
William Melvin "Bill" Hicks (December 16, 1961 – February 26, 1994) was an American stand-up comedian and satirist. His humor challenged mainstream beliefs, aiming to "enlighten people to think for themselves." Hicks used a ribald approach to express his material, describing himself as "Chomsky with dick jokes." His jokes included general discussions about society, religion, politics, philosophy and personal issues. Hicks' material was often deliberately controversial and steeped in dark comedy. In both his stand-up performances, and during interviews, he often criticized consumerism, superficiality, mediocrity and banality within the media and popular culture, describing them as oppressive tools of the ruling class, meant to "keep people stupid and apathetic."
Hicks died of pancreatic cancer, which had spread to his liver, in 1994 at the age of 32. In the years after his death, his work and legacy achieved significant admiration and acclaim, of numerous comedians, writers, actors and musicians alike. He was listed as the 19th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central in 2004, and 6th greatest in 2007 and 4th greatest by Channel 4 in 2010.

Zeitgeist: The Movie
2007 · as Self (voice) (archive sound)

Heckler
2007 · as Self

But... Seriously
1994 · as Self (archive footage)

Comedy's Dirtiest Dozen
1988 · as Self

Rodney Dangerfield: Nothin' Goes Right
1988 · as Self

Ninja Bachelor Party
1991 · as Dr. Death

Bill Hicks: Reflections
2015 · as Self (archive footage)

Totally Bill Hicks
1998 · as Self

Comedy Knockouts
2003 · as Self (archive footage)

Bill Hicks: It's Just a Ride
1994 · as Self

Bill Hicks: Sane Man
1989 · as Self

American: The Bill Hicks Story
2010 · as Self

Bill Hicks: Relentless
1992 · as Self

The Reality of Me
2012 · as Self

Bill Hicks Live: Satirist, Social Critic, Stand-up Comedian
2004 · as Himsef

Bill Hicks: Revelations
1993 · as Self

Impact Video Magazine
1989

Bill Hicks: One Night Stand
1991 · as Self