Sam Kinison

Sam Kinison, born December 8, 1953, in Yakima, Washington, was a legendary stand-up comedian, actor, and cultural icon known for his loud, intense delivery and provocative humor. Initially a Pentecostal preacher, Kinison transitioned to comedy in the late 1970s, bringing his charismatic stage presence and fiery energy to the comedy world. His breakout moment came with an electrifying performance on "Late Night with David Letterman" in 1985, which showcased his fearless comedic style and catapulted him to fame. Kinison's comedy albums, including "Louder Than Hell" (1986) and "Have You Seen Me Lately?" (1988), became instant classics, earning him Grammy nominations and solidifying his place in stand-up history. He was also a frequent guest on "The Howard Stern Show" (SiriusXM, 1970-), where his candid humor and larger-than-life personality resonated with fans. In addition to stand-up, Kinison appeared in several films and TV shows. He had a memorable cameo as Professor Turguson in the comedy "Back to School" (1986) alongside Rodney Dangerfield and made guest appearances on series such as "Married With Children" (Fox, 1987-1997). He also starred in his own television specials, such as "Sam Kinison: Wild Child" (2010). Kinison's comedic influence extended to music, where he collaborated with rock legends like Slash and Billy Idol, recording comedic renditions of songs such as "Wild Thing" (1988), which gained significant airplay on MTV. Despite his untimely death, at the age of 38, his groundbreaking comedy and unique voice continue to inspire comedians and audiences worldwide.