A brilliant and hilarious comedian from the West Side of Chicago, Cousin Tiera is captivating audiences across the country with her viral Black Mama video skits and sold-out stand-up performances.
Born Tiera O’Leary, she was raised in a larger-than-life home where storytelling, singing, and sharing jokes helped her navigate life’s ups and downs. These experiences prepared her for a career she never saw coming.
"I only had 1,000 followers when I first started. I never thought I would rise to the level I’m at now. However, after recording videos and staying consistent, it was my Spades video that went viral. It set the tone. And as a stand-up comedian, once you take off, you have to find your thing to keep your content rolling. And that’s exactly what I did.”
Cousin Tiera’s rise to fame isn’t solely attributed to her funny antics and Black Mama skits; it’s about embracing her genuine self and connecting authentically with her audience. Her storytelling is the heartbeat of her stand-up performances, allowing her to resonate directly with fans when laughter is needed most.
The Beginning of a Comedy Career
Her journey in comedy began in 2016, thanks to the encouragement of friends who believed in her talent. Chicago Super Promoter, DoNskI, told Tiera, “Girl, you’re naturally funny! You should give it a shot.” After some thought, Tiera couldn’t resist performing on stage. During an open mic night at Bar 10 Doors, she took advice from DoNskI, who hosted the event, and she stepped into the limelight. This moment would change her life.
Her debut performance was a roar of laughter, reflecting her 42 minutes of authentic storytelling, and the applause solidified her new path.
“When I got ready to go up, Comedian T Murph came in, who was blowing up at the time. I was bumped and unable to perform. The following week, DoNskI created a flyer promoting my premiere, and it was packed from front to back. I went on stage, and at that time, I didn’t have a formula, but I was naturally funny and performed for 42 minutes on my first try. The audience gave me love.”
Tiera was hooked from that moment on, immersing herself fully in her craft. Performing each week helped her hone her comedic voice and build a deeper connection with her audience. Drawing from her upbringing, her humor creates colorful characters and stories, setting her style apart. Her inspiration for the Black Mama skits comes from her father, who raised her and instilled life lessons through love and laughter.
Authenticity Breeds Connection
“My dad inspires the Black Mama skits; he spent most of the time in the household raising me while my mother worked long hours. So, a lot of the content is inspired by my dad, from how to wash clothes to frying chicken,” she explains.
Her signature greeting, “Hey Cousins!” reinforces her authentic connection with the audience. Tiera’s viral Black Mama videos resonate universally, capturing the daily lives of Black mothers and their children.
These funny videos quickly gained traction, establishing Tiera as a beloved figure in the comedy scene. Her work has become a source of comfort, illustrating the unifying power of humor within the Black community. Like many greats, Tiera honors the legacy of those before her, earning accolades from comedy legends such as Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey.
Words of Encouragement from Legends
Mo’Nique’s impactful advice resonates with Tiera: “Baby, I heard you’re a beast on stage. When you go out there, don’t worry about people. Do you! Go out there every time and be yourself!” Tiera takes this to heart.
Before her shows, Tiera connects with her cousin—who she says shares a personal relationship with God—to pray, grounding herself and calming her nerves.
“My nerves are bad before each show, but I enjoy the nerves,” she admits. Other comedians have noted, “If the nerves are gone, it means the excitement is gone.” That excitement fuels her passion for comedy, turning anxiety into enthralling performances.
The Pivotal Moments of Tiera’s Journey
After a sold-out show on Mother’s Day 2023 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago, Tiera was overwhelmed with gratitude.
“It was so overwhelming. I’m a crybaby. After I finished my set and everyone in the audience stood up to give me applause and showers of flowers on stage, I went backstage and cried for about 40 minutes. I felt like it was official, They Like Me!”
This was a defining moment for Tiera, echoing the strong bond she’s built with her audience. Praised by seasoned comedians like Emmy-winning Steve Harvey—who nicknamed her “the female Bernie Mac”—Tiera humbly embraces the honor.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Humor
Juggling comedy with her previous career as a certified nursing assistant, she found inspiration in her surreal experiences in the medical field.
“After 11 years in the medical field, you see some crazy stuff on third shift,” she said. Tiera’s humor presented itself as a coping mechanism, allowing her to reveal overlooked life moments through her unique comedic lens.
In the early days, her skits struggled for views, but Tiera persevered. A video once featured on Steve Harvey’s morning radio show propelled her career forward, establishing her remarkable journey. Series like “Fact Friday” and “New Math” showcase her promise and relatability, ultimately guiding her in connecting with a broad audience.
Empowering Fellow Comedians
Sharing the stage with respected comics like Melanie Camacho, Just Nesh, and Mojo Brooks, Tiera values collaboration. Committed to uplifting other female comedians, she invited MReld Green to open for her on the Family Reunion Tour. Her dedication reflects her belief in the power of community and shared success.
Future Aspirations and Partnerships
Aiming for a one-hour Netflix special, Tiera is currently pursuing distribution and hopes for a partnership with Tyler Perry, aspiring to elevate her comedic storytelling on a global scale.
“I want to reach people everywhere with my comedy,” she states confidently. Aspirations to work with comedic legends like Jamie Foxx, Sommore, and even Jim Carrey fuel her ambitions.
More than just a comedian, Cousin Tiera is a storyteller and a cultural ambassador for Black humor, offering laughter as a lifeline that unites people across diverse backgrounds. Her journey, rich with authenticity and resilience, teaches aspiring comedians that their roots can lead them to unimaginable heights.
Cousin Tiera embodies the new generation of comedians transforming the entertainment landscape. She believes that by embracing shared experiences—good or bad—great accomplishments are possible.
“As she puts it, ‘At the end of the day, it’s all about love, family, and a good laugh. That’s what connects us all.’”