profile

Bill Hicks

1961-12-16 (62 years old) in Valdosta, Georgia, USA

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.

Movies

poster
Bill Hicks: Reflections
70 %|Mar 30, 2015
Documentary
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The Reality of Me
72 %|Nov 1, 2012
Documentary
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American: The Bill Hicks Story
74 %|Apr 10, 2010
Comedy, Documentary
poster
Heckler
59 %|Nov 4, 2007
Documentary, Comedy
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Zeitgeist
69 %|Jun 1, 2007
Documentary, History
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Comedy Knockouts
60 %|Jul 29, 2003
poster
Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks
63 %|Jun 15, 2003
Comedy, Documentary
actor
The Best of Midnight Rider
0 %|Jun 25, 2002
Comedy
poster
Totally Bill Hicks
78 %|Nov 23, 1998
Comedy, Documentary
poster
Bill Hicks: It's Just a Ride
74 %|Jun 18, 1994
Documentary
actor
But... Seriously
100 %|Mar 25, 1994
Documentary
actor
Bill Hicks: Igby's, LA
76 %|Jan 5, 1994
Comedy
poster
Bill Hicks: United States of Advertising
70 %|Oct 23, 1993
Comedy, Documentary
actor
Bill Hicks: At the Laff Stop
69 %|Jun 12, 1993
Comedy
poster
Bill Hicks: Revelations
80 %|May 27, 1993
Comedy
poster
Bill Hicks: Relentless
76 %|Jan 1, 1992
Comedy
poster
Bill Hicks: One Night Stand
62 %|Apr 27, 1991
Comedy
poster
Ninja Bachelor Party
56 %|Jan 1, 1991
Comedy
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Bill Hicks: The Funny Farm
42 %|Jan 1, 1990
Comedy
poster
Bill Hicks: Sane Man
73 %|Dec 1, 1989
Comedy
poster
Impact Video Magazine
40 %|Jan 1, 1989
Animation, Music, Documentary
poster
Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen
59 %|Jun 12, 1988
Comedy

Series

poster
One Night Stand
80 %|Feb 15, 1989
Comedy