One of the finest comedic characters ever written, Titus Andromedon is a proverbial gremlin as well as a force to be reckoned with. A Japanese woman in his past life, Titus lemonaded into our lives in 2015.
In the realm of sitcoms, there are characters that make you chuckle and then there’s Titus Andromedon, the uproarious creation from the minds of Tina Fey and Robert Carlock in their hit show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, starring Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Jane Krakowski, and Carol Kane.
Played with fearless brilliance and kooky insanity by the comedic genius Burgess, who 30 Rock fans will remember as the nutty D’fwan, Titus is one of the most well-written and performed characters in TV history. You simply cannot think of Titus without “Peeno Noir” popping into your head.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt introduced viewers to the zany world of Kimmy Schmidt (played by Kemper), a woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and embarks on a whimsical journey of self-discovery in New York City. But it’s Titus Andromedon who steals the show as Kimmy’s flamboyant, firecracker roommate and confidant.
With his impeccable comic timing and larger-than-life personality, Titus quickly became an instant fan favourite, elevating the series to new heights of hysteria.
The series garnered an impressive array of award nominations and wins, including numerous Primetime Emmy nods and Critics’ Choice Television Awards. It may not be at par with the genius of 30 Rock, but it makes for a solid rebound show if you are missing Fey’s signature oddball humour in your life. Plus, you have Titus, the veritable tour de force, who falls asleep with hot pockets, wakes up with a greasy neck and receives the most respect dressed as a ‘Franken-wolf’ more than he ever did walking down the streets just as himself in outrageous tees that read ‘Baby Slut’.
At the heart of Titus Andromedon’s charm lies his ability to shamelessly embrace his true self. He rejects societal norms and revels in his unique individuality, never hesitating to unleash his sassy one-liners and questionable moral choices upon the world.
Titus is a character who lives life to the fullest, even when he doesn’t have a penny to his name, unapologetically pursuing his dreams of stardom and refusing to conform to anyone’s expectations. Of course, when you are not laughing with or at him, you recognise Titus as the empowering symbol of self-acceptance and authenticity that he represents.
One of the standout elements of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is Titus Andromedon’s show-stopping musical numbers. From the infectiously catchy “Peeno Noir” to the best Beyoncé homage on TV. “Furiosity”, a reimagining of Bey’s “Hold Up”, is no mere parody because it is straight-up fire!
Titus’s musical talent only adds an extra layer to the comic virtuosity of the character. With dreams of breaking into showbiz, he actually manages to crawl his way into the most archetypal feline fight club of them all, the nigh-mythical Cats musical on Broadway.
Beyond his riotous presence, Titus’s character possesses a relatable vulnerability. As he navigates relationships, pursues his passions, and confronts his own insecurities, we witness an almost-multifaceted individual trying to emerge from the shallow depths of his arrested development.
Titus might hog three pizzas instead of sharing, but he passes the gold standard of friendships. He walks Kimmy to her first day back to school, stands up for her even behind her back, helps her with a budget Cinderella makeover, and even gives up on an endless buffet in the middle of a forest to save his friend from a crazy cult leader.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt may have lasted only four seasons, and an interactive special—Kimmy vs. the Reverend, featuring Daniel Radcliffe and Jon Hamm—but Titus Andromedon is a character who will forever hold a special place in the pantheon of unforgettable TV icons.
