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 is best known for hosting political talk shows like Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO (2003–present) and Politically Incorrect (1993–2002) on Comedy Central and ABC. In 2022, Maher 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 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 joined the board of PETA.

2002: Distinction from Atheism

In 2002, Bill Maher distinguished himself from explicit atheists, stating that he doesn't believe in religion as he sees it as unnecessary bureaucracy between man and God.

2008: Maher discusses health plans

In 2008, Bill Maher stated that poor nutrition was a primary cause of illness, and that "the answer isn't another pill" during an episode of his show about the 2008 presidential candidates' health plans. He also expressed distaste for the pharmaceutical and health care industries.

2008: Self-Identification as Agnostic

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

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2008: Support for Barack Obama

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

2009: Maher discusses the Affordable Care Act

In 2009, Bill Maher discussed the Affordable Care Act. He stated that President Obama should not try to get 60 votes for it, as he only needs 51. He also said that if Jesus was in charge of the country, the country would probably have health care for everybody.

2011: Maher describes himself as an apatheist

In 2011, Bill Maher referred to himself as an apatheist, stating he doesn't know or care what happens after death. He clarified that he's not absolutely certain about the non-existence of God, aligning with Richard Dawkins in focusing less on the question.

2011: Maher supports Medicare-for-All

Since 2011, Bill Maher has supported the establishment of a Medicare-for-All universal single-payer health care system.

February 23, 2012: Contribution to Obama SuperPAC

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

2012: Maher purchases interest 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, Rushdie, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris as "9/11 liberals," distinguishing them from mainstream liberals in their views on religion.

2012: Maher declares atheism is not a religion

In 2012, on his HBO show, Bill Maher stated that atheism is not a religion and doesn't require much time or attention. He expressed frustration with those claiming atheism is a religion.

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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.

2023: Maher discusses spiritual interests with Deepak Chopra

In 2023, Bill Maher discussed some of his spiritual queries and interests with long-time friend and new age guru, Deepak Chopra, while still being critical of religion.