Born Mathilde Notaro, Tig Notaro grew up in Mississippi and acquired her nickname "Tig" from her brother. During her teenage years, Tig attended high school in Texas before dropping out to join friends in Denver. Immersed in the local music scene, she managed bands under "Tignation Promotions," which marked her first foray into the entertainment world.
Eventually, Tig moved to Los Angeles, where the abundance of stand-up shows piqued her interest in comedy. Inspired by the vibrant scene, she decided to give stand-up a try. Her first show went unexpectedly well, leading her to try her hand at a stand-up comedy competition soon after. This second attempt did not end as smoothly, as she stayed on stage for merely a minute and did not win.
Initially, Tig's comedic style relied on one-liners delivered through a crafted character. However, as her career progressed, she began to delve deeper into topics, gradually dropping the character to share more of her true self on stage. In 2006, Tig, along with her comedian friend Martha Kelly, launched the Crackpot Comedy Tour, performing in unconventional venues such as living rooms, backyards, and garages arranged by their fans. Occasionally, they were joined by special guests, including Zach Galifianakis. Tig even considered making a film about this unique experience.
August 2011 marked the release of Tig's debut comedy album, "Good One," launched by the indie label Secretly Canadian. The label, familiar with her work from touring with Jens Lekman, became home to her first comedy release. The decision to put out an album with Secretly Canadian was appealing to Tig, who had previously been hesitant about releasing a CD.
Beyond stand-up, Tig is known for her weekly podcast "Professor Blastoff," on the Earwolf network. Co-hosted by Tig, Kyle Dunnigan, and David Huntsberger, the show features discussions on philosophical topics such as astrobiology, sexual attraction, and kung fu.
Tig Notaro also shares a close friendship with Sarah Silverman, having appeared as "Officer Tig" on The Sarah Silverman Program. The two comedians collaborated on a pilot for the Logo Network, further cementing their creative partnership. Tig Notaro's career reflects her unique blend of resilience, innovation, and a candid comedic voice that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.