History of Louis C.K. in Timeline
Louis C.K., born Louis Alfred Székely, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker. He has received numerous awards, including six Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Critics' Choice Awards, three Peabody Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, along with nominations for two Golden Globe Awards. Recognized for his influence, he was featured in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2012. Rolling Stone ranked him as the fourth-best stand-up comic of all time in 2017.
1995: Marriage to Alix Bailey
In 1995, Louis C.K. married artist Alix Bailey. They had two daughters together.
2001: Direct-to-consumer Distribution Innovation
In 2001, Louis C.K. innovated direct-to-consumer distribution by releasing his debut comedy album, Live in Houston, directly through his website. He was among the first to offer direct ticket sales and DRM-free video downloads. This success prompted other comedians to adopt the model.
2002: Allegations at US Comedy Arts Festival
In 2002, during the US Comedy Arts Festival, Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov alleged that Louis C.K. invited them to his hotel room and masturbated in front of them.
2004: Voted for Democratic Candidate
In 2004, Louis C.K. voted for the Democratic Party presidential candidate.
2005: Rebecca Corry Alleges Misconduct on Television Pilot Set
In 2005, Rebecca Corry stated that Louis C.K. offered to masturbate in front of her on the set of a television pilot. She declined, reported the incident, but no action was taken.
2006: Acted in Lucky Louie
In 2006, Louis C.K. acted in the television series Lucky Louie.
2008: Divorce from Alix Bailey
In 2008, Louis C.K. and Alix Bailey divorced.
2008: Voted for Democratic Candidate
In 2008, Louis C.K. voted for the Democratic Party presidential candidate.
2010: Acted in Louie
In 2010, Louis C.K. acted in the television series Louie, until 2015.
December 10, 2011: C.K. Releases 'Live at the Beacon Theater'
On December 10, 2011, Louis C.K. released his fourth full-length special, 'Live at the Beacon Theater', independently on his website for $5.00, bypassing traditional distribution methods.
December 21, 2011: 'Live at the Beacon Theater' Earns $1 Million
By December 21, 2011, sales of 'Live at the Beacon Theater' from Louis C.K.'s website had earned him over $1 million.
2011: Charitable Donations from 'Live at the Beacon Theater' Sales
In 2011, Louis C.K. earned a million dollars from selling 'Live at the Beacon Theater' on his website and donated half of it to his staff and charities including the Fistula Foundation, Green Chimneys, the Pablove Foundation, Charity: Water, and Kiva.
2011: C.K. Joins Comedy Discussion on HBO
In 2011, Louis C.K. joined Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Ricky Gervais for a discussion of comedy in 'Talking Funny', a one-hour television special that aired on HBO.
May 11, 2012: C.K. Releases Audio Downloads
On May 11, 2012, Louis C.K. made two audio-only downloads available for $5.00 each: 'WORD – Live at Carnegie Hall' and the audio version of his first HBO stand-up special, 'Shameless', as well as an audio-only version of Live at the Beacon Theater.
November 3, 2012: C.K. Hosts Saturday Night Live
On November 3, 2012, Louis C.K. hosted Saturday Night Live and was later nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
2012: Voted for Democratic Candidate
In 2012, Louis C.K. voted for the Democratic Party presidential candidate.
2012: Grammy Award for Hilarious
In 2012, Louis C.K. won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Hilarious.
December 2013: C.K. Stars in 'American Hustle'
In December 2013, Louis C.K. starred in David O. Russell's black comedy crime film 'American Hustle', playing the role of FBI supervisor Stoddard Thorsen. The film was a financial and critical success.
2013: Starred in Blue Jasmine and American Hustle
In 2013, Louis C.K. starred in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine and David O. Russell's American Hustle.
2013: C.K. Takes Roles in American Hustle and Blue Jasmine
In 2013, Louis C.K. took roles in David O. Russell's 'American Hustle' and Woody Allen's 'Blue Jasmine', leading to a 19-month hiatus for his show 'Louie' after season 3.
2013: Pig Newton Signs Contract with FX Networks
In 2013, Louis C.K.'s production company, Pig Newton, signed a contract to develop and executive produce pilots for FX Networks.
2013: Screen Actors Guild Award for American Hustle
In 2013, Louis C.K., along with the other cast members of American Hustle, won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
January 2014: C.K. to Produce Comedy Pilot for FX
In January 2014, it was announced that Louis C.K. would produce and co-write a Zach Galifianakis-created comedy pilot for FX Networks, which became the show 'Baskets'.
March 29, 2014: C.K. Hosts Saturday Night Live
On March 29, 2014, Louis C.K. hosted Saturday Night Live and received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
2014: FX Announces Shortened Season of Louie
During the 2014 Television Critics Association presentations, FX Networks reported that 'Louie' would return in spring 2015 for a shortened fifth season of seven episodes.
January 2015: C.K. Releases 'Live at the Comedy Store'
In January 2015, Louis C.K. released his sixth one-hour special 'Live at the Comedy Store' to his website, recorded at a club in West Hollywood.
April 2015: Louie Season 5 Premieres
In April 2015, Louie's fifth season premiered. It was announced that the series would take an "extended hiatus" in August 2015.
May 2015: C.K. Announces Film 'I'm a Cop'
In May 2015, it was announced that Louis C.K. would write, direct, and star in the film 'I'm a Cop', with a budget of $8 million, although the project was later canceled.
May 16, 2015: C.K. Hosts Saturday Night Live Again
On May 16, 2015, Louis C.K. hosted Saturday Night Live for a second time in a little over a year, and received another Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
May 28, 2015: 'Live at the Comedy Store' Premieres on FX
On May 28, 2015, Louis C.K.'s sixth one-hour special 'Live at the Comedy Store' premiered exclusively on FX. The special was recorded at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood in January 2015.
August 2015: Louie Takes Extended Hiatus
In August 2015, it was announced that the TV show 'Louie' would take an "extended hiatus". The fifth season premiered earlier in April 2015.
November 2015: C.K. Co-Stars in 'Trumbo' and Executive Produces 'One Mississippi'
In November 2015, Louis C.K. co-starred in the biographical drama film 'Trumbo' and executive-produced the pilot for the Amazon Video black comedy series 'One Mississippi'.
2015: Acted in Louie
In 2015, Louis C.K. acted in the television series Louie. He also starred in a film named Trumbo.
2015: Rumors of C.K.'s Behavior Towards Women Emerge
In 2015, rumors about Louis C.K.'s behavior toward women in his professional life began to surface on various websites, involving names like Roseanne Barr, Jen Kirkman, and Tig Notaro.
January 2016: C.K. Uncertain About Louie's Return
In January 2016, Louis C.K. stated he "just doesn't know" whether 'Louie' would return, following the extended hiatus announced in August 2015.
January 2016: C.K. Rumored to Create Animated Series
In January 2016, it was rumored that Louis C.K. and Albert Brooks would create, write, executive produce, and provide the voices for an animated series pilot for FX. The show was later announced as 'The Cops'.
January 21, 2016: 'Baskets' Premieres on FX
On January 21, 2016, the 10-episode single-camera comedy 'Baskets', co-written and produced by Louis C.K. and created by Zach Galifianakis, premiered on FX.
January 30, 2016: C.K. Releases 'Horace and Pete'
On January 30, 2016, Louis C.K. released the first episode of the tragicomic drama series 'Horace and Pete' to his website, without any prior announcements. He directed, wrote, and starred in the series.
March 2016: Email Criticizing Donald Trump
In March 2016, Louis C.K. sent an email criticizing the 2016 presidential race, comparing Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler and labeling him an 'insane bigot'. He later called the email 'irrational'.
July 8, 2016: 'The Secret Life of Pets' Released
On July 8, 2016, 'The Secret Life of Pets', where Louis C.K. voiced the lead character Max, was released. The film grossed over $875 million worldwide.
September 2016: 'Better Things' Premieres on FX
In September 2016, 'Better Things', a series developed with Pamela Adlon, premiered on FX. Louis C.K. co-wrote, co-produced, and directed the pilot.
2016: Acted in Horace and Pete
In 2016, Louis C.K. acted in the television series Horace and Pete.
2016: Jeopardy! Win for Fistula Foundation
In 2016, Louis C.K. selected the Fistula Foundation as the beneficiary of his Jeopardy! Power Players Week appearance, and won $50,000 for the charity.
2016: Voted for Democratic Candidate
In 2016, Louis C.K. voted for the Democratic Party presidential candidate.
2016: Grammy Award for Live at Madison Square Garden
In 2016, Louis C.K. won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Live at Madison Square Garden.
April 4, 2017: C.K.'s Stand-Up Special '2017' Released on Netflix
On April 4, 2017, Louis C.K.'s stand-up special '2017' was released on Netflix. The special was filmed in Washington, D.C.
April 8, 2017: C.K. Hosts Saturday Night Live
On April 8, 2017, Louis C.K. hosted Saturday Night Live for a fourth time, receiving strong reviews for his opening monologue and honoring Don Rickles, who died that week.
June 2017: C.K. Directs 'I Love You, Daddy'
In June 2017, Louis C.K. directed the film 'I Love You, Daddy' in secret, shooting entirely on black and white 35 mm film. The film premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival in September.
September 2017: Tig Notaro Cuts Ties with C.K.
In September 2017, Tig Notaro cut ties with Louis C.K. in a Vanity Fair interview, urging him to address rumors of sexual impropriety. C.K. denied the allegations in a New York Times interview.
November 9, 2017: New York Premiere of 'I Love You, Daddy' Canceled
On November 9, 2017, The Orchard, the distributor of Louis C.K.'s upcoming film 'I Love You, Daddy', canceled the New York premiere due to "unexpected circumstances", amidst growing allegations of misconduct.
November 2017: FX Cuts Ties with Louis C.K.
In November 2017, FX cut ties with Louis C.K. due to misconduct allegations, ending their partnership.
August 26, 2018: Unannounced Appearance at Comedy Cellar
On August 26, 2018, Louis C.K. made an unannounced appearance at the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan, New York, receiving an ovation. His return to stand-up was met with mixed reactions from fellow comedians, some criticizing it as premature, while others defended his right to perform.
October 2018: Jerry Seinfeld on C.K.'s Return
In October 2018, Jerry Seinfeld commented on Louis C.K.'s return to stand-up, suggesting the public felt C.K. hadn't adequately acknowledged his actions and that the public expected him to show more pain and remorse before being welcomed back.
December 2018: Controversy over leaked material
In December 2018, Louis C.K.'s new material was leaked online and generated controversy.
2018: FX CEO Expresses Interest in C.K.'s Return
In 2018, FX CEO John Landgraf stated that the network was ready to welcome Louis C.K. back and was eager for 'Louie' season six.
2018: Relationship with Blanche Gardin Confirmed
In 2018, Louis C.K. confirmed that he was dating Blanche Gardin.
2018: C.K. Experiences Fallout from Scandal
In 2018, following the sexual misconduct scandal, Louis C.K. stated that the fallout had taken him through "hell and back" and cost him approximately $35 million in lost income. His film release was cancelled, and various networks cut ties with him.
2018: 'The Cops' to Premiere on TBS
In January 2017, it was announced the animated series 'The Cops', created by C.K. and Albert Brooks, would premiere on TBS in 2018. The show focuses on two Los Angeles patrolmen.
December 31, 2018: Leaked New Material
On December 31, 2018, a recording of Louis C.K. performing new material was secretly made by an audience member and posted online, sparking controversy. His set included jokes about school shootings, eliciting varied responses from other comedians.
June 3, 2019: Death of Mother Mary Louise Székely
On June 3, 2019, Louis C.K.'s mother, Mary Louise Székely, passed away.
October 2019: International Tour Announcement
In October 2019, Louis C.K. announced an international tour of his new material via email to his website subscribers. Following the leak of his new material in December 2018, future shows required audience members to lock devices in Yondr pouches.
January 2020: Unannounced Set at Benefit Show
In January 2020, Louis C.K. performed an unannounced set at the eighth annual benefit show for Patrice O'Neal, receiving a standing ovation. The show is organized by comedian Bill Burr.
March 2020: Show Cancellations due to COVID-19
Beginning in March 2020, most of Louis C.K.'s shows were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
March 2020: Donation to Joe Biden Campaign Refunded
In March 2020, Louis C.K. donated to the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign. However, the campaign refunded the $2,800 donation. Neither Biden nor C.K. released statements.
April 4, 2020: Self-Release of 'Sincerely Louis CK'
On April 4, 2020, Louis C.K. self-released a new stand-up special entitled 'Sincerely Louis CK' through his website, without advance notice. The special received a divided response, including from Amy Schumer.
April 2020: Donation to Comedy Cellar Wait Staff
In April 2020, Louis C.K. donated $30,000 to the wait staff at the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a GoFundMe program called 'Tip Your Wait Staff'.
July 2020: Release of 'Long Distance Relationship'
In July 2020, Louis C.K. released an audio series titled 'Long Distance Relationship', featuring conversations between himself and Blanche Gardin. Proceeds were designated for the Fistula Foundation and Fondation Abbé Pierre.
August 4, 2020: Appearance at Dave Chappelle's Standup Series
On August 4, 2020, Louis C.K. joined Dave Chappelle's standup series 'An Intimate Socially Distanced Affair' in Yellow Springs, Ohio, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photos from the event showed C.K. with other comedians like Sarah Silverman and Tiffany Haddish.
October 2020: Appearance in 'The Comedy Store' docu-series
In October 2020, Louis C.K. appeared in 'The Comedy Store', a docu-series about the Los Angeles comedy club of the same name, directed by Mike Binder.
May 2021: Unannounced Stop at Village Underground and Tour Announcement
In May 2021, Louis C.K. made an unannounced appearance at the Village Underground in New York City, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Subsequently, he announced upcoming tour dates for the summer of 2021 in Atlanta, Nashville, and Minneapolis.
August 2021: US and International Tour Announcement
In August 2021, Louis C.K. announced a tour of the United States and international dates for 2022. The tour included rescheduled dates due to COVID-19, acknowledging the pandemic and safety concerns.
November 2021: Filming of New Special at Madison Square Garden
In November 2021, Shane Gillis revealed on The Joe Rogan Experience that Louis C.K. had filmed a new special at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
December 2021: Release of 'Sorry' Stand-up Special
On December 18, 2021, Louis C.K. announced the release of his new stand-up comedy special, titled 'Sorry'. The special was sold through his website, similar to his previous releases.
April 2022: Grammy Win for 'Sincerely, Louis C.K.'
In April 2022, Louis C.K. won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his special 'Sincerely, Louis C.K.'.
May 2022: Guest on Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast
In May 2022, Louis C.K. appeared as a guest in a series of episodes of Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast. They had a six hour long discussion.
June 2022: Premiere of 'Fourth of July'
June 2022 marked the premiere of Louis C.K.'s film 'Fourth of July', which he produced, directed, and co-wrote with Joe List. The film stars List and is a comedy-drama.
August 2022: Break Up from Blanche Gardin
In August 2022, Louis C.K. mentioned that he and Blanche Gardin had broken up.
2022: Grammy Award for Sincerely Louis C.K.
In 2022, Louis C.K. won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Sincerely Louis C.K.
January 28, 2023: Performance at Madison Square Garden
On January 28, 2023, Louis C.K. performed at a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. The performance was recorded live and aired on his website as 'Louis C.K.: Back to the Garden'.
March 2025: Announcement of 'Ridiculous' Tour
In March 2025, Louis C.K. announced his 'Ridiculous' tour with dates scheduled across the world.
September 2025: Confession of Ongoing Remorse
In a September 2025 podcast interview on Theo Von's This Past Weekend, Louis C.K. confessed ongoing remorse for his past sexual misconduct, and admitted to attending Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meetings.
November 11, 2025: Release Date for Debut Novel 'Ingram'
Louis C.K.'s debut novel, Ingram, is scheduled for release on November 11, 2025.
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