Who was Bill Hicks? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: William Melvin Hicks

Died At Age: 32

Family:

father: Jim Hicks

mother: Mary Hicks

siblings: Lynn, Steve

Born Country: United States

Comedians Stand-up Comedians

Height: 6'1" (185 cm), 6'1" Males

Died on: February 26, 1994

place of death: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer

U.S. State: Georgia

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1

What impact did Bill Hicks have on the comedy world?

Bill Hicks is widely regarded as one of the most influential stand-up comedians of all time. He challenged societal norms, pushed boundaries, and fearlessly tackled controversial topics in his comedy.
2

What are some famous quotes by Bill Hicks?

Some of Bill Hicks' most famous quotes include: "It's just a ride," "The world is like a ride in an amusement park," and "Life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves."
3

What were some recurring themes in Bill Hicks' comedy?

Bill Hicks often explored themes such as politics, religion, consumerism, and the human experience in his comedy. He used his platform to criticize societal issues and challenge his audience's perspectives.
4

How did Bill Hicks' comedy evolve over the course of his career?

Bill Hicks' comedy evolved from more traditional stand-up routines to more introspective and philosophical material. He became known for his thought-provoking insights and fearless approach to addressing controversial subjects.
5

What legacy has Bill Hicks left in the world of comedy?

Bill Hicks' legacy in the world of comedy is marked by his fearlessness, intelligence, and uncompromising dedication to his craft. He continues to inspire comedians and audiences alike with his unique perspective and unapologetic approach to comedy.

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Childhood & Early Life

He was born on December 16, 1961 in Valdosta, Georgia to James Melvin ”Jim” Hicks, an executive at General Motors and Mary Hicks, a teacher. He was the youngest child of the family with two elder siblings, Steve and Lynn.

His family lived in Florida, Alabama, and New Jersey before settling in Houston, Texas; Bill was seven years old at that time. Later in his interviews, he often recalled his jokes on his family’s Southern Baptist beliefs in his childhood.

He was drawn to comedy in his early childhood and dreamt of becoming Woody Allen. Along with his friend, Dwight Slade, he used to write routines and perform in front of his family and friends.

At the age of 13, he was on stage in Houston nightclubs performing without the consent of his parents, who believed him to be in his room at night. By 1978, he had become a regular performing member of the Houston Comedy Workshop.

In his senior year of high school, Hicks's parents moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, but he stayed in Houston to finish high school. He moved to Los Angeles and embarked on a stand-up comedy career, shortly after his graduation in 1980.

From his early age, he was neither a spiritual person nor an atheist, though he believed in the existence of a supreme power, a one consciousness universe.

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Career

In Los Angeles, he quickly became a regular at the Comedy Store in Hollywood and was soon friends with Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno and Andrew Dice Clay.

In 1982, he formed a production company along with his friend, Kevin Booth, which later came to be known as ‘Sacred Cow’. But in 1983, his failed and unnoticed career in comedy pushed him towards alcohol and drug addiction.

In 1984, he appeared on the show ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ for the first time. His five minute stand-up and daredevil attitude won him admiration and further bookings. He went on to do 11 further broadcast shows, popularizing his image as an artist.

In 1987, an opportunity came in his life when Rodney Dangerfield offered him a chance to perform on ‘Young Comedians Special’, after watching one of the tapes of his previous shows. He moved to the New York City and went on to perform more than 250 times a year, for the next five years.

In 1988, when he realized the hazards and consequences of drugs, he quit it but got addicted to smoking, the worst kind of drug. But overcoming the drug addiction brought about the most successful phase of his career.

In 1989, he released his first video, ‘Sane Man’, which was a commercial hit.

In 1990, he released his first album, ‘Dangerous’, performed on the HBO special ‘One Night Stand’ and at ‘Just for Laughs’ festival which received glowing praise.

In 1991, he returned to ‘Just for Laughs’ and filmed his second video, ‘Relentless’.

In June 1993, while working on a chat show ‘Counts Of The Netherworld’ for Channel 4 in England, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

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In October 1993, he appeared for the last time on ‘Letterman Show’, but his entire performance was removed from the broadcast, because Letterman's producers believed the material was unsuitable for broadcast. Letterman finally aired the censored routine in its entirety on January 30, 2009.

On January 6, 1994, he performed the final show of his career in New York.

Major Works

In 1989, he released his first video, ‘Sane Man’. It was a high energy video, marked by his wonderful performance and great sense of humor. He focused on the absurdity of life in his act with a frank view on human perspective on important things.

In 1991, he became a part of a tour to the U. K. where he was highly praised for his perception on society and ironic humor based on it.

Awards & Achievements

In 1991, he won the Critics’ Award at the Edinburgh Festival in U.K.

He was voted as the "Hot Standup Comic" by Rolling Stone magazine in 1993.

In April 2010, Channel 4 ran a poll, "The Top 100 Stand-Up Comedians of All Time", in which Hicks was voted #4.

Personal Life & Legacy

On February 26, 1994, he died in Little Rock, Arkansas from pancreatic cancer which had spread to his liver. He was buried in the family plot in the Magnolia Cemetery, Leakesville, Mississippi.

At his memorial service his brother read out a piece he had written and requested be read: “I left in love, in laughter, and in truth, and wherever truth, love and laughter abide, I am there in spirit.”

Facts About Bill Hicks

Bill Hicks was known for his love of animals and frequently incorporated his passion for wildlife conservation into his comedy routines.

He was an avid reader and drew inspiration from a wide range of literary works, including the writings of philosophers like Nietzsche and Sartre.

Hicks was a talented musician and often played guitar during his stand-up performances, adding a unique musical element to his comedy.

He was a dedicated advocate for free speech and frequently spoke out against censorship and government control of the media.

Hicks had a deep appreciation for nature and often found solace in spending time outdoors, which influenced his perspective on life and comedy.

Bill Hicks Biography

You wanted to know

What impact did Bill Hicks have on the comedy world?

What are some famous quotes by Bill Hicks?

What were some recurring themes in Bill Hicks' comedy?

How did Bill Hicks' comedy evolve over the course of his career?

What legacy has Bill Hicks left in the world of comedy?