From Sandusky to Stardom: The Rise of Tim Murray

by Frank Gaimari

Tim Murray’s journey is as enchanting as his comedy. It begins in Sandusky, Ohio — a lakeside town better known for its amusement parks than for queer culture or a vibrant comedy scene. Growing up as a closeted gay kid in a conservative environment, Tim often felt like an outsider. Yet, it was within the walls of his small-town home, surrounded by family and a persistent sense of not quite belonging, that the seeds of his comedic genius were planted. His early years were a delicate balance of challenges and creative exploration, filled with dinner table antics and the refuge he found in the arts at Sandusky High School.

At Sandusky High, the choir, drama club, and arts programs became his sanctuary — a space where he could express himself long before he was ready to come out. Leadership came naturally to Tim; he was elected class president, channeling his humor and charisma into every assembly and school event.

Today, Tim Murray is celebrated for his one-of-a-kind comedy-musical show, Tim Murray Is Witches. Drawing inspiration from his lifelong love of the musical Wicked and a childhood fascination with witches, the show is a whirlwind celebration of self-acceptance and individuality. A mashup of stand-up, original songs, drag, and fearless crowd work, Tim Murray Is Witches has captivated audiences on both national and international stages.

Michael Henry and Tim Murray / Wish You Were Queer

Tim’s latest project, Wish You Were Queer, takes his comedy to new heights. The OUTtv original series follows Tim and his comedy partner, Michael Henry, as they embark on a cross-country journey, performing stand-up in cities across middle America. Under the mentorship of drag superstar Trixie Mattel, the duo is pushed to connect with audiences far beyond the liberal bubbles of Los Angeles. Each episode blends comedy, culture, and heartfelt connection, as Tim and Michael navigate the joys and challenges of reaching new communities.

But Wish You Were Queer is more than just a comedy road trip — it’s a celebration of queer culture in America’s heartland. Through quirky local encounters and moving conversations with LGBTQ+ people, the series reveals the resilience and remarkable diversity of queer life in unexpected places.

Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with Tim for an in-depth conversation. What I found was that, beyond his undeniable talent and sharp comedic edge, Tim Murray is a genuinely kind and thoughtful person — someone who uses his platform to inspire, uplift, and bring people together.

Here’s an excerpt from our conversation, where we explored the moments, mentors, and motivations that have shaped his incredible journey:

Frank Gaimari: How did your experiences growing up in Sandusky shape your comedic voice?

Tim Murray: I ate a lot of ranch dressing, and that made me feel very funny. The culture of Ohio is rooted in kindness and fun, which really set the tone for my upbringing. It was a wonderful place to grow up — aside from the homophobia of the ’90s, which, unfortunately, was common everywhere back then.

The people I grew up with were incredibly witty and personable, almost as if it were baked into the culture. Being surrounded by that level of sharpness and charm naturally sharpened my own comedic skills. It was like living in a master class in humor, where every interaction was an opportunity to refine your timing and delivery.

FG: What inspired you to create Tim Murray Is Witches?

TM: I had been doing traditional stand-up for a few years when I saw my friend Matt Rogers’ musical comedy show, Have You Heard of Christmas? And it completely clicked for me. That night, something shifted. I started thinking about performers like Cole Escola, Catherine Cohen, and all these incredible musical comedians I admire, and I realized I had that same energy in me — I just hadn’t tapped into it yet. Watching Matt’s show, which I absolutely loved, made me ask myself, “What’s my version of this?” And then it hit me: Halloween!

From that moment on, it was like a floodgate had opened. Comedy songs about witches started pouring out of me, and I knew I had found something uniquely mine. That realization was the spark that brought Tim Murray Is Witches to life.

FG: What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while performing Tim Murray Is Witches?

TM: When I was filming the special in Seattle, I went to breakfast that morning feeling incredibly nervous about how the audience would respond. Having lived in NYC and LA, I initially wanted to film the special in one of those cities where I knew I could count on friends to come out and support. But my amazing director, Brent Driscoll, convinced me to film it in Seattle, promising he could make it look incredible on his home turf.

That morning, as I worried the crowd might not be as excited as I hoped, the waiter brought me a free dessert and said, “I loved your improv song last time you were in town.” It was such a surreal and reassuring moment. I gave him free tickets to the special (which he didn’t know I was filming), and that night, the improv song ended up being about him! It was such a full-circle moment, and one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had performing Tim Murray Is Witches.

FG: In Wish You Were Queer, what was the most surprising thing you learned about performing in middle America?

TM: The biggest lesson I learned is that you truly can’t predict anything — it’s your job as the comedian to adapt and make it work, no matter the circumstances. Michael Henry and I encountered every type of audience you can imagine. Some were thrilled to have us; others seemed more interested in their drinks; and some were stone-cold sober and somber. And then there was everything in between. It was a major learning curve, but also incredibly fun and rewarding.

What stood out to me most was how performing in middle America differs from the coasts. Audiences there are often more excited to see live shows because they don’t get them as frequently, which brings a unique energy to the room. At the same time, you must tweak a few references to make sure the material resonates. It’s a balancing act, but one that taught me so much about connecting with people.

FG: How has Trixie Mattel’s mentorship influenced your career and your approach to comedy?

TM: Trixie rocks so hard. Her support has been nothing short of transformative for me during this chapter of my life and career. This year, I’ve been fortunate to have people in higher positions extend a helping hand, and Trixie has been the most significant person doing that. Her mentorship has truly been a game-changer.

What’s so inspiring about Trixie is her genuine love for supporting fellow queer artists. She has an incredible ability to champion people, she believes in — those who work hard and make her laugh — and I feel so lucky to be part of that camp. Her support has not only opened doors for me but has also reinforced the importance of lifting others up in this industry. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me as I continue to grow.

FG: What role does Los Angeles play in your creative process and personal life?

TM: I am deeply obsessed with LA. It gave me so much material and was such a pleasant and beautiful place to live. However, I’ve recently moved back to NYC for my husband’s job and some theater-related comedy opportunities that have come my way. I will always have a deep love for LA, but right now, I’m enjoying being back in New York, surrounded by so many live performance opportunities.

FG: How do you balance live performances, teaching improv, and creating viral content for TikTok?

TM: I don’t! Lol. I’m constantly burnt out. If you’ve ever wondered why my hair looks disheveled or why there are bags under my eyes, it’s because I’ve spread myself way too thin! Luckily, I genuinely love everything I do, but I’ve been feeling the fatigue lately. I’m working on finding a balance so that none of these things suffer. For example, if I’m focused on writing, I still prioritize scheduling live shows and creating viral videos. It’s a beast to manage, but I’m doing my best to keep it all afloat.

FG: What’s next for you — another tour, a new show, or something entirely different?

TM: I’m currently writing two new comedy musicals. My Traitorz Musical Parody, which I co-wrote with Ben Fankhauser, recently had its first concert version, and it went well! We’re hoping it will lead to an off-Broadway run or even a tour. The other project I’m working on is something I’m super excited about, but I can’t announce it just yet.

Touring will always be a big part of what I do, and I absolutely love being on the road! My next adventure is an hour of comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC on April 9th, and I couldn’t be more excited. Plus, I’m doing Witches again in Austin on April 15 and 16!

Tim Murray’s story is one of transformation, from a small-town boy with big dreams to a comedian redefining what it means to be queer in America. With Wish You Were Queer streaming on OUTtv, and Tim Murray Is Witches continuing to tour, he’s at the top of his game. Yet, he remains grounded, using his platform to inspire and uplift others in the LGBTQ+ community.

Tim’s website: https://timmurraycomedian.com/

Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle, where he lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. You can learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.