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 shows *Real Time with Bill Maher* (HBO) and *Politically Incorrect* (Comedy Central/ABC), where he delivers his often controversial and satirical takes on current events and political issues. In 2022, he expanded his reach by launching the podcast *Club Random*.

Sections (4)

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

January 20, 1956: Bill Maher Born

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

1974: Graduation from High School

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

1978: Graduation from Cornell University

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

1997: Joined PETA Board

In 1997, Maher joined the board of PETA, showing his support for animal rights.

2002: Distinction between agnostic and atheist

In 2002, Bill Maher stated that he is not an atheist, but rather someone who doesn't believe in religion.

October 19, 2007: Maher confronts 9/11 truthers

On October 19, 2007, Bill Maher confronted and ejected 9/11 truthers from his show audience after they repeatedly disrupted the live broadcast. This incident garnered media attention and praise from Fox News talk show host John Gibson.

2008: Maher emphasizes diet and exercise for health

In 2008, Bill Maher expressed his view that poor diet and lack of exercise are significant contributors to illness, suggesting that medicine is not always the most appropriate solution. He criticized the pharmaceutical and health care industries for profiting from unhealthy food consumption.

2008: Support for Barack Obama

In 2008, 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: Maher discusses the Affordable Care Act

In 2009, Bill Maher discussed the Affordable Care Act, stating that Obama should focus on securing 51 votes rather than trying to reach 60 votes. Maher also mentioned on Fox News with Bill O'Reilly that with Jesus in charge, the United States would probably have health care for everybody.

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 clarified that on a scale of certainty regarding God's non-existence, he ranks at 6.9, emphasizing the importance of doubt and inclusivity toward non-religious individuals.

2011: Maher supports Medicare-for-All

Since 2011, Bill Maher has consistently supported the establishment of a Medicare-for-All universal single-payer health care system, advocating for health care reform in the United States.

February 23, 2012: Contribution to Obama SuperPAC

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

2012: Maher purchases stake in the New York Mets

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

2012: "9/11 liberals" panel discussion

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

2012: Maher clarifies his views on atheism

On his HBO show in 2012, Maher clarified that atheism is not a religion and doesn't consume his time. He reiterated that he rejects the certitude of both the existence and non-existence of deities, stating that doubt is the only appropriate response for human beings.

February 12, 2013: Gun Ownership for Home Protection

On February 12, 2013, Maher explained on Conan that he owns guns for personal home protection but does not identify as a "proud" gun owner.

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2015: Maher Calls on Obama to Pardon Marijuana Offenses

In 2015, Bill Maher called on then President Barack Obama to pardon people incarcerated for marijuana offenses. Maher is a long time supporter of cannabis law reform.

2017: Maher discusses Western values and Islam

In 2017, Maher defended his criticism of Islam, Sharia law, and Muslim culture by emphasizing his belief in Western values such as separation of church and state, gender equality, and free speech. He also agreed with Sam Harris that the left has allied itself with Islamists and has failed to stand up to Islamic extremism.

February 2018: Maher criticizes the #MeToo movement

In February 2018, Bill Maher criticized the #MeToo movement, describing it as McCarthyism.

2020: Maher sells his stake in the New York Mets

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

2020: Maher supports Chris Matthews

In 2020, Bill Maher supported Chris Matthews against allegations of sexual harassment. Maher has also downplayed the sexual harassment allegations against former senator Al Franken.

May 2022: Maher comments on LGBT identification

In May 2022, Bill Maher commented on the rise of LGBT identification, suggesting that it is partly due to increased freedom to express identity but also because it is trendy. Maher also criticized puberty blockers and other transgender health care for trans youth, referring to it as "literally experimenting on children".

2023: Maher Discusses Spirituality with Deepak Chopra

In 2023, Bill Maher engaged in a discussion with Deepak Chopra, exploring some of his spiritual queries and interests despite his critical stance on religion. This conversation highlighted a nuanced aspect of Maher's views on spirituality.