History of Bill Maher in Timeline
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.
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.
1979: Catch a Rising Star Host
In 1979, Maher began his career as host of the New York City comedy club Catch a Rising Star.
1982: Late Night Show Appearances
In 1982, Maher started appearing on Johnny Carson's and David Letterman's shows.
1983: Film Debut in D.C. Cab
In 1983, Maher made his feature film debut in D.C. Cab.
1985: Appearance on Sara
In 1985, Maher made a television appearance on Sara.
1987: Appearance on Max Headroom
In 1987, Maher appeared on Max Headroom.
1988: Appearances in House II, Cannibal Women and Newhart
In 1988, Maher appeared in House II: The Second Story, Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death, and Newhart.
1989: Murder, She Wrote Appearance
In 1989, Maher appeared on Murder, She Wrote.
1990: Appearances on Murder, She Wrote and Hosting Midnight Hour
In 1990, Maher appeared on Murder, She Wrote and hosted the talk show Midnight Hour on CBS.
1991: Appearance on Charlie Hoover and Pizza Man
In 1991, Maher appeared on Charlie Hoover and in the film Pizza Man.
1993: Politically Incorrect Debut on Comedy Central
In 1993, Bill Maher began hosting Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher on Comedy Central.
1993: Politically Incorrect Premiere
In 1993, Bill Maher began hosting Politically Incorrect, a late-night show on Comedy Central.
1997: Maher Joins PETA Board
In 1997, Maher became a board member of PETA, demonstrating his support for animal rights.
1997: Politically Incorrect Move to ABC
In 1997, Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher moved from Comedy Central to ABC.
June 16, 2002: Cancellation of Politically Incorrect
On June 16, 2002, Politically Incorrect was officially canceled.
June 22, 2002: Los Angeles Press Club Award
On June 22, 2002, six days after the cancellation of Politically Incorrect, Maher received the Los Angeles Press Club president's award for championing free speech.
2002: Cancellation of Politically Incorrect
In 2002, ABC decided not to renew Maher's contract for Politically Incorrect following controversial remarks made after the September 11 attacks. Maher's comments sparked significant backlash and advertising revenue loss.
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.
2002: Foreword for Spin This!
In 2002, Maher wrote the foreword for the book Spin This!: All the Ways We Don't Tell the Truth by Bill Press.
2002: Politically Incorrect End Date
In 2002, Politically Incorrect concluded its run, having aired on Comedy Central and later on ABC.
2003: Maher begins dating Coco Johnsen
In 2003, Bill Maher began dating flight attendant Coco Johnsen.
2003: Real Time with Bill Maher Debut
In 2003, Bill Maher started hosting the HBO political talk show, Real Time with Bill Maher.
2003: Maher nominated for Tony Award for Victory Begins at Home
In 2003, Bill Maher was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for "Bill Maher: Victory Begins at Home" at the 57th Tony Awards.
November 2004: Coco Johnsen sues Maher
In November 2004, Coco Johnsen sued Bill Maher for US$9 million for alleged insulting, humiliating, and degrading racial comments after their 17-month relationship ended.
November 23, 2004: Maher's lawyers respond to Johnsen's lawsuit
On November 23, 2004, Bill Maher's lawyers responded to Coco Johnsen's lawsuit, stating that Maher is a 'confirmed bachelor' who never promised to marry her or have children with her.
2004: Appearance in "Hollywood Hell House"
In 2004, Maher appeared on stage as Satan in The Steve Allen Theater production of "Hollywood Hell House".
May 2, 2005: Johnsen's lawsuit against Maher dismissed
On May 2, 2005, Coco Johnsen's lawsuit against Bill Maher was dismissed.
2005: Maher begins dating Karrine Steffans
In 2005, Bill Maher began dating Karrine Steffans, an author and former hip hop model.
2005: Comedy Central Ranking
In 2005, Maher was ranked No. 38 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time.
January 13, 2006: Hosting Larry King Live
On January 13, 2006, Maher hosted an edition of Larry King Live.
2006: Maher wins High Times awards
In 2006, Bill Maher was honored by High Times as "Top Pot Comic" and "Real Time" won a Stony Award for "Best Cable News Show".
October 19, 2007: Maher confronts 9/11 truthers on his show
On October 19, 2007, Bill Maher confronted and ejected 9/11 conspiracy theorists from his show audience after they disrupted the live broadcast.
2007: Television Producer of the Year Award
In 2007, Maher and his co-producers were awarded the Television Producer of the Year Award in Variety Television by the Producers Guild of America.
October 3, 2008: Release of Religulous
On October 3, 2008, Religulous, a movie made by Maher and director Larry Charles, was released.
2008: Support for Barack Obama
In 2008, Maher announced his support for Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential election.
2008: Release of Religulous
In 2008, Maher's documentary film, Religulous, which is based on his critical views of religion, was released.
2008: Maher discusses causes of illness and health plans.
In 2008, on an episode of his show, Bill Maher stated that poor nutrition was a primary cause of illness, and that 'the answer isn't another pill.'
2008: Maher Refers to Himself as Agnostic
In his 2008 feature film Religulous, Bill Maher refers to himself as agnostic.
2009: Maher begins dating Cara Santa Maria
In 2009, Bill Maher began dating Cara Santa Maria, a former adjunct professor, science educator, and co-host of Skeptics' Guide to the Universe.
2009: Maher advocates for passing the Affordable Care Act
In 2009, Bill Maher commented on the Affordable Care Act stating Obama should pursue healthcare reform with a simple majority, even if it meant overriding opposition.
2009: Maher receives Richard Dawkins Award
In 2009, Bill Maher was awarded the Richard Dawkins Award from Atheist Alliance International. He also became an advisory board member of Sam Harris's Project Reason.
June 29, 2010: Special Guest on Larry King Live
On June 29, 2010, Maher appeared as a special guest on Larry King Live, during which Larry King announced his retirement.
December 16, 2010: Co-Emceeing Larry King's Final Show
On December 16, 2010, Maher co-emceed the final show of Larry King Live with Ryan Seacrest.
2010: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2010, Maher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2011: Maher and Cara Santa Maria end relationship
In 2011, Bill Maher and Cara Santa Maria ended their relationship.
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.
2011: Maher supports Medicare-for-All
Since 2011, Bill Maher has consistently supported the establishment of a Medicare-for-All universal single-payer healthcare system.
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: Maher purchases a minority 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 Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris as "9/11 liberals".
February 12, 2013: Maher on Gun Ownership
On February 12, 2013, Bill Maher explained on Conan that he owns guns for home protection but does not identify as a "proud" gun owner.
June 7, 2013: Maher Expresses Limited Support for NSA's PRISM Program
On June 7, 2013, Bill Maher expressed limited support on his show for the NSA's PRISM intelligence data collection from private phone calls and the Internet, citing the threat of terrorists obtaining and using nuclear weapons as the tipping point.
2013: Executive Producer for Vice
In 2013, Maher became one of the executive producers for the HBO newsmagazine series Vice.
2014: Maher Defends Israel's Military Actions
During the 2014 Gaza war, Bill Maher defended Israel's military actions against Palestinians amid criticism over civilian deaths and disproportionate casualty counts, arguing that Israel is still showing restraint.
2014: Maher Endorses Maine Referendum on Bear Hunting
In 2014, Bill Maher endorsed a Maine referendum to ban the use of bait, traps, and dogs to hunt bears.
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.
2014: Emmy Win for Vice
In 2014, Maher won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work as executive producer for Vice.
2014: Maher begins dating Anjulie Persaud
Since 2014, Bill Maher has been dating Canadian singer Anjulie Persaud.
November 2015: Maher Opposes Accepting Syrian Refugees
In November 2015, Bill Maher expressed opposition to the United States accepting Syrian refugees, citing differing values and potential risks.
2015: Maher calls on Obama to pardon marijuana offenses
In 2015, Bill Maher called on President Barack Obama to pardon individuals incarcerated for marijuana offenses.
2015: Maher Criticizes Obama's Visit to Saudi Arabia
In 2015, Bill Maher criticized Barack Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia, saying: "Stop respecting their medieval bullshit under the guise of, 'It's their culture.'"
2015: Maher wins a Primetime Emmy Award for Vice
In 2015, Bill Maher won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series or Special for "Vice".
February 5, 2016: Maher Endorses Bernie Sanders
On February 5, 2016, Bill Maher initially endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders for the U.S. presidential election.
May 13, 2016: Announcement of "The Kings of Atheism"
On May 13, 2016, Maher and Michael Moore announced they were making a movie called The Kings of Atheism.
June 2016: Maher Supports Hillary Clinton
In June 2016, Bill Maher announced his support for Hillary Clinton after she won the nomination from the Democratic Party primary elections.
October 2016: Maher Criticizes Julian Assange
In October 2016, Bill Maher criticized WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for publishing leaks from the DNC's emails, stating that Assange had "lost his way" and "hates Hillary."
2016: Vice nominated for Peabody Award
In 2016, "Vice" was nominated for the Peabody Award for their segment on Student Debt.
2016: Real Time Renewal
In 2016, HBO renewed Real Time with Bill Maher through 2018 for its 15th and 16th seasons.
March 31, 2017: Maher's Response to Clinton's Defeat
On March 31, 2017, Bill Maher responded on air to suggestions that Hillary Clinton was ready to end her low profile and speak out, telling her to stay in the woods, saying "You had your shot. You fucked it up."
June 2017: Maher's Controversial 'House Nigger' Comment
In June 2017, Bill Maher came under criticism for saying "I'm a house nigger" in response to Senator Ben Sasse on Real Time. HBO removed the segment, and Maher apologized for his offensive remark.
2017: Maher agrees that the left has allied itself with Islamists
In 2017, Bill Maher agreed with Sam Harris that the left has allied itself with Islamists, asserting liberals have failed to confront Islamic extremism. He defended his criticism of Islamic culture and Sharia Law.
February 2018: Maher describes the #MeToo movement as McCarthyism
In February 2018, Bill Maher described the #MeToo movement as McCarthyism.
April 13, 2018: Maher Predicts Trump Will Refuse to Concede
On April 13, 2018, Bill Maher began predicting that Trump would refuse to concede any loss in the 2020 United States presidential election.
2018: Real Time Renewal
In 2016, HBO renewed Real Time with Bill Maher through 2018 for its 15th and 16th seasons.
March 14, 2019: Maher Cites Trump's Assertion
On March 14, 2019, Maher quoted Trump's assertion, "I have the support of the police, the military, the bikers [for Trump]" and "the tough people", citing this as evidence that Trump would seek to remain in office by force.
August 2019: Maher Denounces BDS Movement
In August 2019, Bill Maher denounced the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, saying it's based on shallow thinking regarding race. He also responded to Rep. Rashida Tlaib's call to boycott his talk show.
August 2019: Maher on Recession and Trump
In August 2019, Bill Maher stated that an economic recession would be "worth it" if Donald Trump did not get re-elected in 2020, prioritizing avoiding another Trump term.
2019: Gorski criticizes Maher's claims about vaccines
In 2019, David Gorski criticized Bill Maher for his HBO interview with Dr. Jay Gordon and his claims about vaccines, particularly regarding the influenza vaccine and its potential link to autism.
January 25, 2020: Maher Dedicates 'New Rules' Segment to Trump's Refusal to Leave
On January 25, 2020, Bill Maher dedicated a 'New Rules' end segment on Real Time to the subject of Trump refusing to concede any loss in the 2020 United States presidential election.
April 2020: Maher on 'Wuhan Virus' Terminology
In April 2020, Bill Maher criticized those who equated using the term "Wuhan virus" with racism, stating that scientists have historically named diseases after their place of origin.
August 7, 2020: Maher's Prediction of Violence by Trump Supporters
By August 7, 2020, Bill Maher predicted violence by armed Trump supporters attempting to keep Trump in power and criticized Democratic Party politicians for not taking the threat seriously.
August 15, 2020: Maher on Trump Not Leaving Office
In an August 15, 2020, interview with Vanity Fair, Bill Maher stated that "we've baked it into the cake that he's not going to leave," referring to Donald Trump.
September 25, 2020: Maher Criticizes Media Coverage of Trump's Peaceful Transfer of Power
On September 25, 2020, during Real Time, Bill Maher criticized the framing of a New York Times story by Michael Crowley headlined "Trump Won't Commit to Peaceful Transfer of Power", asserting that the media should have amplified the severity of Trump's threats to refuse a peaceful transition.
2020: Maher supports Chris Matthews against harassment allegations
In 2020, Bill Maher supported Chris Matthews against allegations of sexual harassment.
January 2021: Maher promotes the COVID-19 lab leak theory
In January 2021, Bill Maher promoted the COVID-19 lab leak theory.
March 2021: Maher Criticizes China's Treatment of Uyghurs
In March 2021, Bill Maher criticized China's treatment of Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. He also said the United States has "lost" to China in the "battle for the 21st century."
April 16, 2021: Maher criticizes media coverage of COVID-19
On April 16, 2021, Bill Maher criticized the media coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it "panic porn" and suggesting that the population is misinformed due to biased sources.
2021: Maher Opposes NFL's 'Black National Anthem'
In 2021, Bill Maher opposed the NFL's decision to play the "Black national anthem" before games, calling it a form of segregation.
2021: Maher Urges America to Take in Afghan Refugees
In 2021, after the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, Bill Maher urged America to take in Afghan refugees.
January 2022: Maher Declines to Run for President
In January 2022, Bill Maher declined to run in the 2024 United States presidential election, following speculation by Dana Perino.
March 2022: Maher defends Republicans on Florida education bill
In March 2022, Bill Maher defended Republicans for pushing the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act and rebuked liberals for their opposition.
March 21, 2022: Launch of Club Random Podcast
On March 21, 2022, Maher launched Club Random, a podcast featuring interviews recorded in his home bar, discussing topics except politics.
May 2022: Maher discusses LGBT identification and transgender health care
In May 2022, Bill Maher discussed the rise in LGBT identification, suggesting it's partly due to social acceptance but also trends. He referred to puberty blockers and transgender health care for youth as 'literally experimenting on children.'
2022: Maher Blames Hollywood for Mass Shootings
In 2022, Bill Maher blamed mass shootings in part on Hollywood romanticization of gun violence in movies. He has said that despite him not liking guns he is glad that they exist saying it "levels the playing field".
2022: Maher Criticizes Disinformation Governance Board
In 2022, Bill Maher criticized the Biden administration's Disinformation Governance Board and agreed with the comparison that the board was similar to the Ministry of Truth from George Orwell's dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.
2022: Maher Criticizes Democratic Party's Diversity Practices
In 2022, Bill Maher criticized the Democratic Party for prioritizing diversity over merit, particularly in candidate selection.
2022: Club Random Podcast Launch
In 2022, Maher launched his podcast, Club Random.
September 13, 2023: Maher announces plans to restart his HBO show
On September 13, 2023, Bill Maher announced on Twitter his plans to restart a version of his HBO show.
September 2023: Maher criticizes the Writers Guild of America strike
In September 2023, Bill Maher criticized the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, stating that writers are not 'owed a living'. He expressed disagreement with some of the WGA's demands, particularly the mandate for a specific number of writers on each show.
2023: Maher discusses spiritual interests with Deepak Chopra
In 2023, Bill Maher discussed his spiritual queries and interests with Deepak Chopra, despite being critical of religion.
2023: Maher on the 2023 Israel-Hamas War
In 2023, Condemning the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants on Israel, Maher spoke about it as Israel's 9/11, and cautioned Israel not to "lose the moral high ground" in the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. Maher expressed disappointment with former President Barack Obama over his comments on the war.
February 2024: Unreleased Kanye West Interview
In February 2024, Maher chose not to release a Club Random interview with Kanye West due to the rapper's antisemitic comments.
March 15, 2024: Ending CAA Affiliation
On March 15, 2024, Maher ended his affiliation with the CAA talent agency after not being invited to Bryan Lourd's Oscar party.
March 2024: Starting Club Random Studios
In March 2024, Maher announced the start of a podcast network called Club Random Studios with Chris Casey and Chuck LaBella.
May 2024: Retirement Announcement from Stand-Up
In May 2024, Maher said on the Club Random podcast with Jerry Seinfeld that he would stop doing stand-up after this year.
July 2024: Maher Calls on Biden to Decline Nomination
In July 2024, Bill Maher called on Joe Biden to decline the Democratic party's nomination and expressed his support for Gavin Newsom to replace Biden as the party's nominee.
July 19, 2024: Representation by WME
On July 19, 2024, it was confirmed that Maher would be represented by WME in all areas of entertainment.
February 2025: Maher Endorses John Fetterman for President
In February 2025, Bill Maher endorsed Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman for the 2028 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
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