Early Life and Education of Bill Maher: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bill Maher. From birth to education, explore key events.

Bill Maher is an American comedian, television host, actor, and political commentator known for his satirical and often controversial takes on current events. He gained prominence as the host of Politically Incorrect and currently hosts Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. Maher is also the host of the Club Random podcast. He is recognized for his outspoken views and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, often sparking debate on political and social issues.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

January 20, 1956: William Maher Born

On January 20, 1956, William Maher, now known as Bill Maher, was born. He is an American television host, comedian, actor, and political commentator known for his political satire.

1974: Graduated High School

In 1974, Bill Maher graduated from Pascack Hills High School in Montvale.

1978: Graduated from Cornell University

In 1978, Bill Maher graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and history.

1997: Joined PETA Board

In 1997, Bill Maher joined the board of PETA, supporting animal rights.

2002: Rejection of Atheist Label

In 2002, Bill Maher rejected being grouped with explicit atheists, stating that he doesn't believe in religion and sees it as a bureaucracy between man and God.

2003: Relationship with Coco Johnsen

In 2003, Bill Maher began dating Coco Johnsen, a flight attendant.

May 2, 2005: Dismissal of Johnsen's Lawsuit

On May 2, 2005, Coco Johnsen's lawsuit against Bill Maher was dismissed, resolving the legal dispute between them.

2005: Relationship with Karrine Steffans

In 2005, Bill Maher began dating Karrine Steffans, who is an author and former hip hop model. Maher defended his dating preferences when commentators pointed out the pattern of him dating black women.

2008: Supported Barack Obama

In 2008, Bill Maher announced his support for Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential election.

2008: Self-Identification as Agnostic

In his 2008 feature film Religulous, Bill Maher refers to himself as agnostic.

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2009: Obama and Health Care Reform

In 2009, Bill Maher commented on Obama's effort to pass the Affordable Care Act, saying Obama should focus on getting 51 votes. He mentioned the American Medical Association as a powerful lobbying group.

2009: Relationship with Cara Santa Maria Begins

In 2009, Bill Maher started dating Cara Santa Maria, a science educator and co-host of Skeptics' Guide to the Universe.

2011: Maher Defines His Apatheism

In 2011, Bill Maher described himself as an apatheist, stating, "I don't know what happens when you die, and I don't care." He placed himself at 6.9 on a scale of certainty about God's non-existence, similar to Richard Dawkins, emphasizing the importance of doubt and inclusivity towards non-religious individuals.

2011: Support for Medicare-for-All

In 2011, Bill Maher expressed his support for a Medicare-for-All universal single-payer health care system, a position he has consistently held.

2011: Relationship with Cara Santa Maria Ends

In 2011, Bill Maher's relationship with Cara Santa Maria ended.

February 23, 2012: Contributed to Obama SuperPAC

On February 23, 2012, Bill Maher announced he was contributing $1 million to Priorities USA, the Obama SuperPAC, after his "Crazy Stupid Politics" special streamed on Yahoo! Screen.

2012: Panel Discussion with Salman Rushdie

In 2012, Bill Maher counted himself, Salman Rushdie, and others as "9/11 liberals" who differentiate themselves from mainstream liberals in their criticism of religion.

2012: Purchased New York Mets Ownership

In 2012, Bill Maher purchased a minority ownership interest in the New York Mets.

2012: Atheism Is Not a Religion

In 2012, Bill Maher stated that atheism is not a religion, further clarifying that it isn't even a hobby. This was during an episode of his HBO show. He emphasized that being an atheist requires little time and stated that he doesn't really enjoy talking about religion all the time.

February 12, 2013: Gun Ownership for Home Protection

On February 12, 2013, Bill Maher explained on Conan that he owns guns for personal home protection.

2014: Relationship with Anjulie Persaud Begins

In 2014, Bill Maher began dating Canadian singer Anjulie Persaud.

2014: Flip a District Contest

In 2014, Bill Maher conducted a "Flip a District" contest on his HBO show, aiming to oust Republican Representative John Kline but failed to prevent his reelection.

2015: Call for Marijuana Pardons

In 2015, Bill Maher called on then-President Barack Obama to pardon individuals incarcerated for marijuana offenses, reflecting his long-standing support for cannabis law reform.

2020: Sold New York Mets Ownership

In 2020, Bill Maher sold his minority ownership interest in the New York Mets.

2023: Spiritual Discussion with Deepak Chopra

In 2023, Bill Maher discussed his spiritual queries and interests with Deepak Chopra, signaling a potential shift or expansion in his views on spirituality while still being critical of religion.