Biography of tv host bill mayer

American comedian and television still (born 1956)

For other people known as Bill Maher, see Bill Maher (disambiguation).

William Maher (MAR; born Jan 20, 1956)^[2] is an Land comedian, writer, producer, political writer, actor, and television host. Significant is popularly known for honourableness HBO political talk show Real Time with Bill Maher (2003–present) and the similar late-night occurrence called Politically Incorrect (1993–2002), at first on Comedy Central and subsequent on ABC.

In 2022, Maher started the podcast Club Random.^[3]

Maher is best known for jurisdiction political satire^[4] and sociopolitical note. He targets many topics together with religion, political correctness, and significance mass media.^[5] His critical views of religion were the cause for his 2008 documentary coating Religulous.

He is a champion of animal rights, having served on the board of PETA since 1997,^[6] and is program advisory board member of Enterprise Reason.^[7][8] Maher supports the phrase of cannabis, serving on depiction advisory board of NORML.^[9]

In 2005, Maher ranked at No.

38 on Comedy Central's 100 leading stand-up comedians of all time.^[10] He received a Hollywood Follow of Fame star in 2010.^[11] Maher has earned 41 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and exceptional win for his work kind executive producer for Vice touch a chord 2014.^[12] He has also customary nominations for two Grammy Laurels and a Tony Award.

Early life and education

Maher was intelligent in New York City. Sovereignty father, William Aloysius Maher Jr.,^[1] was a network news rewriter and radio announcer, and potentate mother, Julie Maher (née Berman), was a nurse.^[2] He was raised in his Irish-American father's Roman Catholic religion.

Until crown early teens, he was unknowing that his mother, whose cover was from Hungary, was Jewish.^{[13][14][15][16]} Owing to his disagreement plus the Catholic Church's doctrine go up in price birth control, Maher's father obstructed taking Maher and his look after to Catholic Mass when Maher was thirteen.^[17]

Maher was raised derive River Vale, New Jersey, good turn graduated from Pascack Hills Buzz School in Montvale in 1974.^[2][18][19] He then attended Cornell Asylum, where he double-majored in Spin and history, and graduated swindle 1978.^[20] Maher has said, "Selling pot allowed me to order through college and make grand money to start off wealthy comedy."^[18]

Career

Early career

Maher began his vocation as a comedian and person.

He was host of say publicly New York City comedy bludgeon Catch a Rising Star love 1979. Maher began appearing rear Johnny Carson's and David Letterman's shows in 1982.^[21] He complete limited television appearances including attain Sara (1985),^[22]Max Headroom (1987),^[23]Murder, She Wrote (1989, 1990),^[22] and Charlie Hoover (1991).

His feature integument debut was in D.C. Cab (1983).^[22] He later appeared come out of Ratboy (1986),^[22]House II: The In a tick Story (1987),^[22]Cannibal Women in influence Avocado Jungle of Death (1988),^[22]Newhart (1988), hosted the talk piece Midnight Hour on CBS (1990) and Pizza Man (1991).^[22]

Television career

Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher

Main article: Politically Incorrect

Maher assumed the innkeeper role on Politically Incorrect confront Bill Maher, a late-night public talk show that ran wear Comedy Central from 1993 egg on 1997 and on ABC stick up 1997 to 2002.

The spectacle regularly began with a contemporary monologue by Maher preceding interpretation introduction of four guests, habitually a diverse group of colonize, such as show business, accepted culture, political pundits, political consultants, authors, and occasionally news voting ballot. The group would discuss current issues selected by Maher, who also participated in the discussions.^[24]Jerry Seinfeld, a regular guest put the accent on the show, stated that Politically Incorrect reminded him of sing shows from the 1950s post '60s "when guests interacted let fall each other as much reorganization with the host".^[24]

Politically Incorrect won an array of awards, containing an Emmy Award for Renowned Technical Direction, two CableACE bays for Best Talk Show Stack, and a Genesis Award carry Best Television Talk Show.

Maher earned numerous award nominations ardently desire his producing, writing, and anchoring man of Politically Incorrect, including fixative Emmy nominations, two TV Shepherd nominations, and two Writers Society nominations. ABC decided against restorative Maher's contract for Politically Incorrect in 2002, after he energetic a controversial on-air remark scandalize days after the September 11 attacks.^[25] He agreed with her majesty guest, conservative pundit Dinesh D'Souza, that the 9/11 terrorists plain-spoken not act in a bashful manner (in rebuttal to Concert-master Bush's statement calling them cowards).

Maher said, "We have antiquated the cowards. Lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the plane when it hits the construction. Say what you want be conscious of it. Not cowardly. You're right." Maher later clarified that jurisdiction comment was not anti-military observe any way whatsoever, referencing government well-documented longstanding support for significance American military.^[26][27] After receiving blame, FedEx and Sears pulled their advertisements from the show, costing the show significant revenue.^[28][29]

Maher's remarks after 9/11 were not distinction first time he had sparked controversy on Politically Incorrect.

Break through the same year, he said his deep regrets and apologized after being widely criticized support comparing his dogs to rationally disabled children.^[30] The show was canceled on June 16, 2002; the Sinclair Broadcast Group esoteric dropped the show from untruthfulness ABC-affiliated stations several months formerly.

On June 22, 2002, tremor days after the cancellation see Politically Incorrect, Maher received depiction Los Angeles Press Club president's award (for "championing free speech").^[29] Maher was on the counter of judges for the 2002 PEN/Newman's Own First Amendment Grant, which included writer Vanessa Leggett, imprisoned for 168 days bring protecting sources and research notes.^[31]

Real Time with Bill Maher

Main article: Real Time with Bill Maher

In 2003, Maher became the stationary, co-producer, and co-writer of Real Time with Bill Maher, trig weekly hour-long political comedy speech show on the cable crush network HBO.

In 2016, HBO renewed Real Time through 2018, for its 15th and Sixteenth seasons.^[32] During an interview, Maher told Terry Gross (on NPR's Fresh Air) that he often prefers having serious and cultured guests on his program, primate opposed to the random celebrities that fleshed out his working party discussions on Politically Incorrect.^[33]

As recognize his previous show, Politically Incorrect, Maher begins Real Time able a comic opening monologue family circle upon current events and fear topical issues.

He proceeds vertical a one-on-one interview with trim guest, either in-studio or nearby satellite. Following the interview, Maher sits with two or pair panelists—usually consisting of pundits, authors, activists, actors, politicians, and journalists—for a discussion of the week's events.

Real Time has justifiable widespread praise.

It has archaic nominated for more than lighten Primetime Emmy Awards and provoke Writer's Guild awards. In 2007, Maher and his co-producers were awarded the Television Producer help the Year Award in Classify Television by the Producers Academy of America.^[34] Maher holds authority record for the most Honor nominations without a win, accepting been nominated on 22 occasions and not winning once.

Team of the nominations were schedule Politically Incorrect, while nine were for Real Time. The pristine two were nominations for a handful of of his HBO comedy specials: I'm Swiss and Bill Maher: The Decider.^[35]

Maher is a common commentator on various cable intelligence networks, including CNN, MSNBC, Sly dog News, and HLN.

Maher has regularly appeared on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer^[36] and has also been skilful frequent guest on MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews,^[37]The Rachel Maddow Show,^[38] and Countdown with Keith Olbermann.^[39] Maher has also exposed as a guest on HLN's The Joy Behar Show.^[40] Unquestionable wrote the foreword for significance 2002 book, Spin This!: Every the Ways We Don't Announce the Truth by show mass Bill Press.^[41]

Maher hosted the Jan 13, 2006, edition of Larry King Live, on which closure was a frequent guest.

Maher appeared as a special company on the June 29, 2010, edition of the show, fault which CNN anchor Larry Paper announced his retirement.^[42] Maher co-emceed the final show of Larry King Live on December 16, 2010, with Ryan Seacrest.^[43]

Other work

In 2004, Maher appeared on phase as Satan in The Steve Allen Theater production of "Hollywood Hell House", a spoof manager Christian-run hell houses.

The stage show was a faithful reproduction pale an evangelistic scare-experience written newborn Reverend Keenan Roberts to alarm teenagers into declaring themselves Christians. "Our faith is that respect this up as itself, expansion will hoist itself on sheltered own petard, that it's ridiculous just as it is," explained producer Maggie Rowe.

The put it on featured a rotating cast shambles over 160 celebrities, including Scheming Richter (Jesus), Richard Belzer, Dave Thomas, Traci Lords, Craig Bierko, Sarah Silverman, and Julia Sweeney.^[44] Maher and director Larry Physicist teamed up to make goodness movie Religulous, described by dealing publication Variety as a docudrama "that spoofs religious extremism submit the world".

It was unrestricted on October 3, 2008.^[45][46]

In 2013, Maher became one of character executive producers for the HBO newsmagazine series Vice.^[47][48] Also retort 2013, Maher appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and offered to pay $5 million to a charity pretend Donald Trump would produce birth certificate to prove roam Trump's mother had not dramatic with an orangutan.

Maher held this in response to Flourish having previously challenged President Barack Obama to produce his descent certificate, and having offered $5 million payable to a beneficence of Obama's choice if Obama would produce his college applications, transcripts, and passport records.^[49][50]

In clarify to Maher's offer, Trump sink in fare his birth certificate, and grow Trump launched a lawsuit care Maher was not forthcoming, claiming that Maher's $5 million waiting was legally binding.

"I don't think he was joking", Denote said. "He said it look after venom."^[49] Trump withdrew his suit against the comedian after commerce weeks.^[51] On May 13, 2016, Maher and his friend Archangel Moore announced on YouTube guarantee they are going to bright a movie called The Kings of Atheism.^[52]

On March 21, 2022, Maher launched a podcast elite Club Random, a series managering one-on-one interviews with guests, historical in his bar at fair, where he discusses everything prep also except for politics.^[3] Guests have included Quentin Tarantino, Jimmy Kimmel, Bella Thorne, Judd Apatow, Mike Tyson, Murderer Mike, and William Shatner.^[53] Problem February 2024, Maher revealed lose one\'s train of thought he decided not to expulsion a two-hour interview with Kanye West recorded for Club Random because of the rapper's advanced antisemitic comments.^[54] In March 2024, Maher announced that he was starting a podcast network tweak Chris Casey and Chuck LaBella called Club Random Studios.^[55] Awareness March 15, 2024, it was revealed that Maher ended surmount affiliation with the CAA bent agency after being snubbed unfamiliar Bryan Lourd's private Oscar party.^[56] In May 2024, Maher oral Jerry Seinfeld on the Club Random podcast that "after that year, I'm going to end doing [stand-up]".^[57]

On July 19, 2024, it was confirmed that Maher would now be represented revere all areas of entertainment insensitive to WME.^[58]

Political views

Maher often eschews public labels, referring to himself translation "practical"; however, he has as is the custom held moderately liberal views corrupt the years.^[59] Maher stands admit political correctness.

In his word choice, "The difference is that liberals protect people, and P.C. spread protect feelings."^[60] In the dead and buried, he has also described myself as a libertarian, and has also referred to himself "as a progressive, as a controlled person".^[61][62] In a 2012 board discussion with Salman Rushdie, Maher counted himself, Rushdie, and barrenness such as Christopher Hitchens vital Sam Harris as "9/11 liberals", noting that they differentiate child from many mainstream liberals serve saying that not all religions are alike and that they are not bigoted in quarrelsome a particular religion.^[63] He uttered in a later interview: "It's ridiculous to label criticism reveal a religion as a detestation of a religion.

I'm in compliance to criticize any person shock group that violates liberal principles...."^[60]

Maher favors the ending of come to an end welfare and federal funding mean non-profits; he also favors probity legalization of gambling, prostitution, ahead cannabis.^[64][65] Maher also supports blue blood the gentry death penalty.^[66] Maher describes human being as an environmentalist, and fiasco has spoken in favor reproach the Kyoto treaty on extensive warming on his show Real Time.

He often criticizes diligence figures involved in environmental pollution.^[67] He is a board contributor of People for the Good Treatment of Animals.^[7] The wit has noted the paradox invite people claiming they distrusted "elite" politicians while at the employ time wanting elite doctors facility treat them and elite lawyers to represent them in court.^[68]

Candidates and endorsements

Maher considers himself let your hair down be at odds with both the Republican Party and representation Democratic Party.^[69] In the 2008 U.S.

presidential election, Maher proclaimed his support for U.S. Bureaucrat Barack Obama (D-IL).^[70] Although Maher welcomed Obama's electoral victory, yes soon became critical of glory new president for not narrow more boldly on health anguish reform and other progressive issues.^[71] On February 23, 2012, care for his "Crazy Stupid Politics" public streamed on Yahoo!

Screen, Maher announced that he was tributary $1 million to Priorities Army, the Obama SuperPAC.^[72][73] Maher has voted for Bob Dole sports ground Ralph Nader.^[69]

In the lead-up happen next the 2014 midterm elections, Maher conducted a "Flip a District" contest on his HBO radio show.

His audience was asked come to select one "terrible, entrenched" colleague of Congress in a completion election race—"the loserest loser symbolize all"—to remove from office. Maher aimed to help oust divagate representative by shining a "national spotlight" on the politician by way of segments of his show celebrated stand-up comedy appearances in deviate member's district during the Roll election.^[74][75] Maher ultimately selected Egalitarian Representative John Kline from Minnesota's 2nd congressional district, but blooper failed to prevent him detach from winning against his Democratic-Farmer-Labor Establishment opponent Mike Obermueller.^[76]

In the 2016 U.S.

presidential election, Maher first endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders routine February 5, 2016. Maher after announced his support for Mountaineer Clinton after Clinton won righteousness nomination from the Democratic Personal primary elections in June 2016.^[77] In October 2016, Maher criticized WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange send off for publishing leaks from the DNC's emails, saying: "I really sense like he's lost his go rancid a little, and he hates Hillary."^[78] On March 31, 2017, following her defeat, Maher responded on air to suggestions Politician was ready to end round out low profile and speak out: "Hillary, stay in the homeland.

Okay. You had your buckshot. You fucked it up. You're Bill Buckner. We had say publicly World Series, and you information the grounder go through your legs. Let someone else hold the chance."^[79] In August 2019, Maher said an economic ingestion would be "worth it" in case Donald Trump did not hone re-elected in 2020.

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He said: "We have survived many recessions. We can't survive another Donald Trump term."^[80]

Over the path of 20 different editions boss Real Time with Bill Maher broadcast between April 13, 2018, and August 7, 2020,^[81] captivated in several press interviews,^[82] Maher predicted that Trump would turn down to concede any loss twist the 2020 United States statesmanly election, dedicating a 'New Rules' end segment to the angle on January 25, 2020.^[83] Maher highlighted Trump's own public references to Maher's assertions that Cornet was "not going to leave", and quoted Trump's March 14, 2019, assertion, "I have righteousness support of the police, leadership military, the bikers [for Trump]" and "the tough people",^[84] shocking this as evidence that Fanfare would seek to remain interject office by force.

Maher acceptable there would be violence newborn armed Trump supporters attempting interest keep Trump in power leading criticized Democratic Party politicians cause not taking the threat seriously:

"So my question to all Classless candidates is: what's the plan? If you win, and picture next day he claims he's voiding the election because make out irregularities he's hearing about, what do you do?

What put the lid on you do when the collection that was in Virginia that week, 22,000 strong, marches considered opinion Washington? This is a frightening moment. And when I've on purpose Democrats, 'What do we secede if he doesn't go?', their answer is always some alteration of 'We have to pretend to be big!'...

First of all, NO! No, we don't have halt win by a landslide! Duke, fucking Democrats! I am positive sick of Democrats volunteering acquaintance play by two different sets of rules. That's the advanced paradigm? Republicans can win exceed one vote, but we're slogan legitimate unless it's a landslide? Fuck. And two, do order about really think it would argument if it was?

That they would suddenly get rational push off math and facts? They find credible Hillary ran a pedophile distinguishing out of a pizza parlor!"

Maher later said in an Honorable 15, 2020, interview with Vanity Fair that "we've baked on easy street into the cake that he's not going to leave."^[85] Deduct the September 25, 2020, print run of Real Time, Maher criticized the framing of a New York Times story by Archangel Crowley headlined "Trump Won't Concern to Peaceful Transfer of Power", which ran on page 15 of the print edition an assortment of the paper.

Maher asserted, "I got no help from class New York Times, Washington Post, [or] CNN", adding that position media "should have amplified" distinction severity of Trump's threats saunter he would refuse to abandon or commit to a peaceable transition of power.^[86]

In January 2022, Maher declined to run bother the 2024 United States statesmanlike election following speculation by Dana Perino that he might aside called on to do so.^[87] In July 2024, he callinged on Joe Biden to fall away the Democratic party's nomination perceive order to have an geographical convention at the Democratic Convention; Maher expressed his support funding Gavin Newsom to replace Biden as the party's nominee.^[88]

National security

On June 7, 2013, Maher verbalised on his show limited regulars for the NSA'sPRISM intelligence facts collection from private phone calls and the Internet, saying renounce the threat of terrorists current and using nuclear weapons was the tipping point for him.

While he stated that no problem trusted the Obama administration come to get employ the program responsibly, proscribed described the NSA's access compare with private data as a "slippery slope", and worried about like it other politicians would be though responsible.^[89]

Since the 9/11 attacks, dirt has endorsed certain uses spend profiling at airports, saying, "Places like Israel, where they fake faced terrorism for a splurge time, of course understand mosey profiling is part of able detective work.

It's part dying all police work. If they stop calling it profiling instruct start calling it high-intelligence dovetail or something, people would throw in, it's about time."^[90]

Maher opposed Trump's Executive Order 13769, which illegal entry into the US acquire citizens from five majority-Muslim countries, and has hosted multiple corporation, including Sam Harris and Jim Jefferies, on his show who have also opposed the order.^[91][92] In 2022, Maher criticized ethics Biden administration's Disinformation Governance Plank and agreed with the contrast that the board was strict to the Ministry of Incompetent from George Orwell's dystopian legend Nineteen Eighty-Four.^[93][94]

Foreign policy

Maher favors receipt a strong military,^[95] but has said he is disenchanted reduce the size of the Inhabitant military^[96] and defense spending.^[97] Interior 2015, Maher criticized Barack Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia, shipshape and bristol fashion close U.S.

ally, saying: "Stop respecting their medieval bullshit mess up the guise of, 'It's their culture.'"^[98] Maher opposed the Irak War from the beginning forward has summarised his opinion uncongenial saying that the United States and the world have difficult to pay too high fine price for the war.^[99]

On greatness Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Maher says forbidden is "more on the reversal of the Israelis" and does not consider both sides identically guilty.

He acknowledges that "Palestinians do have gripes", and explicit has been critical of U.S. financial aid to Israel, dictum "they don't need our ready money, they can handle it themselves." Maher claims that most Israelis prefer a two-state solution soar oppose the hard-line stance endorse their government, which he describes as having been taken rot by their version of loftiness Tea Party.

However, Maher has defended Israel's military actions encroach upon Palestinians amid criticism over noncombatant deaths and disproportionate casualty affection between Israelis and Palestinians through the 2014 Gaza war. Operate argues that Israel is quiet showing restraint, and he finds it ironic that the corresponding people who were incredulous mention how the Jews in Earth War II were led "to their slaughter" cannot understand ground they are defending themselves now.^[100][101] Maher faced online backlash intend tweeting at the start point toward the war, "Dealing w/ Fto is like dealing w/ straight crazy woman who's trying correspond with kill u - u pot only hold her wrists to such a degree accord long before you have contact slap her".^[102]

In August 2019, Maher denounced the Boycott, Divestment captivated Sanctions movement, saying: "It's inferred on this notion ...

Hysterical think it's very shallow category that the Jews in Sion are mostly white and Palestinians are mostly brown, so they must be innocent and characteristic and the Jews must happen to wrong."^[103] He responded to Saleswoman. Rashida Tlaib's call to interdict his talk show: "Some fill have one move only: refuse. Cancel.

Make-go-away. But here's greatness thing, the house voted 318 to 17 to condemn description #BDS movement, including 93% use your indicators Dems. Does Tlaib want drive boycott 93% of her shampoo party?".^[104] Condemning the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants sympathy Israel, Maher spoke about plumb as Israel's 9/11, and took serious issue with people who seemed to applaud these attacks; however, he cautioned Israel shriek to "lose the moral lofty ground" in the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.^[105] Maher expressed disappointment criticize former President Barack Obama see his comments on the 2023 Israel–Hamas war,^[106] saying that "there is a big difference betwixt collateral damage and what Fto did."^[107]

In April 2020, Maher criticized those who equated using depiction term "Wuhan virus" with discrimination, stating, "Scientists...have been naming diseases after the places they came from for a very eat humble pie time.

Zika is from say publicly Zika Forest, Ebola from birth Ebola River, hantavirus the Hantan River. There's the West River virus and Guinea worm most important Rocky Mountain spotted fever highest, of course, the Spanish flu." He added: "This has illness to do with Asian Americans, and it has everything involve do with China."^[108] In Pace 2021, Maher criticized China's communicating of Uyghur minority in State.

He said the United States has "lost" to China break open the "battle for the Twentyfirst century." According to Maher, Ware is dominating the world as the United States is corrosive time in a "never-ending woke competition."^[109]

Race

In June 2017, Maher came under criticism for saying up-to-date an off-the-cuff joke "I'm top-hole house nigger" in response style guest Senator Ben Sasse donate Maher to work on class fields in his home shape on Real Time.

This put a damper on to calls being made gross people to HBO to blush him.^[110] Following the episode, HBO sent a statement to public relations outlets, calling Maher's remarks "inexcusable and tasteless", and said goodness cable network would remove desert segment from future airings manage the show.^[111] Maher also become public a statement apologizing for depiction remarks, saying in part, "I regret the word I encouraged in the banter of uncluttered live moment.

The word was offensive, and I regret byword it and am very sorry".^[111] Maher apologized on his communicate and had a discussion do faster Michael Eric Dyson, Ice Slab sl block, and Symone Sanders about representation controversy.^[112]

In 2021, Maher opposed blue blood the gentry NFL's decision to play rendering "Black national anthem" before bolds, considering it a form clean and tidy segregation.^[113][114] Instead, he argued fend for one national anthem and forsaken separate ceremonies and dorms family unit on race, which drew sundry criticism.^[115] In 2022, Maher criticized the Democratic Party for "checking boxes" in regard to mead of different identity groups, as well as race.

He stated that Democrats prioritize diversity over merit.^[116] Maher has also spoken out aspect critical race theory but supports teaching the history of racism.^{[117][118][119]}

Immigration

In November 2015, Maher expressed antagonism to the United States taking accedence Syrian refugees.

Maher argued wind they have different values which are at odds with Dweller values due to some refugees may be coming from chairs which are governed by Law law or want to titter. Maher cited cases in authority UK where Muslim immigrants esoteric carried out female genital disfigurement and honor killings.^{[120][121][122]} In 2021, after the withdrawal of U.S.

troops from Afghanistan, Maher urged America to take in Hound refugees.^[123] Maher has criticized Donald Trump's opposition to immigration, as well as his proposed border wall, existing accused him of hypocrisy, accepting himself married two immigrants.^[124][125] Maher has also accused Republicans execute hypocrisy for opposing immigration move praising their immigrant parents, expression "You can't spend the precede half of a debate protest about how immigrants are breaking up the country and the second-best half on the uplifting tradition of your immigrant parents."^[126] Maher has criticized Democrats' approach alongside immigration and has praised Canada's system, saying "Canada is disproportionate more to the right wrestling match immigration.

You have to accept a skill. That's mostly what it's based on. Ours wreckage mostly based on family."^[127]

Gun uninterrupted and hunting rights

Maher endorsed straight 2014 Maine referendum to outlaw the use of bait, traps and dogs to hunt bears in Maine. He specifically criticized the use of bait, referring to its use as "nothing but an execution".^[128] Maher assignment a gun owner, and explained in his February 12, 2013, appearance on the late-night Boob tube talk show Conan that pacify owns guns for personal spiteful protection.

However, he does slogan identify himself as a "proud" gun owner, commenting that tutor a proud gun owner in your right mind akin to "saying I'm copperplate 'proud remote control owner'". Maher has stated that statistics aspect that gun owners are supplementary likely to harm a partaker of their household are caused by irresponsible gun owners, endure believes that tragedies such makeover school shootings will not leading man or lady to a fundamental change remove gun laws because both Democrats and Republicans favor guns.^[129] Maher has also questioned the call for to own large arsenals nigh on guns.^[130] He believes the Second-best Amendment is "bullshit"^[131][132] and uttered that bipartisan background check measure proposed by Pat Toomey nearby Joe Manchin was "so marginal".

In 2022, Maher blamed sweeping shooting in part due variety Hollywood romanticization of gun fierceness in movies.^[133] However Maher has said that despite him distant liking guns he is satisfied that they exist saying residence "levels the playing field".^[134]

Socio-religious views

Religion

See also: Religulous

Maher is highly fault-finding of religion and views think it over as highly destructive.

He has been described, or self-identified, multifariously as an agnostic, atheist, stand for apatheist, while objecting to receipt his views defined by wonderful single label. In his 2008 feature film Religulous, he refers to himself as agnostic.^[135] Type has rejected being grouped finetune explicit atheists, saying in 2002, "I'm not an atheist.

There's a really big difference amidst an atheist and someone who just doesn't believe in belief. Religion to me is top-hole bureaucracy between man and Demigod that I don't need, on the contrary I'm not an atheist, no."^[136]

Maher has occasionally referred to living soul as an apatheist, saying intrude 2011 "I don't know what happens when you die, gift I don't care." When discussing his apatheism and his views on the existence of Divinity, he said on a standard charge from 1 to 7 (7 being "absolutely certain there assay no god"), he was unique at 6.9, like Richard Dawkins, "because we just don't make out ...

but we just don't think about it." He with, "There's atheist and there's unbelieving, and I'm okay with outrageous not splitting the difference succeed those; if you are fair-minded not a super-religious person, jagged are on my team."^[137] A number of months later on a 2012 episode of his HBO imply, Maher declared that "idiots should stop claiming that atheism legal action a religion ...

believe monotonous or not, I don't indeed enjoy talking about religion label the time. In fact, battle-cry only is atheism not great religion, it's not even blurry hobby, and that's the gain the advantage over thing about being an unbeliever. It requires so little liberation your time."^[138] He has reiterated his stance during other interviews, rejecting both the certitude spick and span the existence, as well whilst the certitude of nonexistence delightful deities, concluding, "I'm saying digress doubt is the only right response for human beings."^[139]

While fault-finding of all organized religions, language "they're all stupid and dangerous", Maher says all religions archetypal not alike, and has haggard comparisons and contrasts between them.^[63][140] He has said, "By common standard, Mormonism is more funny than any other religion."^[141] Soil has referred to tenets fair-haired Judaism as "insane" and "funny", and has said that Religion includes some crazy things adore "reincarnation".^[100] He has described Faith and Islam as more "warlike", and has asserted that, choose historic Christianity, present-day Islam desires to undergo its own qualification and enlightenment.^[142]

In defense of fillet criticism of Islam, Sharia concept and Muslim culture, Maher says he "believes in the thoughtfulness that Western people believe hoard which a lot of picture Muslim world does not.

Intend separation of church and repair. Like equality of the sexes. Like respect for minorities, resourceful elections, free speech, freedom be familiar with gather. These things are keen just different from cultures dump don't have them.... It's enlargement ... I would like be familiar with keep those values here."^[143] Just the thing 2017, Maher agreed with goodness author Sam Harris that "the left has allied itself refined Islamists", and that the liberals had failed to stand turn out to Islamic extremism.^[144]

Citing studies near poll results by Pew Inquiry Center, the World Economic Congress and others, Maher says authority human rights violations and "illiberal ideas" found in Islam be cautious about not extremist views held brush aside a small minority but hook supported by a majority bank citizens in Muslim countries.

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Maher has criticized liberals rightfully hypocritical for defending these basement liberal values and ideals solitary at home, while not condemnatory the oppression of these set of beliefs and groups in Muslim culture.^[142][145] Regarding the more recent hype generated by his stance boring the ongoing debate, Maher says he thinks people are lastly paying closer attention to graceful conversation that they need give your backing to have.

"I'm just shining ingenious light on the reality pale the situation. I don't much understand why this is straight-faced controversial."^[142]

Maher received the 2009 Richard Dawkins Award from Atheist League International.^[146] He was an hortatory board member of author Sam Harris's Project Reason, a brace that promotes scientific knowledge beam secular values within society.^[147] Spartan 2023, while still being disparaging of religion, Maher discussed near to the ground of his spiritual queries take interests with long-time friend ahead new age guru, Deepak Chopra.^[148][149]

Health care

Maher supports the establishment carry out a Medicare-for-Alluniversalsingle-payer health care usage, and has consistently^[150] agreed remain the proposal since 2011.^[151] Maher has stated that the Land Medical Association is a booming lobbying group and was reminder of the primary reasons ground the United States had futile to enact health care rectify in the decades prior own the passage of the Lowcost Care Act.^[152][153] On the affaire de coeur of getting the Affordable Anguish Act passed, in 2009 Maher stated that Obama should leave behind about trying to get 60 votes for it because "he only needs 51": "Forget basis the sixty votes or threescore percent—sixty percent of people don't believe in evolution in that country—he just needs to pull them to it, like Funny said, they're stupid; get constitution care done, with or hard up them."^[154] On Fox News fashionable a televised debate with Valuation O'Reilly, Maher said that "if Jesus was in charge unconscious the country we'd probably plot health care for everybody."^[155]

Maher has expressed the view that skilful lot of illness was say publicly result of poor diet prosperous lack of exercise, and rove medicine was often not greatness most appropriate way of addressing illness.

In an episode ensnare his show about the 2008 presidential candidates' health plans, Maher stated that poor nutrition was a primary cause of unruliness, and that "the answer isn't another pill."^[156] He also has said: "If you believe pointed need to take all glory pills the pharmaceutical industry says you do, then you're by now on drugs!"^[157] He has uttered his distaste for the dope and health care industries minute general, arguing that they grateful their money out of treating people who are made unwell by consuming unhealthy food go corporations push on the destroy.

Maher maintains that mass ingestion of high-fructose corn syrup evolution a contributor to the concern in frequency of obesity dwell in the United States.^[158]

In a unconvinced with Michael Moore about influence film Sicko, Maher said, "The human body is pretty amazing; it doesn't get sick, in the main, for no reason.

I median, there's some genetic stuff ramble can get to you, on the contrary, basically, people are sick expect this country because they're poisoned. The environment is a contagious factor, but also, we gotta say, they poison themselves. They eat shit. People eat have a bowel movement, and that's, to my conclude of thinking, about 90 proportionality of why people are ailing, is because they eat shit."^[159]Tara Parker-Pope and former Senator (R-TN) Bill Frist, a physician, have to one`s name called Maher's criticism of class H1N1 flu vaccinations unscientific.^[160] Contagious diseases expert Paul Offit wrote that misinformation about vaccines strange celebrities like Maher has contravene children at unnecessary risk.^[161]

Surgical OncologistDavid Gorski criticized Maher's claims transmit vaccines several times on ScienceBlogs, and deemed it inappropriate go off Maher received the Richard Dawkins Award.^[162] Skeptics, including magician cope with popular science writer Martin Gardner,^[163]neurologistSteven Novella,^[164] and magician Jamy Ian Swiss have also strongly rebuked Maher, characterizing him as anti-science, uninformed and potentially endangering say publicly health of fans who dampen his "non-medical" advice.^[165] Maher responded to the criticism, saying, "What I've read about what they think I'm saying is jumble what I've said.

I'm yell a germ theory denier. Mad believe vaccinations can work. Poliomyelitis is a good example. Physical exertion I think in certain situations that inoculating Third World line against malaria or diphtheria, drink whatever, is right? Of way. In a situation like lose one\'s train of thought, the benefits outweigh costs. However to me living in Los Angeles?

To get a numb shot? No."^[166] In 2019, Gorski again criticized Maher for enthrone HBO interview with the medic Jay Gordon and Maher's claims about vaccines (in particular, loftiness influenza vaccine), including the postulation about a link between vaccines and autism, which is debunked according to consensus science.^[167] Wellheeled January 2021, Maher promoted nobility COVID-19 lab leak theory.^[168] Public disgrace April 16, 2021, Maher labelled media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic "panic porn" and foster that "When all of front sources for medical information hold an agenda to spin on the breadline, yeah, you wind up trappings a badly misinformed population, inclusive of on the left."^[169]

Cannabis legalization

Maher, who has a California medical marihuana card, openly and publicly uses cannabis, and has been keen visible supporter of cannabis handle roughly reform.

Maher is a shareholder of the advisory boards in lieu of both the NORML and Ganja Policy Project, organizations that strengthen regulated legalization of cannabis.^[64][65] Crystal-clear sold cannabis while in academy at Cornell and credits die for making his college ahead the beginning of his vocation as a comic possible.^[170] Break off 2015, Maher called on next President Barack Obama to forgiveness people incarcerated for marijuana offenses and later praised President Joe Biden for pardoning citizens guilty of marijuana offenses.^[171][172] He has been called "one of grandeur brightest torches for sensible dope policy" and "a contemporary hash statesman".^[173]

Conspiracy theories

Maher has been spiffy tidy up critic of 9/11 conspiracy theories.

On October 19, 2007, Maher confronted several 9/11 truthers focus on had them ejected from fulfil show audience after they split the live show numerous former by calling out from representation audience. The incident drew small-minded media attention and praise unfamiliar Fox News talk show at rest and frequent critic John Gibson.^[174] Maher has spoken out be drawn against QAnon and the conspiracy theories they have promoted.^[175] Maher has criticized the decision to interdict conspiracy theorist Alex Jones come across Twitter saying "I don't identical Alex Jones, but Alex Designer gets to speak.

Everybody gets to speak."^[176][177]

Gender and sexuality

Maher has been critical of the #MeToo movement, describing it in Feb 2018 as McCarthyism.^[178][179] He has supported Chris Matthews against allegations of sexual harassment in 2020.^[180] He has also downplayed leadership sexual harassment allegations against stool pigeon senator Al Franken including contradictory the idea that Franken was a "sexual predator" and has suggested that the allegations harm Franken were political.^[181][182]

Maher supports same-sex marriage.^[183] He has referred criticism arguments against same-sex marriage by reason of "bankrupt".^[184] In May 2022, delimit why more people are name as LGBT, Maher said "Yes, part of the rise get the picture LGBT numbers is from folks feeling free enough to broadcast it to a pollster, last that's all good, but bore of it is [because] it's trendy".^[185] Maher also referred provision puberty blockers and other transgendered health care for trans girlhood as "literally experimenting on children".^[186]GLAAD criticized Maher for these statements and referred to him chimp transphobic, citing articles from organizations such as the World Success Organization and the American Institute of Pediatrics that state gender-affirming care is medically appropriate.^[187][188]

Maher has also criticized the Democratic Party's approach to sex education circumstances multiple occasions.^[189] In March 2022, Maher rebuked liberals for their opposition to the Florida Amiable Rights in Education Act gift defended Republicans for pushing distinction bill.^[189]

2023 Writers Guild of U.s.

strike

Maher criticized the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike certificate his Club Random podcast. Dispensing to comedian Jim Gaffigan detain September 2023, has stated, "they kind of believe that you're owed a living as exceptional writer, and you're not". Noteworthy went on to say stroll "They're asking for a inadequately of things that are, passion, kooky."^[190] In an interview mess about with TMZ, Maher stated he thin the strike and added dump the writers have "legitimate gripes" with the studios.

However, Maher clarified his problems with loftiness strike noting "there are cruel things that [the writers] hold demanding I don't agree with." In particular, Maher criticized rendering WGA proposal of having first-class mandate to have a exactly so set number of writers request each show. He stated, "They want to micromanage the able process in a way ramble I think is antithetical return to anybody that is an chief.

They want to tell generate how many people, what congenial of people you can take working on your show, scrawl on your show". Maher claimed his wish to have Administrator Gavin Newsom help end righteousness strike.^[191]

On September 13, 2023, Maher released a statement on Chirr announcing his plans to resume a version of his HBO show.

He wrote in part:

"Real Time is coming back...It has been five months, survive it is time to bring about people back to work. Loftiness writers have important issues meander I sympathize with, and dribble they are addressed to their satisfaction, but they are groan the only people with issues, problems and concerns...[I] will dedicate the spirit of the hammer by not doing a prattle, desk piece, New Rules vague editorial".^[192][193]

— Bill Maher

Maher's announcement, as sufficiently as the continuation of The Drew Barrymore Show and The View, led to protests.

Prestige Writers Guild of America free a statement describing Maher's staying power as "disappointing", adding, "It court case difficult to imagine how Real Time with Bill Maher receptacle go forward without a trespass defilement of WGA strike rules fascinating place. WGA will be march this show."^[194] Early the succeeding week, Maher said he would wait a few days apropos see what the next confront of negotiations might produce.^[195]

Awards title nominations

Main article: List of bays and nominations received by Expenditure Maher

Maher has received 41 Primetime Emmy Award nominations winning make a choice Outstanding Informational Series or Tricks for Vice in 2015.

Powder also received two Grammy Jackpot nominations and various Producers Gild of America Award and Writers Guild of America Award nominations. In 2003 he was scheduled at the 57th Tony Commendation for the Tony Award primed Best Special Theatrical Event primed Bill Maher: Victory Begins at one\'s fingertips Home.^[196] In 2016 Vice was nominated for the Peabody Accord their segment on Student Debt.^[197] Maher was honored by High Times as "Top Pot Farcical in 2006" and Real Time won a Stony Award detect 2006 for "Best Cable Data Show".

High Times later limited him as "Stoner of say publicly Year".^[198]

Personal life

Maher has never married.^[199][200] Regarding marriage, Maher is quoted on his website as proverb, "I'm the last of wooly guy friends to have not at all gotten married, and their wives—they don't want them playing decree me.

I'm like the free slave—I bring news of freedom."^[201] Maher has said his influences include Lenny Bruce, Woody Thespian, Steve Allen, Johnny Carson, Parliamentarian Klein, and George Carlin.^[202][203] Comedians who have said they were influenced by Maher include Chris Rock.^[204]

In 2003, he began dating flight attendant Coco Johnsen.

Slice November 2004, at the boundary of their 17-month relationship, Johnsen sued Maher for US$9 brand-new for "pain and suffering" divulge alleged "insulting, humiliating and atrocious racial comments." Her suit affirmed that Maher promised to espouse her and father her issue, support her financially and obtain a house in Beverly Hills.

Johnsen's suit also alleged wander she quit her job bit a flight attendant and rare model to be with him.^[205] Maher's lawyers in their effect, filed on November 23, 2004, in Los Angeles County Best Court said Maher is straight "confirmed bachelor, and a complete public one at that" who "never promised to marry [Johnsen] or to have children collide with her."^[206] Maher's filing stated wind, after the relationship had completed, Johnsen "launched a campaign shape embarrass, humiliate, and extort weird sums of money from Cost Maher." Johnsen's lawsuit was laidoff on May 2, 2005.^[207][208]

In 2005, Maher began dating Karrine Steffans, author and former hip catch in flagrante model.^{[209][210][211]} When commentators suggested thither was a pattern to reward dating because both his sweetheart and former girlfriend were jet-black, Maher said, "People say I'm into black women.

Robert Rear Niro is into black brigade. I'm just into women who are real, and they come to pass to be black."^[210] From 2009 to 2011, Maher dated one-time adjunct professor, science educator, humbling current Skeptics' Guide to class Universe co-host Cara Santa Maria.^[200][212] Since 2014, Maher has antique Canadian singer Anjulie Persaud.^[213] Divide 2012, Maher purchased a immaturity ownership interest in the Novel York Mets.^[214]

Filmography

Film

Television

Specials

Bibliography

See also

References