William Melvin "Bill" Hicks (December 16, 1961 - February 26, 1994) was an American stand-up comedian. Comedian
Richard Pryor figured largely as an inspiration and stand-up idol for
Hicks, as did Woody Allen who also served strongly as a very early
influence for a pre-teen Hicks. Hicks characterized his own
performances as "Chomsky with dick jokes.
Hicks was born in
Valdosta, Georgia, and spent various portions of his childhood in
Florida, Alabama, and New Jersey, before his family settled in Houston,
Texas. (The fact that he was raised in the Southern Baptist faith came
up more than once in his routines.) He started appearing at Houston's
Comedy Workshop before he was even 18 years old, which, given the
nightclub setting, meant that he had to get a special work permit to
perform; as professional comedians came through on their tours, Hicks
would regularly quiz them about the business, a fact which Jay Leno
remembered in the documentary on Hicks, entitled "It's Just a Ride."
"A
lot of Christians wear crosses around their necks. Do you think, when
Jesus comes back, he ever wants to look at a fucking cross? It's kinda
like going up to Jackie Onassis with a rifle pendant on. 'Just thinking
of John, Jackie. We love him. Trying to keep that memory alive, baby."
"George Bush says 'we are losing the war on drugs.' Well, you know what
that implies? There's a war going on...and people on drugs are winning
it! Well, what does that tell you about drugs? Some smart, creative
motherfuckers on that side."
