Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Birthdate
1961-12-16
Day of Death
1994-02-26
Place of Birth
Valdosta, Georgia, USA
Bill Hicks
Biography
William Melvin "Bill" Hicks (December 16, 1961 – February 26, 1994) was an American stand-up comedian and satirist. His humor challenged mainstream beliefs, aiming to "enlighten people to think for themselves." Hicks used a ribald approach to express his material, describing himself as "Chomsky with dick jokes." His jokes included general discussions about society, religion, politics, philosophy and personal issues. Hicks' material was often deliberately controversial and steeped in dark comedy. In both his stand-up performances, and during interviews, he often criticized consumerism, superficiality, mediocrity and banality within the media and popular culture, describing them as oppressive tools of the ruling class, meant to "keep people stupid and apathetic." Hicks died of pancreatic cancer, which had spread to his liver, in 1994 at the age of 32. In the years after his death, his work and legacy achieved significant admiration and acclaim, of numerous comedians, writers, actors and musicians alike. He was listed as the 19th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central in 2004, and 6th greatest in 2007 and 4th greatest by Channel 4 in 2010.
Filmography (28)
Bill Hicks: Reflections
2015
The Reality of Me
2012
American: The Bill Hicks Story
2010
Heckler
2007
Zeitgeist: The Movie
2007
Bill Hicks Live: Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-up Comedian
2004
Comedy Knockouts
2003
Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks
2003The Best of Midnight Rider
2002
Totally Bill Hicks
1998
Bill Hicks: It's Just a Ride
1994But... Seriously
1994Bill Hicks: Igby's, LA
1994
Sacred Cow Halloween Special
1993
