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Bill Burr (b. 1968) is a United States comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster. He has released several well-recieved stand-up comedy specials, and in 2017, Rolling Stone ranked him #17 on their list of The 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time. As a podcaster, Burr has hosted the Monday Morning Podcast since 2007.
Few comedians have as quickly left their mark on the world of comedy as Bill Burr. Known for his unique comedic style and unapologetically honest material, Burr has rightfully earned his spot among the elite comedians of our era. Burr earned a Grammy Award nomination for his comedy special Paper Tiger (2019), and the dark comedy series Immoral Compass (2021-present) got him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He is also one of the co-founders of the All Things Commedy network.
Bill Burr’s journey is a testament to his tenacity, talent, and extraordinary charm. His impact on the world of comedy, television, and film is undeniable. Today, Burr stands as a true comedic force who has carved a unique niche for himself, transcending all boundaries and conventions in comedy.
With an impressive repertoire, a loyal fan base, and a sharp, timeless humor that remains unmatched, Bill Burr is undoubtedly solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest comedians of our time, and his journey continues to inspire upcoming talents around the world.
Early Life and the Road to Stand-up
William Frederick Burr was born on June 10, 1968, and grew up in Canton, Massachusetts. His mother Linda Ann (née Wigent) was a nurse and his father Robert Burr a dentist. Bill Burr is of German and Irish descent, and has mentioned being a distant relative of Aaron Burr who was the third U.S. vice president.
Bill Burr’s early interests in comedy were heavily influenced by the stand-up routines of the legendary Richard Pryor and George Carlin – an influence that resonates in his work to this day. In interviews, Burr has cited Burr has cited Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Sam Kinison, and Patrice O’Neal as the five greatest stand-up comedians of all time.
Burr graduated from high school in 1987. His path to comedy wasn’t direct; he attended Emerson College in Boston, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Radio in 1993. At Emerson, one of his professors was the writer David Foster Wallace.
In 1992 that he began dabbling in the world of stand-up comedy. Little did he know, this decision would set him on course to become one of the most revered comedians today.
Before he became a full-time comedian, he worked in warehouses, and he has later stated that he liked the freedom of that type of job.
Rising Through the Ranks: Burr’s Comedic Journey
Burr’s brand of comedy is unique, filled with observational humor, satirical views on society, and self-deprecation. Initially, he had to face his share of bumps and hurdles, but his consistent performances and professional resilience eventually landed him a spot on ‘Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place,’ a late ’90s sitcom. This was just the beginning of a career that would soon skyrocket.
In 2003, Burr showcased his comedic prowess on HBO’s ‘Chappelle’s Show,’ earning him a dedicated fan base. His unabashed, unfiltered humor quickly made him a favorite among audiences, and soon after, he started touring, selling out major venues worldwide.
Bill Burr in the Spotlight: Specials and Podcasts
Burr’s comedic genius is proven by his numerous sold-out stand-up specials, including ‘Let It Go,’ ‘You People are all the Same,’ ‘I’m Sorry You Feel That Way,’ and ‘Paper Tiger.’ These specials have not only gained critical acclaim but have also underscored his position as an influential force in comedy.
Burr also seized the digital wave by starting the ‘Monday Morning Podcast’ in 2007. Here, he discusses his take on everything from sports to social issues, effectively demonstrating his versatility as a commentator and satirist.
TV and Film: The Diversified Career of Burr
Beyond stand-up, Burr has leaped into TV and film, where his recognizable voice and distinct performance style continue to captivate audiences. He received praise for his role in the dramatic series ‘Breaking Bad’ (2011-2013) and created, co-wrote and voiced the lead character in the animated Netflix series ‘F Is for Family’ (2015-2021).
Additionally, Burr took his talents to the big screen with appearances in films like ‘The Front Runner’ and ‘The King of Staten Island.’ Moreover, his recent portrayal of Migs Mayfeld in the popular series ‘The Mandalorian’ proved that his acting prowess wasn’t only limited to comedic performances.
In 2023, Burr made his feature-length directorial debut as the co-writer, director, and star of the comedy film Old Dads (2023).
Private Life
Family
Despite his public profession, Burr leads a fairly private personal life. Since 2013, he has been married to producer and director, Nia Hill, who sometimes appears as a guest on his podcast. The couple live in Los Angeles and have two children; a daughter born in January 2017 and a son born in June 2020. Though his comedy is often controversial, Burr has maintained that his wife, who is African-American, has helped broaden his understanding of racial issues.
Politics
Burr identifies as a liberal. He supports gun control and abortion rights. In 2021, he criticized Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis for banning mask requirements during the Covid19 pandemic.
He is of the opinion that political correctness fails to effectively address the problems it aims to fix.
He voted for Green candidate Ralph Nader in 2000, and voted for neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump in 2016 as he was negative to both candidates.
Hobbies and interests
Burr is a licensed helicopter pilot and a cigar enthusiast.
Music
Burr is a fan of rock and heavy metal, enjoys playingt the drums, and has John Bonham and Dave Lombardo as his favorite drummers. Examples of bands that he like are AC/DC, Gojira, Iron Maiden, Karnivool, Led Zeppelin, Meshuggah, Metallica, Ministry, Pantera, and Slayer.