Bill Hicks

Bill Hicks

Born: December 16, 1961
Died: February 26, 1994
in Valdosta, Georgia, USA
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.

Movies for Bill Hicks...

Bill Hicks: Reflections
Title: Bill Hicks: Reflections
Released: March 30, 2015
Type: Movie
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.
bee
The Reality of Me
Title: The Reality of Me
Character: Self
Released: November 1, 2012
Type: Movie
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.
bee
American: The Bill Hicks Story
Title: American: The Bill Hicks Story
Character: Himself
Released: April 10, 2010
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Heckler
Title: Heckler
Character: Self
Released: November 4, 2007
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Zeitgeist
Title: Zeitgeist
Character: Self (archive Sound) (voice)
Released: June 1, 2007
Type: Movie
A documentary examining possible historical and modern conspiracies surrounding Christianity, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the Federal Reserve bank.
bee
Bill Hicks Live: Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-up Comedian
Title: Bill Hicks Live: Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-up Comedian
Character: Himsef
Released: October 25, 2004
Type: Movie
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)
bee
Comedy Knockouts
Title: Comedy Knockouts
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: July 29, 2003
Type: Movie
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!
bee
Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks
Title: Outlaw Comic: The Censoring of Bill Hicks
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: June 15, 2003
Type: Movie
A biographical documentary on the late great comedian Bill Hicks and his career; in particular the censorship by Letterman that scarred it.
bee
Totally Bill Hicks
Title: Totally Bill Hicks
Character: Self
Released: November 23, 1998
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Bill Hicks: It's Just a Ride
Title: Bill Hicks: It's Just a Ride
Character: Himself
Released: June 18, 1994
Type: Movie
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.
bee
But... Seriously
Title: But... Seriously
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: March 25, 1994
Type: Movie
A documentary juxtaposing the events of the 20th century with the commentary of stand-up comedians.
bee
Bill Hicks: Igby's, LA
Title: Bill Hicks: Igby's, LA
Character: Himself
Released: January 5, 1994
Type: Movie
A bootloeg of Bill's SECOND to last live performance at Igby's Comedy Club in LA on January 5, 1994.
bee
Bill Hicks: United States of Advertising
Title: Bill Hicks: United States of Advertising
Character: Himself
Released: October 23, 1993
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Bill Hicks: At the Laff Stop
Title: Bill Hicks: At the Laff Stop
Released: June 12, 1993
Type: Movie
Bill performs at the Laff stop in Austin, Texas on June 12, 1993.
bee
Bill Hicks: Revelations
Title: Bill Hicks: Revelations
Character: Himself
Released: May 27, 1993
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Bill Hicks: Relentless
Title: Bill Hicks: Relentless
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1992
Type: Movie
Bill Hicks tells us how he feels about non-smokers, blow-jobs, religion, war and peace, and drugs and music.
bee
Bill Hicks: One Night Stand
Title: Bill Hicks: One Night Stand
Character: Himself
Released: April 27, 1991
Type: Movie
Bill Hicks shows us his view on smoking, smoking pot, drinking, sex, advertisement and music. It's not a view you hear very often.
bee
Ninja Bachelor Party
Title: Ninja Bachelor Party
Character: Dr. Death
Released: January 1, 1991
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Bill Hicks: At the Edinburgh Festival
Title: Bill Hicks: At the Edinburgh Festival
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1991
Type: Movie
bee
Bill Hicks Hosts the Adult Video Awards
Title: Bill Hicks Hosts the Adult Video Awards
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1990
Type: Movie
Bill Hicks hosts the 1990 Adult Video Awards
bee
Bill Hicks: The Funny Farm
Title: Bill Hicks: The Funny Farm
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1990
Type: Movie
bee
Bill Hicks: Sane Man
Title: Bill Hicks: Sane Man
Character: Himself
Released: December 1, 1989
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Title: One Night Stand
Released: February 15, 1989
Type: TV
A series of stand-up comedy specials.
bee
Impact Video Magazine
Title: Impact Video Magazine
Released: January 1, 1989
Type: Movie
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!
bee
Bill Hicks: Bill Loses it in Chicago
Title: Bill Hicks: Bill Loses it in Chicago
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1989
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen
Title: Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen
Character: Himself
Released: June 12, 1988
Type: Movie
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.
bee
Rodney Dangerfield: Nothin' Goes Right
Title: Rodney Dangerfield: Nothin' Goes Right
Character: himself
Released: February 13, 1988
Type: Movie
Rodney Dangerfield hosts a showcase of comics including himself, Robert Schimmel, Bill Hicks, and Andrew Dice Clay, among others.