In the world of stand-up comedy, few rising stars have made as big of an impact as Taylor Tomlinson. With her quick wit, relatable humor, and unique perspective on everyday life, Tomlinson has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. From her early days performing in church basements to her current role as the host of CBS’ late-night show “After Midnight,” Tomlinson’s journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable. In this article, we will explore the life, career, and influences of Taylor Tomlinson, as well as her contributions to the world of comedy.
Taylor Elyse Tomlinson was born on November 4, 1993, in Orange County, California. Raised in Temecula, California, she attended Temecula Valley High School and graduated with high honors. Tomlinson’s passion for comedy began at a young age, and she credits her father for encouraging her to pursue her dreams. At the age of 16, Tomlinson and her father signed up for a stand-up class, and she quickly fell in love with the art form.
After high school, Tomlinson briefly attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, before transferring to a community college in the San Diego metropolitan area. Her decision to transfer was driven by her desire to be closer to comedy clubs and further her career in stand-up comedy. Tomlinson then attended California State University San Marcos before ultimately dropping out to focus on her burgeoning comedy career.
At the age of 19, Taylor Tomlinson made the life-changing decision to pursue comedy as a full-time career. She began performing in various venues, including church basements, school venues, and coffee shops. Tomlinson’s unique blend of observational and improvisational comedy quickly caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike.
In 2015, Tomlinson gained national recognition as a top-ten finalist on the ninth season of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Her sharp comedic timing and relatable material resonated with viewers, and she was named one of the “Top 10 Comics to Watch” by Variety at the 2019 Just for Laughs Festival.
Following her success on “Last Comic Standing,” Taylor Tomlinson’s career continued to soar. She made appearances on popular late-night talk shows such as “The Tonight Show” and “Conan,” showcasing her talent and winning over new fans with each performance. Tomlinson also appeared in various Comedy Central productions, further solidifying her status as one of the most promising comedians of her generation.
In 2018, Tomlinson performed a fifteen-minute set on an episode of the Netflix stand-up series “The Comedy Lineup.” The exposure from the show led to her first Netflix stand-up special, “Quarter-Life Crisis,” which was released in March 2020. The special showcased Tomlinson’s ability to take on topics such as relationships, adulthood, and the struggles of navigating life in your twenties.
Following the success of “Quarter-Life Crisis,” Taylor Tomlinson embarked on a nationwide tour with fellow comedian Whitney Cummings on the Codependent Tour in 2020. The tour further solidified her fan base and allowed her to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
In 2021, Tomlinson launched her own podcast titled “Sad in the City,” where she explores various topics related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. The podcast has gained a loyal following, with listeners appreciating Tomlinson’s candid and relatable discussions.
Taylor Tomlinson draws inspiration from a variety of comedic influences. She has cited Brian Regan and Maria Bamford as her two biggest comedy inspirations. Tomlinson admires Regan for his ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences and his genuine kindness both on and off stage. She is captivated by Bamford’s unique approach to comedy, particularly her ability to discuss mental health in a hilarious and vulnerable manner.
In addition to Regan and Bamford, Tomlinson also idolizes comedians such as Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Bert Kreischer, and John Mulaney. Each of these comedians has left a lasting impact on Tomlinson’s comedic style and approach to storytelling.
While Taylor Tomlinson’s career has been on the rise, she has also been open about her personal struggles. In her stand-up special “Look at You,” Tomlinson discusses her experiences with mental health issues, including depression, panic attacks, and night terrors. She bravely shares her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and uses her platform to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health.
Tomlinson was previously in a relationship with fellow comedian Sam Morril from March 2020 to February 2022. The couple’s comedic chemistry was evident both on and off stage, and their relationship provided inspiration for their respective comedy material.
Taylor Tomlinson’s career shows no signs of slowing down. In November 2023, it was announced that she would be the host of CBS’ late-night show “After Midnight,” a revival of the former Comedy Central panel show “@midnight.” The show premiered on January 17, 2024, and further solidified Tomlinson’s position as a rising star in the comedy world.
In addition to her hosting duties, Tomlinson has continued to work on new material and recently filmed her third Netflix stand-up special, “Have it All,” in Washington, D.C. The special is set to be released on February 13, 2024, and is highly anticipated by her ever-growing fan base.
Taylor Tomlinson’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. In December 2021, she was named one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in the Hollywood & Entertainment category. This prestigious recognition further cements Tomlinson’s status as one of the most influential and successful young comedians in the industry.
Taylor Tomlinson’s journey from performing in church basements to becoming a household name in the comedy world is a testament to her incredible talent and unwavering dedication. With her relatable humor, unique storytelling style, and openness about her own struggles, Tomlinson has carved out a space for herself in the hearts of comedy lovers everywhere. As she continues to evolve as a comedian and explore new avenues in her career, there’s no doubt that Taylor Tomlinson will leave a lasting legacy in the world of comedy.
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