Tim Robinson has established himself as a prominent American comedian, actor, and screenwriter, renowned for his distinctive brand of absurd and cringe humor. He gained widespread recognition as the co-creator, co-writer, and star of the critically acclaimed Netflix sketch comedy series, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. Before achieving significant acclaim with his Netflix show, Robinson was a writer and performer on NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live and co-created and starred in the Comedy Central series Detroiters. His career trajectory showcases a unique comedic voice that has resonated with audiences and critics alike, making him a influential figure in contemporary sketch comedy.
Tim Robinson Overview
Here is a table providing a brief overview of key information about Tim Robinson, the acclaimed comedian, actor, and writer, including his personal details, professional journey, and financial standing.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy Sean Robinson |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1981 |
| Age | 44 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian, English, Polish, and remote French Huguenot descent |
| Height | 5 feet 8½ inches (174 cm) |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Screenwriter, Producer |
| Spouse | Heather Robinson (married 2006) |
| Children | Two (son Buster, daughter Penny) |
| Parents | Nanci (mother, worked for Chrysler); Sean Robinson (father, worked in construction) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Years Active | 2011–present |
Early Life and Education of Tim Robinson
Timothy Sean Robinson was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 23, 1981. He spent his formative years in the nearby cities of Clarkston and Waterford Township, Michigan. Robinson is of Italian, English, and Polish descent, with his mother having worked for Chrysler and his father in construction. His parents divorced during his childhood, and he has mentioned growing up with a stepfather who was Jewish and celebrated Hanukkah with him, giving him “kind of two dads.” He graduated from Clarkston High School in 2000.
Robinson’s journey into comedy began when he was a teenager. He recounts seeing a live Second City comedy performance in Chicago, an experience that profoundly influenced him. Inspired by the show, he soon enrolled in weekend improv classes at the Detroit branch of The Second City, which he credits as crucial to his career path. While pursuing his passion for comedy and honing his improvisational skills, Robinson supported himself through various odd jobs, including working in a toy store and teaching improv classes.
Tim Robinson’s Career
Early Comedy Beginnings and Second City
Tim Robinson’s comedic foundation was laid in the vibrant improv scene of Detroit and Chicago. After beginning with Second City Detroit, he toured with their company before joining the renowned Second City Chicago troupe in 2010. During his time with Second City Chicago, he participated in acclaimed productions such as “South Side of Heaven” in 2011, which garnered two Joseph Jefferson theater award nominations. He also performed at the iO Theater and the prestigious Just for Laughs festival.
Before his major breakthroughs, Robinson was cast in a CBS sitcom pilot titled Friend Me in 2011, though the show ultimately went unaired.
Saturday Night Live and Transition to Writing
In 2012, Robinson’s career took a significant turn when he was cast as a featured player on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. He appeared as a cast member for one season, during which he became known for celebrity impressions of figures like Ben Bailey and football coach Bill Cowher, and for recurring characters such as Carl, an elderly retail worker. However, Robinson found the demands of live television challenging due to his anxiety, and after one season, he made the unusual transition from featured player to a full-time staff writer for the show, a move that had only occurred once before in SNL’s history. He remained part of the writing team from 2013 to 2020, earning an Emmy nomination for his writing work.
Breakthrough with Detroiters and I Think You Should Leave
After his tenure at Saturday Night Live, Tim Robinson, biography of his creative journey shows, collaborated with fellow Detroit native and friend Sam Richardson to co-create and co-star in the Comedy Central series Detroiters. The show, which premiered in 2017 and ran for two seasons until 2018, followed two advertising men creating local commercials in Detroit. Detroiters was executive produced by Jason Sudeikis and Lorne Michaels and was praised for its unique blend of absurd humor and surprisingly soulful character work.
Robinson achieved widespread acclaim and a dedicated cult following with the Netflix sketch comedy series, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, which he co-created with Zach Kanin. The show premiered in 2019 and is executive produced by The Lonely Island members Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone. Known for its cringe-inducing, surreal, and often bizarre scenarios, the series quickly stood out in the world of sketch comedy, earning critical praise and multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. Its distinctive style, which frequently features characters doubling down on their awkwardness or misbehavior, became a defining characteristic of Robinson’s comedic voice.
Film and Other Television Appearances
Beyond his sketch comedy success, Robinson has also ventured into film and other television projects. He appeared in his own 30-minute episode of Netflix Presents: The Characters in 2016. His film credits include portraying Benjamin Franklin in the comedy Brother Nature in 2016. He has lent his voice to animated projects such as Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers in 2022, where he voiced Ugly Sonic, and the first-person shooter video game High on Life in 2022, as the voice of Creature. Robinson also starred in the dark comedy film Friendship, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired by A24 for U.S. distribution, having a limited theatrical release in May 2025. He is also slated to be part of the voice cast for the sequel, The Angry Birds Movie 3, set for release in 2027. Robinson has made guest appearances on various shows, including several stints as Dale, Seth Meyers‘ “emergency sidekick” on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Tim Robinson Personal Life & Family
Tim Robinson leads a relatively private personal life, despite his growing public profile. He married Heather Robinson, an electrical engineer for Chrysler, in September 2006. The couple’s relationship began in high school, where they were schoolmates and started dating as teenagers. Heather, like Tim’s mother, has had a career with Chrysler, working as an electrical/flash engineer. She maintains a career outside the entertainment industry and prefers to stay out of the public eye, though she is a significant source of support for Tim’s aspirations.
Tim and Heather Robinson are proud parents to two children: a son named Buster and a daughter named Penny. The family resides in Los Angeles, though Tim frequently expresses his love for Michigan, where most of his and Heather’s families still live. Tim shares a close bond with his son, Buster, over their mutual love for skateboarding, an activity Tim has enjoyed since high school and has recently revisited. His daughter, Penny, has also shown signs of inheriting her father’s comedic talents, often appearing in his social media posts with her jokes and impressions.
Away from the spotlight, Robinson is known for several personal quirks. He is a vegetarian and suffers from claustrophobia. He holds a belief in the existence of aliens but not ghosts. His favorite film is Alfred Hitchcock’s 1951 thriller, Strangers on a Train. Robinson’s friends describe him as deeply loyal with a powerful work ethic, and he is drawn to characters who embody an uncomfortable mix of confidence and mortification.
Awards and Achievements of Tim Robinson
Tim Robinson’s unique comedic vision and performances have earned him significant recognition in the entertainment industry.
Primetime Emmy Awards
He is a multi-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for his work on I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.
- Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series: Robinson won this award consecutively in 2022 and 2023 for his various characters in I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. He is the only actor to have multiple wins in this category.
- Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series: In 2023, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, with Robinson as an Executive Producer, also secured this Emmy.
Other Nominations and Recognition
- Robinson also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series during his time as a writer on Saturday Night Live in 2016.
- His work, particularly I Think You Should Leave, has received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative and surreal approach to sketch comedy, with the first season holding a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
- He is widely recognized for his ability to create weird, hilarious, and often pitiable characters, establishing him as one of comedy’s most unique voices.
Tim Robinson Net Worth and Income
As of late 2024 and mid-2025, Tim Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His wealth is primarily accumulated through his extensive and successful career as a comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer.
Robinson’s income streams are diverse, stemming from his significant contributions to television and streaming platforms. A substantial portion of his earnings comes from his roles as co-creator, co-writer, and star of the highly successful Netflix series, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. His past work as a featured player and long-time writer for Saturday Night Live, as well as his co-creation and starring role in the Comedy Central series Detroiters, have also contributed to his financial success. Additionally, his acting roles in films such as Brother Nature, voice work in projects like Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers and High on Life, and upcoming film appearances further diversify his income.
Legacy and Influence
Tim Robinson’s biography and body of work firmly establish him as a singular and influential voice in modern comedy. His distinctive comedic style, characterized by absurdism, cringe humor, and a willingness to embrace the uncomfortable, has left a significant mark on the landscape of sketch comedy. He has cultivated a loyal and passionate fanbase drawn to his unique brand of humor that often explores the boundaries of social awkwardness and human folly.
Robinson’s shows, particularly I Think You Should Leave, are celebrated for breathing new life into the sketch comedy format, moving beyond traditional structures to present highly original and unpredictable scenarios. His ability to embody bizarre characters who stubbornly refuse to back down from their misguided convictions or strange behaviors resonates deeply with audiences, often transforming moments of intense discomfort into uproarious laughter. Critics note his mastery in portraying the strange and insecure, slowly pulling back the curtain to reveal the inherent weirdness of his characters. This innovative approach has earned him critical acclaim and positioned him as a trendsetter, inspiring a new generation of performers to explore more unconventional comedic avenues.
His impact extends beyond entertainment, as many of his sketches and catchphrases have permeated popular culture, becoming viral memes and everyday references. Robinson’s work is a testament to the power of authentic, uncompromised comedic vision, solidifying his place as a significant figure who continually pushes the boundaries of what sketch comedy can be.
Interesting Facts about Tim Robinson
- Tim Robinson’s parents worked in blue-collar professions; his mother was employed by Chrysler, and his father worked in construction.
- Coincidentally, his wife, Heather, also pursued a career at Chrysler as an electrical engineer, mirroring his mother’s professional association with the company.
- He was discovered for Saturday Night Live after fellow comedian John Mulaney saw him perform at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal and recommended him for an audition.
- Robinson explicitly stated that anxiety about performing live on television was a factor in his decision to transition from a cast member to a writer at Saturday Night Live.
- The distinctive title for his hit Netflix series, I Think You Should Leave, was conceived by his writing partner, Zach Kanin, inspired by the recurring theme of problematic characters in Robinson’s sketches.
- His two children are named Buster and Penny.
- Robinson shares a deep passion for skateboarding with his son, Buster, and they often bond over the activity.
- His daughter, Penny, has also demonstrated an early aptitude for comedy, exhibiting talents for telling jokes and making impressions.
- Tim Robinson is a vegetarian.
- He experiences claustrophobia.
- Interestingly, he believes in the existence of aliens but does not believe in ghosts.
- Growing up, his family did not have cable television, but their antenna could pick up the Canadian sketch show The Kids in the Hall on CBC, which served as an early introduction to sketch comedy.
- His favorite film is Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, Strangers on a Train.
Controversies
Despite his rise to prominence in the entertainment industry, Tim Robinson has largely maintained a career free from significant public controversies. His public image remains centered on his unique comedic talent and his distinct contributions to sketch comedy. There are no widely reported major personal scandals or public challenges that have significantly impacted his career. The most notable “controversy” in his career, if one could call it that, was his relatively brief tenure as a cast member on Saturday Night Live before transitioning to a writing role, a move he attributed to personal anxiety about live television.
Social Media Presence
Tim Robinson maintains a notable presence on social media, primarily through Instagram, where he connects with his dedicated fanbase and sometimes shares glimpses into his personal life, often featuring his family. As of information available, his Instagram following surpasses 460,000, reflecting his popularity and the broad reach of his comedic work. While specific follower counts for other platforms like Twitter or YouTube are not consistently highlighted as official primary channels for his direct engagement, his influence and the virality of his sketches mean that content related to him is widely shared and discussed across various social media platforms.
Final Words about Tim Robinson
Tim Robinson has solidified his position as a unique and indispensable voice in contemporary comedy, captivating audiences with his distinctive blend of cringe and absurd humor. From his foundational years in Detroit’s improv scene and his tenure as a writer for Saturday Night Live, to the widespread critical and popular success of Detroiters and the Emmy-winning I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, his career trajectory is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his singular comedic vision.
Currently, Robinson continues to be a highly sought-after talent. His recent and upcoming projects, such as starring in the dark comedy film Friendship, released in May 2025, and lending his voice to The Angry Birds Movie 3 in 2027, demonstrate his expanding presence across film and television. His legacy is defined by his ability to transform uncomfortable social interactions into brilliantly awkward and deeply hilarious sketches, influencing a new generation of comedians and securing his place as a master of modern sketch comedy. Tim Robinson continues to push boundaries, delight fans, and prove that there is always room for a laugh, even when you think you should leave.
