Bill Burr is a renowned American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster, with an estimated net worth of $20 million. His career, which took off in the 1990s, has established him as one of the most influential comedians of his time. Known for his unapologetic and politically incorrect comedic style, paired with his distinctive Boston accent, Burr has amassed a large fanbase. His journey began performing in New York City comedy clubs before he became widely recognized through his stand-up specials and TV appearances.
Burr’s work with Netflix, particularly his specials like “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way” (2014), “Walk Your Way Out” (2017), and “Paper Tiger” (2019), solidified his position in the comedy world. He is celebrated for offering unfiltered social commentary on controversial topics, seamlessly blending humor with insight. His talents are not confined to stand-up comedy alone; Burr also succeeded in acting, with notable roles such as playing Patrick Kuby in Breaking Bad and voicing a character in the animated Netflix series F Is for Family, which he co-created. Additionally, he has hosted the popular Monday Morning Podcast since 2007.
Burr’s career continues to thrive, with the comedian regularly selling out large theaters and arenas worldwide. From his humble beginnings as a club comic, he has evolved into a multi-talented entertainer who has maintained his unique edge while gaining mainstream success.
Bill Burr’s Early Life and Beginnings
Bill Burr, born William Frederick Burr on June 10, 1968, hails from Canton, Massachusetts. He was raised in a family with a dentist father and a nurse mother. His interest in show business began at a young age, eventually leading him to pursue a degree in radio from Emerson College in Boston in 1993. Before fully going into his comedy career, Burr worked various jobs in warehouses, often expressing his fondness for the freedom these jobs provided. In one of his stand-up routines, he humorously recounts how he could escape an unpleasant situation by simply driving away on a forklift.
The Rise of Bill Burr’s Comedy Career
Burr became known for his satirical humor, often touching on social issues through observational comedy. Over the years, he has made several appearances on late-night talk shows and comedy specials on HBO and Comedy Central. His podcast, Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast, launched in 2007, became a key part of his comedic presence. Burr has also appeared as a guest on various popular podcasts, including The Adam Carolla Show, The Joe Rogan Experience, WTF with Marc Maron, and Nerdist. In 2019, Burr co-hosted another podcast, Bill Bert Podcast, with fellow comedian Bert Kreischer.
Burr cites a range of comedic idols as influences on his style, including George Carlin, Bill Hicks, and Sam Kinison. His peers in the comedy world respect him greatly, and he has earned the reputation of being a “comedian’s comedian.” Rolling Stone magazine has called Burr “the undisputed heavyweight champ of rage-fueled humor,” while The New York Times has described him as “one of the funniest, most distinctive voices in the country for years.”
Burr’s catalog of comedy specials includes Let it Go (2010), You People Are All the Same (2012), I’m Sorry You Feel That Way (2014), Walk Your Way Out (2017), and Paper Tiger (2019). He has also worked extensively with Netflix, releasing additional specials like Friends Who Kill (2022) and Live at Red Rocks (2022). His animated show F Is for Family, which debuted on Netflix in 2015, was met with critical acclaim.
Beyond his solo projects, Burr frequently appears on comedy shows and specials. He was a regular on Chappelle’s Show and Kroll’s Show and made an appearance in the HBO series Crashing. Burr was also featured in Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Jerry Seinfeld’s interview series.
Bill Burr’s Acting Career
While Burr is primarily known for his stand-up and podcasting, he has ventured into acting with several television and film appearances. His acting journey began in 1996, landing a role in the short-lived sitcom Townies. Over the years, Burr built a diverse acting resume with appearances in films like Date Night, The Heat, and Zombeavers, as well as TV roles in Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Breaking Bad. His role as Patrick Kuby on Breaking Bad introduced him to a new audience.
In 2019, Burr’s career took an unexpected turn when he joined the Star Wars universe with a role in The Mandalorian, a Disney+ original series. He also appeared in the final season of Barry (2023). Burr’s filmography expanded further with his role in the comedy film Old Dads (2023), which he co-wrote, directed, and produced.
Burr has also lent his voice to video games, with a notable feature in Grand Theft Auto IV (2008). He was also involved with The Opie and Anthony Show, which further cemented his reputation in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Bill Burr has been married to Nia Hill, a producer, writer, and director, since 2013. The couple has two children, a daughter born in January 2017 and a son born in June 2020. Outside of his professional endeavors, Burr has a variety of hobbies. He holds a helicopter pilot’s license and has a passion for playing the drums. Additionally, Burr is a fan of heavy metal music and cigars, as seen during his appearance on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee with Jerry Seinfeld.
Real Estate and Property Investments
In 2017, Burr purchased a home in Los Feliz, California, for $4.7 million. He later sold a villa in the same neighborhood, which he had bought in 2011 for $2.6 million. Burr still owns a one-bedroom apartment in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, which he likely keeps as a base for his comedy career and to maintain ties with the city.
Bill Burr’s career showcases his remarkable ability to evolve as an entertainer while staying true to his comedic roots. From his early days in New York comedy clubs to his current status as a major figure in both the stand-up and acting worlds, Burr’s journey has been marked by consistent success. With his controversial humor, distinctive style, and ability to tackle hot-button topics, he remains one of the most influential and unique voices in comedy today.
