education

Notaro was born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Pass Christian, Mississippi and Houston, Texas. She is the daughter of a United States Navy veteran and grew up near communities connected to Naval Station Mayport and Gulf Coast towns, attending local schools before briefly studying at institutions linked to performing arts in the Southern United States. Early influences included regional performers and touring acts that visited venues in New Orleans, Austin, and Nashville.

Stand-up comedy career

Notaro began performing stand-up in the early 2000s in clubs such as The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, and alternative spaces in Los Angeles, joining circuits that included performers from Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, and the Comedy Central roster. She developed a minimalist, deadpan style comparable in stage presence to figures associated with Observational comedy troupes and solo acts from Just for Laughs alumni. Breakthrough exposure came via a 2012 set addressing her breast cancer diagnosis that circulated through NPR segments, late-night platforms like Conan, and digital distribution channels promoted by producers from Amazon Studios and HBO. Post-2012, she toured internationally, performing at Glastonbury Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and the Montreux Comedy Festival.

Recording and filmography

Notaro's recordings include acclaimed live albums and specials distributed through labels and platforms associated with Rhino Entertainment, Sub Pop, and streaming services operated by Amazon and Netflix. Her landmark 2012 performance was released as a live recording that received critical attention from outlets such as Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Pitchfork. She has appeared in films produced or distributed by studios including Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, and independent companies that premiere at Sundance Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. Notaro's filmography features roles opposite performers from Saturday Night Live, collaborators from Adult Swim, and directors who have worked with A24.

Television and radio work

Notaro has guest-starred and held recurring roles on series broadcast by HBO, Amazon Prime Video, FX, NBC, and Hulu. Her television projects span scripted comedy series, sketch programs, and variety specials, working with showrunners and producers connected to SNL alumni, The Office creators, and writers from Parks and Recreation. In radio and podcasting, she has been featured on programs produced by NPR, participated in series from BBC Radio 4, and hosted or co-hosted podcasts distributed by networks such as Stitcher and Earwolf. Her collaborations include musical guests and recurring partnerships with artists represented by labels like Sub Pop and networks tied to KCRW.

Music and written works

Notaro has contributed writing to comedic anthologies and essays published alongside work by authors represented by imprints of Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster. She has collaborated musically with performers associated with Wilco, Calexico, and artists on the indie rock and alt-country scenes, appearing on soundtrack compilations for films premiered at SXSW and other festivals. Her written pieces have been featured in periodicals alongside contributors from The New Yorker, Harper's Bazaar, and Esquire, and she has participated in curated benefit compilations organized by non-profit venues and arts organizations.

Personal life and advocacy

Notaro has publicly discussed her health experiences and recovery, engaging with medical communities connected to institutions such as Mayo Clinic, cancer research initiatives funded by organizations like the American Cancer Society, and advocacy groups that collaborate with hospitals in Los Angeles and New York City. She has been involved with LGBTQ+ advocacy and organizations that intersect with performers who have appeared at Stonewall Inn benefit events and Pride festivals including LA Pride and regional celebrations in San Francisco. Notaro's public profile has included benefit performances for disaster relief coordinated with groups tied to Red Cross chapters and arts-driven nonprofit fundraisers affiliated with institutions like Kennedy Center outreach programs.

Awards and recognition

Notaro's work has been acknowledged by critics and institutions including nominations and awards from organizations such as Emmy Award committees for television specials, recognition from Glaad for contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility in media, and honors from comedy institutions like Just for Laughs and industry publications including Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. Her recorded performances received listings on year-end critics' lists published by outlets such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The New York Times Book Review cultural roundups.

Category:American comedians Category:American actresses Category:American writers