Bill Hicks

Also Known As: William Melvin Hicks, Γουίλιαμ Μέλβιν Χικς, William Melvin "Bill" Hicks

Biography: 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.

Department: Acting

Place of Birth: Valdosta, Georgia, USA

Birthday: December 16, 1961

Deathday: February 26, 1994

Adult: No

Gender: Male

Popularity:

1.00%

Known For:

Bill Hicks Live: Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-up Comedian
Totally Bill Hicks
Bill Hicks: Revelations
Bill Hicks: United States of Advertising
Bill Hicks: Bill Loses it in Chicago
Ninja Bachelor Party
Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks
Bill Hicks: At the Laff Stop
Bill Hicks: Relentless
Bill Hicks: At the Edinburgh Festival
Bill Hicks: The Funny Farm
Bill Hicks: Igby's, LA
Bill Hicks Hosts the Adult Video Awards
Heckler
Bill Hicks: Sane Man
American: The Bill Hicks Story
Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen
Rodney Dangerfield: Nothin' Goes Right
Bill Hicks: It's Just a Ride
The Reality of Me
But... Seriously
Zeitgeist
Bill Hicks: Reflections
Impact Video Magazine
Comedy Knockouts
Bill Hicks: One Night Stand
The Best of Midnight Rider