Bill Burr is an American stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor, and writer born June 10, 1968. He’s known for his confrontational observational humor, the long-running Monday Morning Podcast, Netflix specials including “Drop Dead Years” (2025), roles in Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian, and his Broadway debut in Glengarry Glen Ross (2025).
Who Is Bill Burr?
William Frederic Burr built his reputation as one of comedy’s sharpest voices over three decades. Born in Canton, Massachusetts, he graduated from Emerson College in 1993 with a communications degree. He first performed stand-up at age 23 in March 1992.
Rolling Stone ranked him 17th on their “50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time” list in 2017. His comedy tackles social issues, politics, and human behavior with direct, no-filter commentary. He’s received nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award.
Today, he balances multiple careers. He performs stand-up, hosts podcasts, acts in television and film, and directs. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Nia Renee Hill, and their two children.
Bill Burr Stand-Up Specials and Career Highlights
Major Comedy Specials
Burr has released eight hour-long specials. Each one pushed his career forward and expanded his audience.
His breakthrough came with “You People Are All the Same” (2012), which premiered exclusively on Netflix. This marked an important shift in how comedians released content.
“I’m Sorry You Feel That Way” (2014) took an unusual approach. He filmed the entire special in black and white at Atlanta’s Tabernacle Theater. The choice emphasized his raw delivery without visual distractions.
“Paper Tiger” (2019) earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Comedy Album. He recorded it at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
His most recent special, “Drop Dead Years,” premiered on Hulu in March 2025. Critics noted its personal, introspective tone. Burr addresses male sadness, dating advice, and mortality with his characteristic bluntness.
The Philadelphia Rant That Changed Everything
September 9, 2006, became a defining moment. Burr performed at the Tweeter Center in Camden, New Jersey, for the Opie and Anthony Traveling Virus Comedy Tour. The crowd booed several comedians before him.
When Burr took the stage, he faced the same hostile reception. He abandoned his planned material and unleashed a 12-minute expletive-filled rant attacking the crowd and Philadelphia. By the end, he won them over with a standing ovation.
The Huffington Post called it “a watershed moment in the history of comedy.” Burr later expressed some regret, admitting he should have kept his composure. But the incident demonstrated his fearlessness and ability to command a room under pressure.
Record-Breaking Live Performances
Burr consistently sells out major venues. He became the first comedian to perform at Boston’s Fenway Park in August 2022, drawing around 35,000 people. It was Boston’s largest comedy show ever.
He holds the record at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre with 19 consecutive sold-out shows, nearly doubling Aziz Ansari’s previous record of 10. He sold out Madison Square Garden twice (2015 and 2023) and packed 20,000 seats at the Los Angeles Forum in 2018.
In 2024, he performed for over 60,000 people at Gillette Stadium during Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony. He followed Jay-Z’s performance, delivering an opening monologue that he later called “the biggest rush” of his career.
Monday Morning Podcast: Burr’s Unfiltered Platform
Podcast Origins and Format
Burr launched the Monday Morning Podcast in May 2007. He records episodes twice weekly, typically running about an hour each. The show started independently but joined the All Things Comedy network in October 2012, which Burr co-founded with Al Madrigal.
The podcast features Burr speaking off-the-cuff about his experiences, current events, sports, and touring. He answers listener questions and offers unfiltered advice. His wife, Nia, occasionally joins as a guest, and he features interviews with other comedians.
The show’s available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and the All Things Comedy website. It’s become one of the most popular comedy podcasts, maintaining a loyal audience for nearly 18 years.
What Makes the Podcast Successful
The podcast works because Burr holds nothing back. He rants about everything from sports to social issues without concern for controversy. His Boston accent and self-deprecating humor come through clearly in the audio format.
He discusses topics most comedians avoid on their platforms. He criticizes billionaires, questions political correctness, and shares honest takes on marriage and parenting. This authenticity built a dedicated following.
The format’s simple. No heavy editing, no corporate sponsors telling him what to say. Just Burr, a microphone, and whatever’s on his mind that week.
In 2019, he launched the Bill Bert Podcast with Bert Kreischer, adding another platform for his comedy.
Bill Burr’s Acting Career
Breaking Bad and Television Roles
Burr played Patrick Kuby in AMC’s Breaking Bad from 2011 to 2013. He appeared in the show’s fourth and fifth seasons as Saul Goodman’s bodyguard. The role introduced him to audiences who might not have known his stand-up work.
His television career started earlier with appearances in sitcoms. He had roles in “Townies” (1996), “Two Guys and a Girl” (1998), and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (2002). He gained wider recognition on Dave Chappelle’s “Chappelle’s Show” in 2004.
He voiced Jason Michaels in Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) and its expansion pack “The Lost and Damned” (2009).
The Mandalorian and Star Wars Universe
Burr joined the Star Wars universe in December 2019. He played Migs Mayfeld in Disney+’s “The Mandalorian.” The character, a former Imperial sharpshooter turned mercenary, appeared in multiple episodes across different seasons.
His performance surprised many fans. They didn’t expect a comedian known for ranting about sports to deliver a nuanced dramatic performance in a Star Wars series. But Burr proved his range, earning praise for bringing depth to the character.
F Is for Family: Creating an Animated Series
Burr created, co-wrote, and voiced the lead character in Netflix’s animated sitcom “F Is for Family.” The show premiered December 18, 2015, and ran for five seasons until 2021.
The series drew from Burr’s stand-up and childhood experiences. Set in the 1970s, it follows the Murphy family navigating life in suburban America. Burr voiced Frank Murphy, the frustrated father working at an airline.
He worked with Michael Price as co-creator and executive producer. The show tackled themes of working-class struggle, family dysfunction, and changing social norms with dark humor.
Film Career and Directorial Debut
Burr’s film work includes supporting roles in several comedies. He appeared in “Date Night” (2010), “The Heat” (2013), “Daddy’s Home” (2015), “Daddy’s Home 2” (2017), and Judd Apatow’s “The King of Staten Island” (2020).
He made his feature-length directorial debut with “Old Dads” (2023). He co-wrote, directed, and starred in the Netflix comedy alongside Bobby Cannavale and Bokeem Woodbine. The film received mixed reviews but showcased his growth as a filmmaker.
In 2024, he played John F. Kennedy in Jerry Seinfeld’s “Unfrosted.” SlashFilm praised his cameo as “particularly memorable” among the film’s numerous celebrity appearances.
Broadway Debut: Glengarry Glen Ross
Burr made his Broadway debut in 2025 in David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.” He starred opposite Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk in the revival of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Nathan Lane recommended Burr for the role after dropping out due to scheduling conflicts. Lane called him “the leading comedian in America” and said he “sounds like a David Mamet character.”
Critics praised his performance. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a knockout” with “flawless timing.” The Associated Press said he “almost steals the show” and was “most comfortable with Mamet’s tricky dialogue.”
Despite strong reviews, he didn’t receive a Tony nomination. Vulture’s Helen Shaw questioned the snub, stating his performance made the play “feel present” again.
Saturday Night Live Hosting Appearances
First Hosting Gig (October 2020)
Burr hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time on October 10, 2020, with musical guest Jack White. He performed during the show’s 46th season, delivering a monologue that sparked immediate controversy.
His opening addressed various topics including pandemic protocols and what he called “woke culture.” The performance divided viewers. Some praised his fearlessness, while others criticized his approach on social media.
He promoted Judd Apatow’s “The King of Staten Island” during his appearance. The episode aired shortly after major political events, making his hosting gig particularly charged.
Second Hosting Appearance (November 2024)
Burr returned to host SNL on November 9, 2024, with musical guest Mk.gee. This episode marked the first show following the 2024 presidential election results.
The A.V. Club noted SNL booked him as a “Dave Chappelle Emeritus,” a comedian willing to address uncomfortable truths regardless of political climate. His monologue and sketches tackled post-election tensions with his characteristic directness.
The second appearance demonstrated SNL’s trust in Burr to handle sensitive cultural moments. Not every comedian gets invited back, especially after controversial first appearances.
All Things Comedy Network
Building an Artist-Owned Platform
Burr co-founded All Things Comedy with Al Madrigal in October 2012. The network officially launched with 11 podcasts, including Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast, Eddie Pepitone’s Long Shot Podcast, and Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank.
By 2014, the network grew to over 50 podcasts with six dozen members. They structured it as an artist-owned cooperative, which both founders emphasized as crucial to their mission.
The network launched All Things Records in March 2014. The label released several comedy albums in its first months, including Sam Tripoli’s “Believe in Yourself” and Jackie Kashian’s “This Will Make an Excellent Horcrux.”
All Things Comedy partnered with Comedy Central to produce a documentary about Patrice O’Neal and three comedy specials. The partnership expanded the network’s reach while maintaining creative control.
Focus on Diverse Voices
Madrigal sees the network as a way to improve Latino representation in media. The platform hosts Spanish-language podcasts including “Leyendas Legendarias” and “El Dollop.”
This commitment to diverse voices sets All Things Comedy apart from other podcast networks. They give comedians from different backgrounds a platform without forcing them to change their style or language.
Bill Burr’s Comedy Style and Influences
What Makes Burr’s Comedy Unique
Burr’s style centers on confrontational observational humor. He tackles subjects many comedians avoid—gender dynamics, race, political correctness, and social taboos. He doesn’t soften his takes for broader appeal.
Critics describe him as “that loud guy in the bar” with “uninformed logic.” Burr embraces this persona. In interviews, he calls himself “the ‘dude, bro’ guy.” The Boston Globe and Montreal Gazette note his refusal to bow to political correctness.
The New York Times called him in 2013 “one of the funniest, most distinctive voices in the country.” Rolling Stone dubbed him “the undisputed heavyweight champ of rage-fueled humor.”
He’s known among comedians as a “comedian’s comedian.” This means other comics respect his craft, even when audiences find him controversial.
Comedy Influences and Favorites
In 2013, Burr listed his five greatest stand-up comedians: Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Sam Kinison, and Patrice O’Neal. These choices reveal what he values—fearlessness, social commentary, and raw honesty.
His style shows clear influences from Carlin’s willingness to attack sacred cows and Pryor’s honest examination of uncomfortable truths. Like Kinison, he brings intensity and anger to the stage. From O’Neal, he learned to extend ideas and not back down from controversial positions.
Bill Burr’s Stance on Political and Social Issues
Views on Political Correctness
Burr argues that political correctness fails to solve the problems it addresses. He believes it focuses on language rather than changing attitudes. This critique appears frequently in his stand-up and podcast.
He’s stated that political correctness ignores major issues like banking power and pharmaceutical industry influence. While people argue over words, he says, larger systemic problems continue unchecked.
His position doesn’t mean he opposes progress. He supports gun control measures, including psychological testing for gun purchases. After the Uvalde school shooting in 2022, he called for stricter requirements.
Voting History and Political Commentary
Burr voted for Green Party candidate Ralph Nader in the 2000 presidential election. He didn’t vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump in 2016, disliking both candidates.
In 2021, he criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for removing mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s willing to call out politicians regardless of party when he disagrees with their actions.
His political views don’t fit neatly into traditional categories. He frustrates people looking for predictable partisan positions. This independence defines his approach to comedy and public statements.
Recent Controversial Statements
Burr gained attention in early 2025 for praising Luigi Mangione, charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He shouted “free Luigi” during appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Complex Networks’ Sneaker Shopping.
In a February 2025 podcast episode, he stated billionaires should be “put down like rabid dogs.” These comments reflect his outspoken criticism of wealth inequality and corporate power.
He’s also an open critic of health insurance companies. His willingness to address these topics, regardless of controversy, demonstrates his consistent approach to comedy and commentary.
Personal Life and Interests
Family and Relationships
Burr married Nia Renee Hill in 2013. She occasionally appears on his podcast, where their conversations reveal their relationship dynamic. She challenges his views and brings different perspectives to discussions.
They have two children—a daughter born in 2017 and a son born in 2020. Burr talks about parenthood in his comedy, though he protects his children’s privacy.
The family lives in Los Angeles. Burr’s grown from the angry young comedian persona into someone balancing career success with family responsibilities. This evolution shows in his more recent material.
Drumming and Music Passion
Burr plays drums and names John Bonham, Dave Lombardo, and Nicko McBrain as his favorite drummers. He’s a serious student of the instrument, not just a casual hobbyist.
In July 2025, he performed with Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. He invited Hynde to a benefit show and ended up playing drums with her band. After one rehearsal and a sound check, he performed to a packed venue.
On his podcast afterward, he admitted getting anxious before going on. But the performance demonstrated his genuine musical ability, not just celebrity novelty.
Music Tastes and Other Interests
He’s a fan of rock and heavy metal bands including AC/DC, Gojira, Iron Maiden, Meshuggah, Metallica, Ministry, Pantera, Slayer, Tool, The Mars Volta, and Led Zeppelin. His music taste runs toward aggressive, technical bands.
Burr is also a licensed helicopter pilot. Flying requires precision and focus—traits that might seem at odds with his chaotic stage persona but reveal his disciplined side.
He enjoys smoking cigars, a hobby he discusses occasionally. He quit drinking alcohol in 2018, a decision that likely improved his health and career longevity.
Burr of German and Irish descent, was raised Catholic in Canton, Massachusetts. He graduated from Canton High School in 1987. After two semesters at North Carolina State University, he transferred to Emerson College.
Before comedy, he worked in warehouses. He later said he enjoyed the job’s freedom: “If my boss gave me a rough time, I could just get on a forklift and just, like, drive away.”
Recent Career Developments (2024-2025)
Drop Dead Years Special
“Drop Dead Years” premiered on Hulu in March 2025 as Burr’s eighth comedy special. Critics described it as potentially his most personal and introspective hour yet.
The special tackles male sadness, dating advice, and mortality. Decider’s Sean McCarthy wrote: “Burr may continue to rub some people the wrong way, but that’s always been a part of his comedic ethos, and if you can listen to what he’s actually saying, there’s a lot not only worth considering, but also worth laughing about.”
The Hulu release marked a change from his long relationship with Netflix. This shift suggests Burr’s exploring different distribution platforms as streaming services compete for comedy content.
Riyadh Comedy Festival Controversy
In October 2025, Burr performed at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. The event drew criticism from human rights advocates and fellow comedians.
While many peers condemned participants, Burr defended his appearance. On his Monday Morning Podcast, he said it was “great to experience that part of the world” and be part of the first comedy festival there. He reasoned “they’re just like us” when responding to backlash.
The controversy highlighted ongoing debates about performing in countries with human rights concerns. Burr’s decision to participate and defend it fits his pattern of making choices others avoid.
Fox Production Deal
In August 2025, Burr signed a first-look television deal with Fox. His production company, North Hill Productions, will bring original scripted and unscripted comedic content to the network.
This deal represents a major step in his career evolution. He’s moving from performer to content creator and producer. The partnership gives him resources to develop projects beyond his personal performances.
FAQs
How did Bill Burr become famous?
Burr built fame gradually through stand-up performances, appearances on Chappelle’s Show (2004), and his consistent podcast presence since 2007. His 2006 Philadelphia rant went viral and demonstrated his fearless stage presence. Netflix specials starting with “You People Are All the Same” (2012) expanded his audience significantly.
What is Bill Burr’s most popular special?
“Paper Tiger” (2019) received the most critical acclaim, earning a Grammy nomination. However, “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way” (2014) remains notable for its unique black-and-white filming. His newest special, “Drop Dead Years” (2025), shows his career evolution with more personal material.
Is Bill Burr still doing his podcast?
Yes, the Monday Morning Podcast continues twice weekly since May 2007. It’s available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and the All Things Comedy network. The show remains one of comedy’s most popular podcasts with loyal listeners worldwide.
What was Bill Burr’s role in Breaking Bad?
Burr played Patrick Kuby, Saul Goodman’s bodyguard, in Breaking Bad’s fourth and fifth seasons (2011-2013). The role introduced him to mainstream television audiences and showcased his acting ability beyond comedy.
Has Bill Burr won any major awards?
Burr has received nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award but hasn’t won major awards yet. Rolling Stone ranked him 17th on their “50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time” in 2017, recognizing his influence on modern comedy.
Where can I watch Bill Burr’s comedy specials?
His specials are on multiple platforms. “Drop Dead Years” (2025) streams on Hulu. Earlier specials including “Paper Tiger” and “Walk Your Way Out” are on Netflix. Some older specials are on Comedy Central and other streaming services.
Conclusion
Bill Burr represents modern stand-up comedy’s evolution. He built a three-decade career through unfiltered honesty, consistent work, and refusing to soften his material for broader appeal.
His success spans multiple mediums—stand-up, podcasting, acting, animation, directing, and now Broadway. Each venture demonstrates his range beyond angry rants, though that persona remains his foundation.
The Monday Morning Podcast gave him direct access to fans without network or platform filters. This independence shaped how comedians now build careers—creating their own content and controlling distribution.
His recent work shows maturity without losing edge. “Drop Dead Years” tackles mortality and introspection while maintaining his confrontational style. His Broadway debut proved his acting range extends beyond comedy roles.
Whether you find him hilarious or offensive, Burr’s impact on comedy is undeniable. He proved audiences respect authenticity, even when they disagree with every word. That’s his lasting contribution—showing comedians they don’t need everyone’s approval to build lasting careers.
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