Natalie Cuomo – Inked & Unfiltered

With her bold tattoos and sharp, quirky humor, Natalie Cuomo (@nataliecuomo_) is a comedian who knows how to make a lasting impression. Her unique blend of comedy and tattoo culture, showcased in sold-out shows across the U.S., Australia, and Canada, has made her a fan favorite, captivating audiences with her one-of-a-kind style.

Cuomo recently spoke with Inked Magazine about her experiences on the road, her journey as a comedian, and her unique connection to the tattoo community. As expected, her responses were as humorous and surprising as her stand-up performances.

Cuomo is recognized not only for her comedy career but also for her time as a freelance writer with Inked Magazine. For Cuomo, being on the other side of the interview represents a meaningful milestone in her journey. “I had the most fun interviewing tattooed comedians for Inked Magazine,” she says. “It’s very full circle for me to be interviewed as a comedian!”

When asked which tattoo artist she’d most like to interview today, Cuomo doesn’t hesitate. “I’ll take any excuse to hang out with Ryan Ashley and hopefully get a piece by her soon!”

Though she’s not a tattoo artist herself, Cuomo’s deep appreciation for tattoo culture is undeniable. “I have always been drawn to tattoo culture. I enjoy hanging around tattoo shops, making friends with talented artists, and collecting their work,” she says.

While her tattoos don’t directly shape her jokes, they do play a significant role in her connection with audiences. Her bold, intricate pieces spark curiosity and provide an additional layer to her stage persona.

“I often want to wear a sweatshirt on stage, but people after the show are like, ‘WTF! We wanted to see your tattoos!’” Cuomo shares, laughing. “Sometimes I feel like my tattoos are a distraction from what I’m trying to say on stage. If I wear shorts, I feel people staring at my legs like, ‘Why is there a skunk in a top hat on her shin?’”

Cuomo’s tattoos have also found their way into her material. “None of my tattoos are thought out, so a few of them have made it into my stand-up,” she admits. “It’s taken me to the age of 30 to realize that maybe I was a bit impulsive in my early 20s… but hey, who cares?”

If her tattoos could talk, Natalie jokes, they’d offer one piece of advice: “Laser tattoo removal is bad for you!! Don’t do it!”

Cuomo’s life on tour is filled with memorable moments, cultural differences, and unique pre-show rituals. “I like to write out my set over and over again on pieces of paper,” she shares. “Then I rip it out from my notebook and keep it in my back pocket while I’m on stage. Afterward, I put it in a folder, take a photo of it, and add it to an album on my phone. Then I do the same thing the next night.”

Touring different countries has also given her insight into how cultural nuances affect her comedy. “The audiences are pretty consistent because they’re familiar with my work,” she explains. “But there are some references I need to adjust. For example, Xanax isn’t as popular in Rotterdam as it is in NYC.”

Balancing a stand-up comedy career is no small feat, especially when sharing the journey with a fellow wisecracker. Cuomo recently tied the knot with comedian Dan LaMorte, and their relationship is a mix of humor, mutual support, and a few comedic challenges. “The best part is that we are constantly pushing each other to be the funniest versions of ourselves,” she says. “The worst part is sometimes one of us wants to be serious while the other one is still in joking mode.”

For Cuomo, one of the most rewarding aspects of her career is the community it has created. She fondly remembers a particularly special moment when two fans who had formed a friendship through their shared love for her work met in person for the first time and shared a heartfelt hug. “Community means more to me than anything,” she says.

Between her comedy tour and her popular podcast, “Help! With Natalie Cuomo,” she thrives on building connections with others. “The podcast is an excuse for me to talk to people I really look up to and want to have conversations with,” she shares. Unlike her stand-up, the podcast adopts a more conversational tone, diving into authentic and insightful topics with her guests.

When she’s not on the road, Cuomo enjoys indulging in reality TV and dreaming about a quiet life on a tiny farm, but for now, she remains focused on sharing laughter and stories with audiences around the globe. “Ever since I was a little kid, I loved the shared experience of live performance,” she says. “Coming from a very small family, I quickly realized the best sense of community I could find was sharing laughter with a room full of strangers. Performing forces me to connect with the current moment, and it reminds me that I am not alone.”

With her clever wit, relatable charm, and passion for tattoo culture, Cuomo is leaving a lasting mark on the comedy world. Whether on stage, hosting her podcast, or hanging out at a tattoo shop, she proves that comedy isn’t just a way to connect; it’s a way to do it with style and authenticity.