Randy Mathilde Cusack, the progenitor of the esteemed American comedian Tig Notaro, was born on January 16, 1946, in the vibrant city of New Orleans, though details regarding her own parentage remain undisclosed. In her earlier years, she resided in Mississippi alongside her husband and children before later relocating to Spring, Texas.
In the realm of her personal life, Mathilde Cusack underwent two matrimonial unions. Initially, she wedded Pat Notaro, though this union eventually culminated in divorce after several years, yielding two offspring, the gifted Tig and Renaud Notaro. Renaud, known to have been involved in the media industry, likely continues to grace the airwaves as a radio talk show host.
Mathilde Cusack’s second marital alliance was with Lauric Cusack, and together, they shared their lives until her passing in 2012. Regrettably, the year of their nuptials remains a private matter. According to her daughter Tig Notaro, Mathilde Cusack exuded a unique charm characterized by wit, candor, and audacity. She possessed an unwavering loyalty to her family and was unapologetically protective of her loved ones, earning a reputation as a fearless advocate for her kin.
A grandmother to two cherubic souls through her daughter Tig Notaro, Mathilde Cusack was an ardent and supportive mother, nurturing an abiding affection for her progeny. Even when her daughter made the daring decision to forgo traditional schooling in pursuit of a career in the entertainment sphere, Mathilde stood resolutely by her side, offering unwavering encouragement.
Tig Notaro, a passionate aficionado of music, eventually gravitated towards Denver, where she carved a path as a band manager under the moniker Tignation Promotions. Embracing a life-altering move, she subsequently ventured to the glittering shores of Los Angeles, California, in the late 1990s, fueled by an ardent desire to embark upon a career in the realm of stand-up comedy.
Thriving in the comedic landscape of Los Angeles, Mathilde’s daughter partook in various comedy programs, most notably Comedy Central Presents, before securing a role as a co-host alongside David Huntsberger and Dunnigan on the illustrious podcast, Professor Blastoff, where she lent her talents for a span of four years.
Notably, Tig Notaro’s journey in the stand-up comedy arena bore the fruit of several acclaimed albums. Her initial offering, “Good One,” graced the public in 2011 courtesy of Secretly Canadian, followed by the intensely personal “Live” released the subsequent year—a poignant reflection of her battle with cancer, a diagnosis she had received at that critical juncture in her life.
The daunting battle with breast cancer commenced for Tig Notaro in July 2012. Displaying extraordinary courage and resilience, she candidly shared her adversities, initially encapsulating them within the veil of humor during her inaugural live performance after the diagnosis. Fellow comedians, including the esteemed Louis C.K, extolled her remarkable display, urging her to release the audio of her performance, which promptly surged to viral acclaim, endearing her to countless admirers.
Amidst the trials of her health struggles, Tig Notaro experienced the dissolution of her then-relationship with her partner, leaving her feeling utterly shattered. Yet, her transformative stage performance in August 2012 served as an empowering catharsis, enabling her to find renewed strength and resilience in the face of adversity. In due course, she encountered the remarkable actress and comedian, Stephanie Allynne, with whom she embarked on a loving journey, ultimately welcoming two children into their lives, thoughtfully conceived through a surrogate.
It was with profound sorrow that Mathilde Cusack departed from this earthly realm on March 29, 2012, at the age of 66. Tragically, her passing occurred merely a week after Tig Notaro’s own discharge from the hospital, where she had received treatment for an intestinal infection. A tragic fall and head injury cast Mathilde into an irreversible coma, ultimately marking the end of her earthly sojourn. Though fraught with sorrow, this period of bereavement and health hardships served as a transformative juncture, setting Tig Notaro on an alternative and remarkable trajectory in her professional journey.
