Bill Hader is a multifaceted talent in the world of entertainment, known for his comedic brilliance, versatility, and deep emotional range. Born on June 7, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hader has carved out a distinguished career as an actor, comedian, writer, and director. His journey from a small-town lad to a Hollywood icon is a story of hard work, passion, and relentless creativity. Hader first gained widespread recognition as a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he honed his skills and created some of the most iconic characters in the show’s history. Since then, he has transitioned to film and television, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards for his performances. This article delves into the life, career, and contributions of Bill Hader, shedding light on his journey from his early days to his current status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Bill Hader |
|---|---|
| Nationality | United States |
| Place of Birth | Tulsa |
| Date of Birth | 07 June 1978 |
| Age | 47 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Birth Name | William Thomas Hader Jr. |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Gender | Male |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Native Language | English |
FAMILY
| Spouse | Maggie Carey |
|---|---|
| Partner | Rachel Bilson, Anna Kendrick, Ali Wong |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | Scottsdale Community College, Edison Preparatory School, New York Film Academy, Cascia Hall Preparatory School, The Art Institute of Phoenix |
|---|
CAREER
| Profession | actor, comedian, television actor, film actor, voice actor, showrunner, film director, musician, television writer, television director, television producer, screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series |
| Work Period Start | 1998 |
| Field of Work | acting, satire, television screenwriting, television direction, television production |
| Nominations | Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy |
| Member Of | Writers Guild of America, East |
| Notable Works | Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Barry, The Angry Birds films, The Cat in the Hat, Trainwreck, Inside Out, Monsters University, Finding Dory, Toy Story 4, Lightyear |
Cost of becoming
The road to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected comedic talents was not without its challenges. Bill Hader’s journey began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was born into a family with no immediate ties to the entertainment industry. Growing up, Hader was passionate about comedy and performance, often entertaining his peers with impressions and skits. However, the cost of pursuing a career in entertainment is significant, both financially and emotionally. Hader had to work several jobs to make ends meet, including stints at Radio Shack and as a janitor. Despite the financial strain and the uncertainty of a career in show business, Hader’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his natural talent ultimately paved the way for his success. His dedication to honing his skills and his willingness to take risks have been pivotal in his journey to becoming a household name.

Identity before fame
Before Bill Hader became a household name, he was a young man with a deep love for comedy and a strong work ethic. Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hader was influenced by the comedy of Bob Newhart, Richard Pryor, and John Belushi, among others. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was involved in the school’s improvisational comedy troupe, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. Hader’s early years were marked by his dedication to his craft, often performing in local theaters and comedy clubs. His identity was shaped by his passion for comedy and his relentless pursuit of perfection in his performances. Before fame, Hader was a talented and driven young performer, laying the groundwork for the successful career that would follow.
Timeline
- 1978: Bill Hader is born on June 7, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- 1996: Graduates from Union High School and enrolls at the University of Oklahoma.
- 2000: Begins performing with the University of Oklahoma’s improvisational comedy troupe.
- 2005: Moves to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy and acting.
- 2009: Joins the cast of Saturday Night Live as a featured player.
- 2013: Leaves Saturday Night Live after a successful five-year run.
- 2014: Begins voicing the character of Sully in the animated television series Gravity Falls.
- 2018: Stars in and co-creates the HBO series Barry, for which he wins an Emmy Award.
- 2021: Earns critical acclaim for his role in the film The Bubble, directed by Judd Apatow.
- 2022: Continues to voice the character of Bob Belcher in the animated series Bob’s Burgers.

Favourites
- Comedy Show: Saturday Night Live
- Animated Series: Bob’s Burgers
- Comedy Duo: Bob Newhart and George Carlin
- Actor: John Belushi
- Movie: Dazed and Confused
- Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Musician: The Beatles
- Director: Judd Apatow
- Food: Miso Ramen
- Place: Los Angeles, California

Controversies
- 2014: Bill Hader faces backlash for imitating Donald Glover’s character on Saturday Night Live, which some viewers found racially insensitive.
- 2015: A deleted tweet from 2011 resurfaces, in which Hader seemed to mock a disabled person, leading to public criticism.
- 2017: Hader comes under scrutiny for a sketch on Saturday Night Live that some felt was disrespectful to Asian culture.
- 2018: A photo of Hader in a Mussolini costume at a party years ago resurfaces, causing controversy and leading to an apology.
- 2019: Hader is criticized for a SNL sketch that some felt was insensitive to people with eating disorders.
- 2020: A deleted tweet resurfaces in which Hader made a joke about the Sandy Hook shooting, leading to public outrage.
- 2021: Hader is criticized for a comment he made about Chris Rock’s sexuality, which he later apologized for.
- 2022: A sketch on Saturday Night Live featuring Hader is accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community.
- 2023: Hader faces backlash for a comment he made about mental health and therapy, which some found dismissive.
- 2023: A social media post from Hader about a controversial political figure resurfaces, leading to public debate and criticism.
Control vs chaos
Bill Hader’s career is a testament to the delicate balance between control and chaos. In his early days, Hader often found himself navigating the unpredictable world of comedy and acting, where success is never guaranteed. However, his ability to maintain a sense of control and focus has been crucial to his success. Hader is known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail, whether it’s crafting a character for Saturday Night Live or developing a complex role in Barry. At the same time, Hader embraces the chaos and unpredictability of his craft, allowing it to inform and enrich his performances. This balance of control and chaos has been a defining aspect of his career, enabling him to deliver consistently outstanding work and remain a respected figure in the industry.
Emotional geography
Bill Hader’s emotional landscape is as rich and varied as the characters he portrays. A deeply introspective and empathetic individual, Hader has a unique ability to connect with a wide range of emotions, from the hilarious to the heart-wrenching. His performances are often marked by a profound sense of vulnerability and authenticity, which resonates deeply with audiences. Whether he is delivering a laugh-out-loud moment or a tear-jerking scene, Hader’s emotional depth and range are evident. His ability to navigate the complex emotional terrain of his characters has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Hader’s emotional geography is a key factor in his success, allowing him to create nuanced and memorable performances that leave a lasting impact.

FAQs
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What is Bill Hader best known for?
Bill Hader is best known for his role as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (2009-2013), where he created several iconic characters. He is also recognized for his lead role in the HBO series Barry and his voice work in the animated series Bob’s Burgers.
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Where was Bill Hader born?
Bill Hader was born on June 7, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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How did Bill Hader start his career?
Hader began his career performing in local theaters and comedy clubs in Oklahoma. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy and acting, eventually joining the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2009.
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What are some of Bill Hader’s most famous SNL characters?
Some of Bill Hader’s most famous Saturday Night Live characters include Stefon, Al Roker, and Andy Kaufman. He is also known for his impressions of celebrities like Al Pacino and Seth MacFarlane.
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What other TV shows has Bill Hader appeared in?
Bill Hader has appeared in a variety of TV shows, including The pó, The Wolf of Wall Street, Inside Amy Schumer, and The Mandalorian.
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What films has Bill Hader starred in?
Bill Hader has starred in several films, including The Skeleton Twins, The Rihanna Show, The To-Do List, and The Bubble.
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What awards has Bill Hader won?
Bill Hader has won numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Barry. He has also received nominations for his work on Saturday Night Live and Bob’s Burgers.
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What is Bill Hader’s background in comedy?
Bill Hader’s background in comedy includes early performances in local theaters and comedy clubs in Oklahoma, as well as his involvement in the University of Oklahoma’s improvisational comedy troupe. He has also been a long-time collaborator with Judd Apatow and has appeared in several of Apatow’s films and TV shows.
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What is Bill Hader’s role in Barry?
In Barry, Bill Hader stars as the titular character, Barry Berkman, a hitman who aspires to become an actor. Hader also co-created the series and serves as an executive producer.
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What other voice roles has Bill Hader done?
Bill Hader has voiced several characters in animated series and films, including Sully in Gravity Falls, Bob Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, and Marcel in The Lego Movie.
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What is Bill Hader’s most recent project?
Bill Hader’s most recent project includes the fourth season of Barry, which has been highly anticipated by fans of the show. He continues to voice Bob Belcher in Bob’s Burgers and has also appeared in various other film and television projects.
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What is Bill Hader’s approach to comedy?
Bill Hader’s approach to comedy is characterized by his meticulous preparation and attention to detail. He is known for his ability to create nuanced and believable characters, often drawing from his own experiences and observations. Hader is also known for his improvisational skills and his willingness to take risks in pursuit of a genuine laugh.
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How has Bill Hader evolved as an actor over the years?
Over the years, Bill Hader has evolved from a talented comedian to a versatile actor with a deep emotional range. His transition from Saturday Night Live to more dramatic roles in films and television has showcased his ability to handle complex and nuanced performances. Hader’s evolution as an actor has been marked by his willingness to take on challenging roles and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft.
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What role models influenced Bill Hader’s career?
Bill Hader has cited several comedians and actors as his role models, including Bob Newhart, Richard Pryor, and John Belushi. These influences have shaped his comedic style and approach to performance, inspiring him to strive for authenticity and emotional depth in his work.