Sam Kinison

Sam Kinison
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Name	Sam Kinison
Birth date	December 8, 1953
Birth place	Yakima, Washington
Death date	April 10, 1992
Death place	Needles, California
Occupation	Comedian, actor

Sam Kinison was an American comedian and actor known for his intense and raw stand-up comedy style, which often incorporated shouting and screaming. He was a key figure in the 1980s comedy boom, alongside other notable comedians such as Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, and George Carlin. Kinison's unique style was influenced by his Pentecostal upbringing and his experiences as a preacher before becoming a comedian, which is similar to the career paths of other comedians like Sinbad and Dennis Miller. He was also known for his appearances on Saturday Night Live and his friendships with other comedians, including Robin Williams and Billy Crystal.

● Early Life

Sam Kinison was born on December 8, 1953, in Yakima, Washington, to Marie Kinison and Earle Kinison, a Pentecostal preacher. He was the oldest of three children, and his family moved frequently during his childhood, living in various places such as East Peoria, Illinois, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kinison's early life was marked by a strong Christian upbringing, and he began preaching at a young age, similar to other notable figures like Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker. He attended Pinecrest Bible Training Center in Salisbury Center, New York, and later became a preacher himself, but eventually left the ministry to pursue a career in comedy, following in the footsteps of comedians like Steve Martin and John Candy.

● Career

Kinison's career in comedy began in the late 1970s, when he started performing stand-up comedy in Houston, Texas, alongside other comedians like Bill Hicks and Carl LaBove. He quickly gained a following and became known for his intense and raw style, which often incorporated shouting and screaming, similar to the styles of comedians like Lenny Bruce and Mort Sahl. Kinison's big break came in the early 1980s, when he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, hosted by Johnny Carson, and later on Late Night with David Letterman, hosted by David Letterman. He also appeared on Saturday Night Live, hosted by Lorne Michaels, and became a regular on the show, alongside other cast members like Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy. Kinison's friendships with other comedians, including Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, also helped to establish him as a major figure in the comedy world, which included other notable comedians like Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal.

● Death and Legacy

Sam Kinison died on April 10, 1992, in a car accident on Interstate 40 in Needles, California, while driving back from a comedy club performance in Laughlin, Nevada. He was 38 years old at the time of his death, which was a shock to the comedy world, and was mourned by his friends and fellow comedians, including Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy. Kinison's legacy as a comedian has endured, and he is still widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential comedians of all time, alongside other notable comedians like Richard Pryor and George Carlin. His style has influenced a generation of comedians, including Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, and his appearances on Saturday Night Live and other shows remain some of the most iconic moments in comedy history, which also includes the careers of comedians like John Belushi and Gilda Radner.

● Filmography

Sam Kinison appeared in a number of films during his career, including Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield, Three Amigos with Steve Martin and Chevy Chase, and Savage Dawn with George Kennedy and Lance Henriksen. He also appeared in Cannonball Run II with Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise, and Murder, She Wrote with Angela Lansbury. Kinison's film career was marked by his unique style and energy, which he brought to every role, whether it was a comedy or a drama, and he worked with a variety of notable directors, including John Landis and Ivan Reitman.

● Discography

Sam Kinison released several comedy albums during his career, including Louder Than Hell and Family Entertainment Hour, which featured his unique style and energy. He also appeared on comedy compilation albums, such as Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen with Tim Allen and Jeff Foxworthy. Kinison's albums were known for their raw and unapologetic humor, which often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in comedy, and he was praised by critics and fans alike for his innovative style, which was similar to the styles of comedians like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. His music career also intersected with that of other comedians, such as "Weird Al" Yankovic and Adam Sandler.