Who Is Bill Hicks? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bill Hicks was an influential American comedian, born on December 16, 1961, in Valdosta, Georgia. He passed away at the young age of 32 on February 26, 1994, but his legacy continues to resonate in the world of stand-up comedy. Known for his thought-provoking and often controversial material, Hicks tackled subjects like politics, religion, and consumerism, leaving a profound impact on the entertainment industry. Despite his untimely death, he remains a timeless figure, influencing countless comedians and entertainers.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1961 |
| Age | 32 Years |
| Birth Place | Valdosta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Georgia |
| Date of death | 26 February, 1994 |
| Died Place | Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
Popularity
Bill Hicks's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Bill Hicks' physical stats are a topic of curiosity, the focus often remains on his impactful presence rather than his measurements. However, he was approximately 6 feet tall, with a lean build that complemented his charismatic stage presence. His weight varied throughout his life, reflecting his battle with personal issues and the pressures of performing.
Hicks is mentioned in the 1999 British film Human Traffic. In the movie, the young and hip club-going protagonist, "Jip", praises Hicks as an alternative thinker, and explains that he needs to get a regular infusion of Hicks's insights. Before leaving his house to start on the movie's main adventure, Jip states: "...
first a daily injection of the late prophet Bill Hicks ... just to remind me not to take life too seriously." He then watches a clip of one of Hicks's rants about drugs, and how they had never affected him badly.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bill Hicks was known to be a private individual regarding his personal life, but it is noted that he had some serious relationships during his lifetime. Although there are no concrete public records of his romantic partners, his close ties with friends and fellow comedians hint at meaningful connections. Given his distinct humor and insight into life, Hicks often channeled his experiences with relationships into his performances, enhancing his relatability.
Early on, Hicks began to mock his family's Southern Baptist religious beliefs. He joked to the Houston Post in 1987, "We were Yuppie Baptists. We worried about things like, 'If you scratch your neighbor's Subaru, should you leave a note?'" Biographer Cynthia True described a typical argument with his father:
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1994, Bill Hicks’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. However, his posthumous fame has significantly increased appreciation for his work, making him a cherished figure in comedy history. This has led to various compilations of his routines, merchandise, and a dedicated fan base who continue to support his legacy. If his career had flourished for a longer period, estimates suggest that his net worth could have considerably increased.
Career, Business and Investments
Hicks began his comedy career in the 1980s, performing in comedy clubs across the United States. He developed a unique style that blended humor with social critique, which helped him gain a loyal following. Despite facing censorship due to the controversial nature of his material, Hicks was undeterred and remained true to his beliefs.
Posthumously, his recordings, such as "Relentless" and "Sane Man," have achieved cult status, leading to re-releases on various platforms and contributing to ongoing discussions about comedy as a tool for social commentary. Hicks' approach to comedy also paved the way for future comedians who wish to inspire change through humor.
By January 1986, Hicks was using recreational drugs and his financial resources had dwindled. His career experienced an upturn in 1987, however, when he appeared on Rodney Dangerfield's Young Comedians Special. The same year, he moved to New York City, and for the next five years performed about 300 times a year.
On the album Relentless, he jokes that he quit using drugs because "once you've been taken aboard a UFO, it's kind of hard to top that", although in his performances he continued to enthusiastically praise the virtues of LSD, marijuana, and psychedelic mushrooms.
Social Network
Despite his passing, Bill Hicks' influence persists on various social media platforms and fan-operated pages that celebrate his work. Many social media accounts are dedicated to sharing quotes, clips, and discussions about his comedy. His estate has also made efforts to preserve his legacy by engaging with fans through documentaries and special releases, ensuring that new generations continue to learn about his revolutionary approach to satire and truth-telling.
At the age of 16, Hicks began performing at the Comedy Workshop in Houston, Texas. During the 1980s, he toured the United States extensively and made a number of high-profile television appearances, but he amassed a significant fan base in the United Kingdom, filling large venues during his 1991 tour. He also achieved some recognition as a guitarist and songwriter.
Education
Bill Hicks attended the Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. It was during this time that he began to explore comedy, participating in school plays and various performances. After high school, he immersed himself in the local comedy scene, honing his craft in front of live audiences. While Hicks did not have a formal education beyond high school, his wisdom, insight, and the breadth of his material showcased a profound understanding of human nature, society, and culture.
He had an older sister, Lynn, and an older brother, Steve. The family lived in Alabama, Florida, and New Jersey before settling in Houston, Texas, when Hicks was seven years old. He was drawn to comedy at an early age, emulating Woody Allen and Richard Pryor, and wrote routines with his friend Dwight Slade.
While attending Stratford High School, he began performing comedy (mostly derivations of Woody Allen material) for his classmates. At home, he wrote his own one-liners and slid them under the bedroom door of Steve, who he thought was a genius, for critical analysis. Steve told him, "Keep it up. You're really good at this."
