Tim Robinson is an American comedian, actor, and writer celebrated for his absurdist and offbeat comedic style. Born on May 23, 1981, in Detroit, Michigan, he rose to prominence as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2016. His distinctive voice and unconventional sketches later found a broader platform in the cult-favorite series Detroiters (2017–2018), which he co-created and starred in, and the Netflix sketch comedy hit I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019–present), earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Robinson’s early life shaped much of his comedic sensibility. Raised in the Detroit suburbs of Clarkston and Waterford Township, he experienced a diverse upbringing following his parents’ divorce. His mother worked for Chrysler, while his father was in construction, and his stepfather’s Jewish heritage introduced him to Hanukkah traditions. These personal experiences, paired with a working-class background, often influence the characters and worlds he creates—awkward, relatable, and teetering on the edge of surreal.

Inspired by a teenage trip to see a Second City comedy show in Chicago, Robinson began taking improv classes at Second City’s Detroit branch. While honing his skills, he juggled jobs in a toy store and taught improv to support himself. This grassroots dedication to the craft helped him develop a sharp comedic voice that thrives on discomfort, absurdity, and the humor in the mundane—hallmarks of his now-iconic sketches.