Comedian Tig Notaro recently recounted her first encounter with Tom Cruise, highlighting their striking resemblance and a humorous exchange between them. During her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Notaro described how she approached Cruise and humorously offered herself as a potential actor to play his gay sister, capitalizing on their notable similarity. This moment unfolded at a Hollywood event where Cruise was mingling with the crowd after a performance.
How the Lookalike Comparison Led to an Unexpected Introduction
Tig Notaro, known for her distinctive deadpan humor, has often been told that she resembles Tom Cruise, a fact she addressed openly during her interview. She explained that despite the frequent comments on their likeness, she had never met Cruise in person until recently. On the night in question, when Cruise stepped off the stage and began interacting with the audience, Notaro took the opportunity to introduce herself.
Well, I’ve been told for years that people feel like I look like Tom Cruise,
she told Kimmel.
And it’s not every day that…I I’ve never been in a room with Tom Cruise. And he got off the stage and he was mingling with everybody else.
— Tig Notaro, Comedian
From Audience Interaction to a Lighthearted Offer
Notaro went on to share how she first approached Tom Cruise’s agent to request a moment to meet the actor. She humorously described her wife’s opinion of Cruise and how she personally viewed herself as a “DIY lesbian version” of the star. Her amusing self-characterization set a playful tone for the interaction. Once she reached Cruise’s agent, named Maha, she introduced herself and explained the lookalike comparison.
Uh, my wife has always thought he was really cute and I always told her that she married the DIY lesbian version…and um, low rent,
— Tig Notaro, Comedian
Anyway, so I’m making my way through the audience and I get up to Tom’s agent and I said, ‘Hi, uh, Maha. I, you know, could I meet Tom? I just wanted to show him a picture. Everybody tells me I look like him,’
she recalled.
And she was so formal. And she said, ‘Tom, comedian Tig Noaro.’ and the the crowd parts.
— Tig Notaro, Comedian
Tig’s Bold Request and the Visual Proof of Resemblance
When finally face to face with Tom Cruise, Notaro presented a photo that highlighted their likeness, then jokingly proposed a unique casting idea: if Cruise ever needed someone to play his gay sister, she would be the ideal choice. The picture demonstrated just how much she resembled a younger version of the actor. This playful offer added a memorable touch to their meeting, blending humor and admiration.
I walk in, and I got to show him…um this picture and I just said, ‘Listen, um if uh if you ever need anybody to play your gay sister…I mean, I look more like Tom Cruise than Tom Cruise looks like Tom Cruise in this picture,’
— Tig Notaro, Comedian
Why This Moment Resonates Beyond Humor
This encounter showcases the unexpected and lighthearted connections that can happen between celebrities and their lookalikes. For Tig Notaro, a respected figure in comedy, the resemblance opened a door to a fun and memorable experience with Tom Cruise. Moments like these humanize public figures and provide fans with entertaining stories beyond the usual Hollywood narrative. Moving forward, fans may eagerly await any potential collaboration inspired by this candid meeting between the two lookalikes.
