Bill Maher

Bill Maher
Name	Bill Maher
Caption	Maher in 2014
Birth name	William Maher
Birth date	20 January 1956
Birth place	New York City, U.S.
Education	Cornell University (BA)
Occupation	Comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, television host
Years active	1979–present
Known for	Politically Incorrect, Real Time with Bill Maher
Party	Independent (2007–present), Democratic (before 2007), Libertarian (c. 1970s)

Bill Maher is an American comedian, writer, producer, and political commentator known for his sharp, often provocative satire and commentary on American politics, religion, and culture. He first gained national prominence as the host of the late-night talk show Politically Incorrect on Comedy Central and later ABC, and has hosted the long-running HBO series Real Time with Bill Maher since 2003. Maher's style blends stand-up comedy with panel discussions featuring guests from politics, journalism, and entertainment, earning him multiple Emmy Award nominations and a reputation as a prominent voice in political satire.

Early life and education

William Maher was born in New York City to a Catholic mother and a Jewish father, a fact he often references in his comedy about religion. He was raised in River Vale, New Jersey, and attended Pascack Hills High School before enrolling at Cornell University. At Cornell, Maher studied English literature and history, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1978. His early comedic influences included figures like George Carlin and Richard Pryor, and he began performing stand-up comedy in New York City clubs shortly after graduation.

Career

Maher's early career included stand-up performances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and a role on the television series Sara. His breakthrough came in 1993 with the launch of Politically Incorrect on Comedy Central, a show that mixed comedy with political debate and later moved to ABC. After the show's cancellation in 2002 following controversial remarks Maher made about the September 11 attacks, he launched Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO in 2003, which has become his signature program. He has also produced and starred in several documentary films, including Religulous and The Aristocrats, and authored books like New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer.

Political views and commentary

Maher describes himself as a libertarian-leaning independent, having left the Democratic Party in 2007. His commentary is characterized by staunch secularism, advocacy for science and reason, and criticism of organized religion, particularly Islam and evangelical Christianity. He is a vocal supporter of environmentalism, animal rights, and drug policy reform, while frequently criticizing political correctness, identity politics, and what he perceives as the irrationality in modern political discourse. Maher has interviewed numerous prominent figures, including Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Richard Dawkins, on his programs.

Controversies

Maher has frequently sparked controversy with his blunt statements on sensitive topics. In 2001, his remarks on Politically Incorrect questioning the characterization of the 9/11 hijackers as "cowardly" led to the show's cancellation by ABC and the loss of several sponsors. He has repeatedly faced accusations of Islamophobia for his critiques of Islam, drawing criticism from organizations like the Council on American–Islamic Relations. Other controversies include a 2017 use of a racial slur during an interview on Real Time, for which he apologized, and various clashes with guests over issues like vaccine hesitancy and gender identity.

Personal life

Maher has never married and has no children, a subject he often jokes about in his stand-up routines. He is a longtime resident of Los Angeles, California, and owns a home in Beverly Hills. An avid poker player, he has participated in events like the World Series of Poker. Maher is a proponent of a vegan diet and yoga, and has been involved in philanthropic efforts supporting causes such as the PETA and the ACLU. His romantic relationships have occasionally been covered by tabloids like the New York Post.

Filmography and bibliography

Maher's film work includes starring in and producing the documentary Religulous (2008), directed by Larry Charles, and appearing in comedies like Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death (1989) and The Aristocrats (2005). His television credits span hosting Politically Incorrect (1993–2002) and Real Time with Bill Maher (2003–present), along with guest appearances on series like The Simpsons and 30 Rock. His published books include True Story: A Novel (1994), When You Ride Alone You Ride with bin Laden (2002), and The New New Rules: A Funny Look at How Everybody but Me Has Their Head Up Their Ass (2011).

Category:American comedians Category:American political commentators Category:American television hosts Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:People from New York City Category:Writers from New Jersey Category:Cornell University alumni