Bill Hicks

Bill Hicks

Birth : 1961-12-16, Valdosta, Georgia, USA

Death : 1994-02-26

History

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.

Profile

Bill Hicks

Movies

Bill Hicks: Reflections
Comedy Dynamics sits down with Bill Hicks’ brother, Steve, who tells old stories, squashes old rumors and reveals the brother and son behind the late comedian. Told amidst old and rare footage, it’s a must watch for any fan.
Bill Hicks Lives
Writer
Almost 20 years after the death of legendary comedian Bill Hicks, actor A.J. Moorehead performs a feature-length special in-character as the great man. Filmed on location at the ACME Comedy Theater in Hollywood.
The Reality of Me
Self
TROM (The Reality of Me) is an unique free online documentary, since no one has thought of such a documentary from our knowledge. We want to show, as well as we can, the whole picture, an insight into our world, a perspective from which you must extract meanings in order to understand, and curiosity to progress, because there is a lot of such information we call “scientific”. Moreover, we present alternative and existing solutions to radically improve every one's life. If you've never questioned your lifestyle and are well adjusted to our current society, you will, more than likely, get a shock, but if you watch the whole documentary you'll understand why. All chapters and sub-chapters are connected and in order to understand you have to watch the whole documentary, in order.
American: The Bill Hicks Story
American: The Bill Hicks Story is a biographical documentary film on the life of comedian Bill Hicks. The film was produced by Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas, and features archival footage and interviews with family and friends, including Kevin Booth. The filmmakers used a cut-and-paste animation technique to add movement to a large collection of still pictures used to document events in Hicks' life. The film made its North American premiere at the 2010 South by Southwest Film Festival. The film was nominated for a 2010 Grierson British Documentary Award for the "Most Entertaining Documentary" category. It was also nominated for Best Graphics and Animation category in the 2011 Cinema Eye Awards. Awards won include The Dallas Film Festivals Texas Filmmaker Award, at Little Rock The Oxford American's Best Southern Film Award, and Best Documentary at the Downtown LA Film Festival. On Rotten Tomatoes, 81% of the first 47 reviews counted were rated positive.
Heckler
Self
HECKLER is a comedic feature documentary exploring the increasingly critical world we live in. After starring in a film that was critically bashed, Jamie Kennedy takes on hecklers and critics and ask some interesting questions of people such as George Lucas, Bill Maher, Mike Ditka, Rob Zombie, Howie Mandel and many more. This fast moving, hilarious documentary pulls no punches as you see an uncensored look at just how nasty and mean the fight is between those in the spotlight and those in the dark.
Bill Hicks Live: Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-up Comedian
Himsef
Since Bill died in 1993, his work has reached a new audience and he has become a powerful cult figure. The DVD captures Bill at his very best, with three of his legendary filmed performances: "One Night Stand" - the Old Vic Theatre in Chicago (30 min) "Revelations" - the Dominion Theatre in London (65 min) "Relentless" - Bill’s breakout performance at the Montreal Comedy Festival (70 min)
Comedy Knockouts
Time to throw off the gloves for this exclusive no-holds-barred comedy extravaganza! Make room for the laughter with these never-before-seen stand-up routines from some of America's favorite comedians including Tim Allen, Denis Leary, Ray Romano, Drew Carey, and Brett Butler! Comedy Knockouts presents the rare career-defining routines that propelled this collection of comics to stardom!
Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks
Himself
A biographical documentary on the late great comedian Bill Hicks and his career; in particular the censorship by Letterman that scarred it.
Totally Bill Hicks
Writer
Consisting of two parts: ‘Revelations’, Bill Hicks’ last live performance in the United Kingdom made at the Dominion Theatre; and a documentary about Hicks’ life ‘Just a Ride’ featuring interviews with friends, admirers, and family.
Totally Bill Hicks
Self
Consisting of two parts: ‘Revelations’, Bill Hicks’ last live performance in the United Kingdom made at the Dominion Theatre; and a documentary about Hicks’ life ‘Just a Ride’ featuring interviews with friends, admirers, and family.
Bill Hicks: It's Just a Ride
Himself
Short documentary / tribute to the late, truly great American stand-up comedian Bill Hicks, included as an extra in several box sets. Bill Hicks passed away in 1994, taken tragically young aged only 32. His legend and reputation, however, continue to grow. "It's Just a Ride" is a celebration of his life and work, featuring numerous clips of Bill's many recorded stand-up performances, along with trbutes from Sean Hughes, Eric Bogosian, David Letterman and Eddie Izzard, amongst others.
But... Seriously
Himself (archive footage)
A documentary juxtaposing the events of the 20th century with the commentary of stand-up comedians.
Bill Hicks: Igby's, LA
Writer
A bootloeg of Bill's SECOND to last live performance at Igby's Comedy Club in LA on January 5, 1994.
Bill Hicks: Igby's, LA
Himself
A bootloeg of Bill's SECOND to last live performance at Igby's Comedy Club in LA on January 5, 1994.
Bill Hicks: United States of Advertising
Himself
This is Bill Hicks' LIVE final televised interview where he appeared on the Austin, Texas public access television show CapZeyeZ, hosted by Metal Dave. He appeared on this interview prior to his performance at the Laff Stop at which his album "Rant in E Minor" was recorded. With this interview we are privileged with some of Hicks' intuitive criticisms and some "fresh" material.
Bill Hicks: At the Laff Stop
Bill performs at the Laff stop in Austin, Texas on June 12, 1993.
Bill Hicks: Revelations
Writer
Bill Hicks in the height of his genius. Recorded at the Dominion Theatre in London, Hicks opens our eyes and minds to the hypocrisy and ludicrousness of the world around us.
Bill Hicks: Revelations
Himself
Bill Hicks in the height of his genius. Recorded at the Dominion Theatre in London, Hicks opens our eyes and minds to the hypocrisy and ludicrousness of the world around us.
Bill Hicks: Relentless
Writer
Bill Hicks tells us how he feels about non-smokers, blow-jobs, religion, war and peace, and drugs and music.
Bill Hicks: Relentless
Himself
Bill Hicks tells us how he feels about non-smokers, blow-jobs, religion, war and peace, and drugs and music.
Bill Hicks: One Night Stand
Writer
Bill Hicks shows us his view on smoking, smoking pot, drinking, sex, advertisement and music. It's not a view you hear very often.
Bill Hicks: One Night Stand
Himself
Bill Hicks shows us his view on smoking, smoking pot, drinking, sex, advertisement and music. It's not a view you hear very often.
Ninja Bachelor Party
Director
Ninja Bachelor Party is a 1991 low-budget comedy film produced by and starring Bill Hicks, Kevin Booth, and David Johndrow. It is a parody of martial arts movies and was intentionally dubbed improperly. It was filmed throughout Austin, Texas and Houston, Texas over the course of ten years due to the producers not taking the project seriously.
Ninja Bachelor Party
Dr. Death
Ninja Bachelor Party is a 1991 low-budget comedy film produced by and starring Bill Hicks, Kevin Booth, and David Johndrow. It is a parody of martial arts movies and was intentionally dubbed improperly. It was filmed throughout Austin, Texas and Houston, Texas over the course of ten years due to the producers not taking the project seriously.
Bill Hicks: At the Edinburgh Festival
Writer
Bill Hicks: At the Edinburgh Festival
Himself
Bill Hicks: The Funny Farm
Writer
Bill Hicks: The Funny Farm
Himself
Bill Hicks Hosts the Adult Video Awards
Writer
Bill Hicks hosts the 1990 Adult Video Awards
Bill Hicks Hosts the Adult Video Awards
Himself
Bill Hicks hosts the 1990 Adult Video Awards
Bill Hicks: Sane Man
Executive Producer
Sane Man was filmed before Bill recorded ‘Dangerous’, his first comedy album, and is a turning point in Hicks’ career. It was the first complete Hicks show ever filmed and Bill pulled out all the stops for the cameras. Completely focused, a newly-sober Hicks paces the stage like a wild animal riffing effortless.
Bill Hicks: Sane Man
Writer
Sane Man was filmed before Bill recorded ‘Dangerous’, his first comedy album, and is a turning point in Hicks’ career. It was the first complete Hicks show ever filmed and Bill pulled out all the stops for the cameras. Completely focused, a newly-sober Hicks paces the stage like a wild animal riffing effortless.
Bill Hicks: Sane Man
Himself
Sane Man was filmed before Bill recorded ‘Dangerous’, his first comedy album, and is a turning point in Hicks’ career. It was the first complete Hicks show ever filmed and Bill pulled out all the stops for the cameras. Completely focused, a newly-sober Hicks paces the stage like a wild animal riffing effortless.
Impact Video Magazine
Counter-culture video magazine created by Stuart Shapiro, featuring Bill Hicks, Robert Williams, Public Enemy, Butthole Surfers, Survival Research Labs, and much more! Hosted by Alex Winter!
Bill Hicks: Bill Loses it in Chicago
Writer
One of Hicks's most famous quotes was delivered during a gig in Chicago - known s the "Infamous Bill Looses it in Chicago" show - in 1989 (later released as the bootleg I'm Sorry, Folks). After a heckler repeatedly shouted "Free Bird", Hicks screamed that "Hitler had the right idea, he was just an underachiever!" Hicks followed this remark with a misanthropic tirade calling for unbiased genocide against the whole of humanity.
Bill Hicks: Bill Loses it in Chicago
Himself
One of Hicks's most famous quotes was delivered during a gig in Chicago - known s the "Infamous Bill Looses it in Chicago" show - in 1989 (later released as the bootleg I'm Sorry, Folks). After a heckler repeatedly shouted "Free Bird", Hicks screamed that "Hitler had the right idea, he was just an underachiever!" Hicks followed this remark with a misanthropic tirade calling for unbiased genocide against the whole of humanity.
Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen
Himself
Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen is a stand-up comedy concert film featuring some big name talents before they reached actual stardom. These comedians included Tim Allen, Chris Rock, Bill Hicks, Otto & George and Jackie Martling among others.
Rodney Dangerfield: Nothin' Goes Right
Writer
Rodney Dangerfield hosts a showcase of comics including himself, Robert Schimmel, Bill Hicks, and Andrew Dice Clay, among others.
Rodney Dangerfield: Nothin' Goes Right
himself
Rodney Dangerfield hosts a showcase of comics including himself, Robert Schimmel, Bill Hicks, and Andrew Dice Clay, among others.