Mae Martin first captivated Toronto comedy audiences before their sharp, honest humor found an international following. Born in 1987, Martin has spent over a decade carving out a unique space in the world of stand-up, writing, and acting, with their Netflix series Feel Good catapulting them into broader acclaim.
What sets Martin apart is the way they blend vulnerability and wit, turning personal stories about addiction, gender identity, and relationships into comedy that feels both raw and relatable. Their stand-up and writing invite the audience into intimate moments, never shying away from difficult topics, yet always finding space for warmth and laughter.
Private Life in the Public Eye
Even with their openness on stage, Martin keeps their personal life largely out of the spotlight. One notable exception has been their relationship with Survivor alum Parvati Shallow, which began in early 2023. The pair share occasional glimpses of their lives together on social media but generally draw a clear line between public persona and private details.
“I’m still figuring out the balance between being authentic in my work and protecting parts of my life,” Martin told The Guardian in 2021. That careful navigation between sharing and safeguarding seems to define how they handle their increasing fame.
Aside from Shallow, little is known about Martin’s past relationships. Fans have speculated about real-life sparks with Charlotte Ritchie, Martin’s on-screen partner in Feel Good, but both have dismissed those rumors as just that – rumors. Similarly, while Martin and actor Elliot Page have formed a well-known friendship, suggestions of romance have never been confirmed and have generally been downplayed by both.
Martin tends to talk about relationships in broad emotional terms rather than specifics. “The same things that make comedy work – timing, honesty, and a willingness to be vulnerable – are what make relationships work too,” they reflected on the Comedians vs. The World podcast in 2020. It’s an approach that grounds their comedy and their public persona alike.
Creative Connections
Throughout their career, Martin has gravitated toward other artists who understand the odd pressures that come with public life. Their friendship with Elliot Page, for example, highlights Martin’s tendency to forge close, supportive bonds with fellow creatives, rather than feeding into the rumor mill.
As in their real life, Martin’s work – especially Feel Good – explores love, vulnerability, and boundaries with a kind of gentle clarity. The series’ semi-autobiographical style has led many fans to seek parallels between storylines and Martin’s own life, something they admit can be tricky to navigate.
“People assume they know everything about you when you make personal work,” Martin said in a 2022 interview. “But there’s always a line between what I share and what I keep for myself.”
Past Relationships
Parvati Shallow
Elliot Page
Charlotte Ritchie
It’s clear that maintaining those boundaries, even while being candid in their art, is central to Martin’s approach. Rather than chase headlines or overshare, Mae Martin keeps the focus on creating honest, challenging, and resonant comedy – and on holding onto the parts of themselves that belong just to them.