Sam Kinison

Actor

December 8, 1953 (38 years)

† April 10, 1992

Yakima, Washington, U.S.

Biography

Samuel Burl "Sam" Kinison (December 8, 1953 – April 10, 1992) was an American stand-up comedian and actor. He was known for his intense, harsh and politically incorrect humor. A former Pentecostal preacher, he performed stand-up routines that were most often characterized by an intense style, similar to charismatic preachers, and punctuated by his trademark scream.

Filmography

7.5

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Self (archive footage)

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired during late-night. For its first ten years, Carson's Tonight Show was based in New York City with occasional trips to Burbank, California; in May 1972, the show moved permanently to Burbank, California. In 2002, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was ranked #12 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.

6.9

Saturday Night Live

Self - Special Guest

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.

7.7

Married... with Children

Angel

Al Bundy is an unsuccessful middle aged shoe salesman with a miserable life and an equally dysfunctional family. He hates his job, his wife is lazy, his son is dysfunctional (especially with women), and his daughter is dim-witted and promiscuous.

6.1

Late Night with David Letterman

Self - Guest

Late Night with David Letterman is a nightly hour-long comedy talk show on NBC that was created and hosted by David Letterman. It premiered in 1982 as the first incarnation of the Late Night franchise and went off the air in 1993, after Letterman left NBC and moved to Late Show on CBS. Late Night with Conan O'Brien then filled the time slot. As of March 2, 2009, the slot has been filled by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It will be filled by Seth Meyers in the spring of 2014, after Fallon becomes host of The Tonight Show.

8.0

Tales from the Crypt

Marty Slash's Conscience (voice)

Cadaverous scream legend the Crypt Keeper is your macabre host for these forays of fright and fun based on the classic E.C. Comics tales from back in the day. So shamble up to the bar and pick your poison. Will it be an insane Santa on a personal slay ride? Honeymooners out to fulfill the "til death do we part" vow ASAP?

8.2

Dark Side of Comedy

Self (archive footage)

Throughout the history of comedy, many comedians have lost themselves to the art’s darker side, through addiction, suicide, depression and self-destruction. Dark Side of Comedy explores these stories, shining a new light on comedy’s darkest corners.

N/A

Stand-Up: The Laughing Therapy

Self (archive footage)

Born over a century ago in the United States, stand-up comedy has conquered the world, spreading via the internet to screens everywhere. By channeling its satirical rage into new territories, it has captured the pulse of society, reflecting contemporary debates. Stand-up, as told by the professionals of the punchline: Blanche Gardin, Haroun, Hannah Gadsby, and many others.

7.0

The Howard Stern Show

Self

The original television show produced on Saturdays at WWOR in Secaucus, NJ from 1990 to 1992. This was originally intended as a 4-episode summer special, but its popularity lead to syndication in major markets.

6.3

Back to School

Professor Terguson

Self-made millionaire Thornton Melon decides to get a better education and enrolls at his son Jason's college. While Jason tries to fit in with his fellow students, Thornton struggles to gain his son's respect, giving way to hilarious antics.

4.4

Savage Dawn

Barber

A vicious biker gang takes over a small town in Arizona. A Vietnam War vet passing through town and a few locals with nothing to lose go to war with the gang's ruthless leader.

8.5

Charlie Hoover

Charlie Hoover was an American Fox Network sitcom which aired in 1991, starring Tim Matheson in the lead role and Sam Kinison, Lucy Webb and Bill Maher. The series was the only television series comedian Sam Kinison would ultimately have a regular role in. He died shortly after its cancellation.

7.8

Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary

Self

A TV special celebrating the 15th anniversary of Saturday Night Live. Before a celebrity audience, many of the former cast members and guest hosts return to perform their signature monologues and present a look back at some of the best comedy skits and musical numbers of the past 15 years.

N/A

Norm.

Self (archive footage)

A little short film Aron Fromm made about Norm.

5.2

I Am Sam Kinison

Self (archive footage)

A feature-length documentary film exploring the life and legacy of shock comic Sam Kinison, a former Pentecostal preacher turned stand-up comic who repurposed his pulpit-honed chops to the brazen rock 'n roll world of MTV-era comedy.

6.8

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?

Self (archive footage)

For fans of comedy, Sam Kinison needs no introduction. His scathing comedy tackled tough topics no other comedian dared to touch. Fed up and disenfranchised with his career as a Pentacostal preacher, Sam left the ministry to try his hand at comedy. Almost immediately, and thanks in part to the foresight of Rodney Dangerfield who showcased Sam on an HBO special, his piercing scream, extreme humor and irreverent take on life attracted attention. Containing rare, early footage of Sam preaching and performing stand up at the world famous Comedy Store, the Award Winning "Why Did We Laugh" tells the story of a comedic genius who touched a deeper chord in people than most entertainers. Sadly, Sam was taken from us far too early, yet leaving us with a lasting and unique legacy.

5.8

Sam Kinison: Family Entertainment Hour

Himself

Get ready to scream with laughter! Sam Kinison's primal scream will echo down through the comedy hall of fame summing up so much of modernity's horror and stupidity. This concert was taped at the Wiltern Theatre where Sam was joined with the Randy Hansen Band and a salacious slew of sinuous sirens, including his wife Malika. Join Sam Kinison and guests for a concert guaranteed to make you laugh 'til you cry for more - there's something for every member of the family - Sam Kinison style!

6.8

A Tribute to Sam Kinison

Self (archive footage)

Broadcast approximately one year after the death of Sam Kinison, this special includes tributes from those he admired and those who admired him. Includes clips from "Married with Children," "Back to School," and 2 of his HBO appearances.

6.2

Back From Hell: A Tribute to Sam Kinison

Self

Tribute to comedy great Sam Kinison

8.0

Bon Jovi | Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey

Self

Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey is a documentary following rock band Bon Jovi on their successful New Jersey Syndicate Tour between 1988 and 1990. It contains live, backstage, and candid footage of the band, soundtracked with their music.

7.5

Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place

Self

Cable TV Special. Rodney Auditions for an adult movie and finds out all men are not created equal. Get ready for a wild time at Rodney's Place, with special guests Jeff Foxworthy, Tim Allen and Sam Kinison.