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, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He's best known for hosting the political talk show Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO (2003-present) and Politically Incorrect (1993-2002) on Comedy Central and ABC. In 2022, he launched the podcast Club Random.

Sections (4)

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

January 20, 1956: Bill Maher's Birth

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

1974: High School Graduation

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

1978: College Graduation

In 1978, Maher graduated from Cornell University with degrees in English and history.

1997: Maher Joins PETA Board

In 1997, Maher became a board member of PETA, demonstrating his support for animal rights.

2002: Maher on Religion and Atheism

In 2002, Bill Maher clarified that he is not an atheist but rather someone who doesn't believe in religion, viewing it as an unnecessary bureaucracy between man and God.

2008: Support for Barack Obama

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

2008: Maher Refers to Himself as Agnostic

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

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2011: Maher describes himself as an apatheist

In 2011, Bill Maher described himself as an apatheist, stating he doesn't know or care what happens after death. He placed himself at 6.9 on a scale of certainty about God's non-existence, emphasizing doubt as the appropriate response for humans.

February 23, 2012: $1 Million Donation to Priorities USA

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

2012: "9/11 liberals" Panel Discussion

In 2012, during a panel discussion with Salman Rushdie, Maher identified himself and others like Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris as "9/11 liberals".

2014: "Flip a District" Contest

In 2014, Maher conducted a "Flip a District" contest on his HBO show, aiming to oust a "terrible, entrenched" member of Congress. He selected Republican Representative John Kline, but failed to prevent his re-election.