Why Isn't Mike Birbiglia More Famous?

Why Isn't Mike Birbiglia More Famous?

For a lapsed Catholic, comedian Mike Birbiglia sure loves a good confession. His standard joke format begins with an observation, goes somewhere surprising, and ends with an admission. Early in his new Netflix special, The Good Life, which is about him trying to teach his then 9-year-old daughter what’s important, he tells the story of her ballet performance, during which he and his wife tear up—“because she doesn’t have it.” He then turns serio…

Mike Birbiglia on Why He Veers Away From Politics in His Comedy, Who Critiques His Jokes, and His New Netflix Special

In advance of his new special, ‘The Good Life,’ the comedian talks to Vanity Fair about deciding what’s funny, toggling between media, and whose writing he considers “the gold standard.”