Who Is Sam Kinison? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Sam Kinison was born on December 8, 1953, in Yakima, Washington. He shot to prominence in the 1980s with his outrageous style of stand-up comedy, characterized by his unique voice and passionate delivery. Kinison gained widespread recognition for his performances in comedy clubs and on television, famously appearing on "The Tonight Show" and HBO specials. His life was marked by both personal struggles and remarkable achievements until his tragic passing on April 10, 1992, at the age of 38.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1953 |
| Age | 38 Years |
| Birth Place | Yakima, Washington, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 April, 1992 |
| Died Place | Needles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Sam Kinison's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kinison was known for his larger-than-life personality and presence, standing at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighing around 250 pounds (113 kg) during his peak years. His unconventional look—complete with wild hair and a robust frame—was part of his comedic identity, making him easily recognizable among audiences.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Kinison experienced several tumultuous relationships. He was married twice: first to Patricia Adkins and later to Malika Souiri. His turbulent romantic life often became fodder for his comedy, as he humorously chronicled the ups and downs of love in his routines. Although Kinison's exact dating status in 2025 is moot, his legacy in relationships is more about the memories he created rather than the names he left behind.
Samuel Burl Kinison (December 8, 1953 – April 10, 1992) was an American stand-up comedian and actor. A former Pentecostal preacher, he performed stand-up routines that were characterized by intense sudden tirades, punctuated with his distinctive scream, similar to charismatic preachers.
Initially performing for free, Kinison became a regular fixture at The Comedy Store, where he met and eventually befriended such comics as Robin Williams and Jim Carrey.
Kinison's comedy was crass observational humor, especially towards women and dating, and his popularity grew quickly, leading to appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Late Night with David Letterman and Saturday Night Live. At the peak of his career in early 1992, he was killed in a car crash, aged 38.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Sam Kinison had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. However, given his lasting impact on comedy and continued popularity in the years since, it's reasonable to speculate that his estate has earned significantly more posthumously through royalties, merchandise, and tribute performances. Kinison's raw comedic style and approach to tackling societal issues have kept his legacy alive, ultimately enhancing his financial legacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kinison’s career spanned various domains, including stand-up, acting, and writing. He became a staple in the comedy circuit, breaking into mainstream media through his work with HBO and featured films such as "Back to School" alongside Rodney Dangerfield. Kinison was also involved in recording albums that displayed his comedic genius. His business ventures largely focused on his comedy, with a keen eye on promoting his brand through television appearances and live performances.
Kinison's comedy was at times accused of containing misogyny and homophobia, according to a retrospective on Kinison's career in the Los Angeles Times.
For example, the group Queer Nation Nebraska demonstrated on a sidewalk in front of a Kinison show in Lincoln in February 1991, chanting "Anti-woman, anti-gay, Sam Kinison go away!" His Have You Seen Me Lately? album carried a disclaimer sticker stating "The Material On This Album Does Not Reflect The Views Or Opinions Of Warner Bros.
Records." Employees at Warner Brothers requested that their bosses not release it due to the controversial material on Kinison's first album.
In a 2016 article by John Hugar in New York, Hugar contended that the comedy of past comedians, including Kinison, was not positively embraced by younger generations, perhaps because their material has come to be viewed as anachronistically sexist and misogynistic with time.
Hugar noted that a modern reevaluation was complicated by the possibility that Kinison could be considered as playing an intentionally shocking character rather than speaking as himself.
Social Network
While Sam Kinison does not have an active social media presence today—having passed away in 1992—his legacy continues on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Fans often share clips of his performances, quotes, and memories, ensuring that his humor reaches new generations.
Kinison began his career in Houston, Texas, where he performed in small clubs. He became a member of a comedic group at the Comedy Workshop, known as the Texas Outlaw Comics, that included Bill Hicks, Ron Shock, Riley Barber, Steve Epstein, Andy Huggins, John Farneti, and Jimmy Pineapple.
Hicks cited Kinison as a major influence on his comedic style, noting that "He was the first guy I ever saw to go on stage and not in any way ask the audience to like him." In 1980, Kinison moved to Los Angeles hoping to find work at The Comedy Store, but was first employed as a doorman.
He soon developed a cocaine and alcohol addiction, quickly progressing to freebasing cocaine, and struggled to gain a foothold in the business until his brother Bill moved to Los Angeles to help manage his career.
Education
Kinison attended East Texas State University, where he initially pursued a career in ministry before shifting his focus to comedy. His background in religious studies influenced his comedic material, as he often intertwined spiritual themes with humor, reflecting on human behavior and societal norms.
In conclusion, even decades after his passing, Sam Kinison remains a seminal figure in the comedy world, remembered for his distinctive style and fearless approach to tackling controversial issues. As an enduring icon, Kinison continues to inspire both comedians and fans alike, solidifying his place in entertainment history.
His big break came on HBO's Rodney Dangerfield's Ninth Annual Young Comedians Special in August 1985. After noting the performance of Bob Nelson, reviewer Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote, "the most interesting of the other eight comedians is the savagely funny Sam Kinison. Mr.
Kinison specializes in a grotesque animalist howl that might be described as the primal scream of the married man." Kinison would later appear in Rodney Dangerfield's film Back to School in 1986.
