Bill Hader: From 'Saturday Night Live' to 'Barry' Star
Curated by
cdteliot
6 min read
1,388
Bill Hader, an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, gained widespread recognition for his eight-year stint on "Saturday Night Live" before creating and starring in the critically acclaimed HBO series "Barry," for which he has won multiple Emmy Awards.
Bill Hader's Early Life and Background
emmys.com
Bill Hader was born on June 7, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma
1
2
. Growing up, he struggled to fit in at school and found solace in watching movies and reading2
. Despite his aspirations to become a filmmaker, Hader's poor grades prevented him from attending top film schools2
. In 1999, at the age of 21, he dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams2
4
. Initially working as a production assistant on various film and television projects, Hader spent long hours on set while trying to advance his career4
5
. Feeling unfulfilled, he began taking comedy classes at Second City in 2003, where he discovered his passion for comedy4
5
. Hader soon formed a sketch comedy group called "Animals from the Future" with friends, performing at small venues and backyard shows5
. This experience would eventually lead him to audition for Saturday Night Live, setting the stage for his future success in comedy4
.5 sources
Bill Hader's Saturday Night Live Career
Bill Hader on...
Watch
Bill Hader's career on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) was a defining period that launched him to stardom and showcased his comedic talents. He joined the cast in 2005 as a featured player and quickly became known for his impressions and original characters
1
.
During his eight-year tenure on SNL, Hader gained recognition for his spot-on impressions of various celebrities and public figures. Some of his most notable impersonations included Vincent Price, Keith Morrison, Al Pacino, James Carville, and Julian Assange1
. His ability to capture the essence of these personalities made him a valuable asset to the show.
One of Hader's most iconic contributions to SNL was the character Stefon, a flamboyant New York City correspondent who appeared on the "Weekend Update" segment1
. Stefon, known for his outrageous nightclub recommendations and his romantic interest in Seth Meyers, became a fan favorite. The character was based on two people SNL writer John Mulaney and Hader had encountered: a wannabe club owner and a barista1
.
Hader's performances on SNL earned him critical acclaim and industry recognition. In 2012, he received his first Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, making him the first male SNL cast member to receive this nomination since Eddie Murphy in 19841
.
Despite his success, Hader struggled with anxiety during his time on the show. He often experienced panic attacks before live performances, and his wife would come to the studio to help him with breathing exercises2
. This behind-the-scenes challenge adds depth to his accomplishments on the show.
Hader's decision to leave SNL in 2013 was difficult but necessary for his career growth. He described the decision-making process as emotional, saying, "It was a hard decision, but it has to happen at some point. It got to a point where I said, 'Maybe it's just time to go'"2
.
His time on SNL not only established Hader as a comedic force but also opened doors for his future endeavors in film, television, and voice acting. The skills he honed and the connections he made during this period laid the foundation for his subsequent success in projects like "Barry" and various animated films.5 sources
Bill Hader: The Multifaceted Talent Behind HBO's 'Barry'
npr.org
Bill Hader co-created, stars in, writes, directs, and produces the HBO dark comedy series "Barry," which premiered in 2018
3
. The show follows Barry Berkman, a depressed hitman who discovers a passion for acting while on a job in Los Angeles3
. Hader's multifaceted involvement in the series has garnered critical acclaim, with the show receiving numerous accolades including Emmy Awards1
. His performance as Barry has earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series1
. The series, which ran for four seasons, concluded in 2023, with Hader directing all eight episodes of the final season, showcasing his growing confidence behind the camera2
.5 sources
Bill Hader: Versatile Comedy Powerhouse (Photos)
hollywoodinsider.com
facts.net
wegotthiscovered.com
Bill Hader's Accolades and Critical Acclaim
Bill Hader has received numerous accolades throughout his career, particularly for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and "Barry." His versatility as an actor, writer, and director has earned him critical acclaim and multiple prestigious awards.
Hader's Emmy wins include Outstanding Animated Program for "South Park" in 2009 and two consecutive wins for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for "Barry" in 2018 and 2019
Award | Wins | Nominations |
---|---|---|
Primetime Emmy Awards | 3 | 25 |
Golden Globe Awards | 0 | 4 |
Screen Actors Guild Awards | 0 | 6 |
4
. His work on "Barry" has also earned him four Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy2
. As a producer, writer, and director, Hader has received multiple nominations from the Producers Guild of America, Writers Guild of America, and Directors Guild of America, including three DGA wins for "Barry"4
. Critics have praised Hader's range, with his performances in independent films like "The Skeleton Twins" (2014) also garnering award nominations4
.5 sources
Bill Hader's Film and TV Roles
Bill Hader's filmography showcases his versatility as an actor, voice artist, and filmmaker across various mediums. Here's a concise overview of his notable works:
Hader's career spans comedy, drama, and animation, with critically acclaimed performances in both live-action and voice roles
Medium | Notable Works |
---|---|
Film | Superbad (2007), Tropic Thunder (2008), Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009), Inside Out (2015), It Chapter Two (2019) |
Television | Saturday Night Live (2005-2013), Documentary Now! (2015-present), Barry (2018-2023) |
Voice Acting | South Park (2009-2017), Bob's Burgers (2012-2020), The Angry Birds Movie (2016) |
Writing/Directing | Barry (2018-2023), Documentary Now! (2015-present) |
1
3
. He has also demonstrated his talents behind the camera, particularly with his work on the Emmy-winning series "Barry," where he serves as creator, writer, director, and star2
3
.5 sources
Bill Hader: Entertainment Icon (Interviews)
youtube.com
Watch
youtube.com
Watch
Bill Hader's Voice Acting in Animated Films
screenrant.com
Bill Hader has lent his distinctive voice to numerous animated films, showcasing his versatility as a voice actor. Here's a list of some of his notable voice acting roles in animated features:
- Flint Lockwood in "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" (2009) and its sequel (2013)15
- Fear in Pixar's "Inside Out" (2015)35
- Leonard/King Mudbeard in "The Angry Birds Movie" (2016) and its sequel (2019)45
- Slug Monster Student in "Monsters University" (2013)3
- Stan in "Finding Dory" (2016)3
- Firewater and El Guaco in "Sausage Party" (2016)4
- Cyrus Strange in "The Addams Family 2" (2021)4
- Axel the Carnie in "Toy Story 4" (2019)4
2
5
.5 sources
Is Bill Hader Being Recast in 'Inside Out 2'?
clutchpoints.com
Bill Hader does not reprise his role as Fear in Pixar's "Inside Out 2." The character of Fear is now voiced by Tony Hale in the sequel
2
3
. This change was reportedly due to a salary dispute, with Hader and Mindy Kaling (who voiced Disgust) declining an offer of $100,000 each to participate in the film2
. The recasting has disappointed many fans, with some expressing their sadness on social media about Hader's absence2
. Despite this change, the film has been successful, earning over $150 million in its opening weekend in the US2
. Tony Hale, known for his roles in "Arrested Development" and "Veep," as well as voicing Forky in "Toy Story 4," takes on the role of the ever-frightened Fear in this sequel3
.5 sources
Hader's Family and Mental Health
Bill Hader was married to filmmaker Maggie Carey from 2006 to 2018, and they have three daughters together
1
2
. Throughout his career, Hader has been open about his struggles with anxiety, particularly during his time on "Saturday Night Live." He experienced panic attacks and sleep problems, often feeling "rigid" and uncomfortable during his early years on the show2
. In one instance, Hader had a panic attack live on air while impersonating Julian Assange, describing the feeling as "someone was sitting on my chest"2
. Despite these challenges, Hader has continued to work in the entertainment industry, balancing his career with co-parenting his children and managing his anxiety.5 sources
Closing Thoughts
Bill Hader stands out as a prominent figure among 21st-century American male writers and actors, particularly in the realm of comedy. His multifaceted career spans writing, acting, and directing across various mediums, including television, film, and voice acting
1
. As a comedy writer, Hader's work on "Saturday Night Live" and "Barry" has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, showcasing his ability to craft both sketch comedy and complex, dark humor2
. His versatility as an actor is evident in his transition from comedic roles to more dramatic performances, as seen in films like "The Skeleton Twins" and his portrayal of Barry Berkman in "Barry"3
. Hader's success in both writing and acting places him among the notable American male writers and actors of the 21st century, contributing significantly to the evolution of comedy in contemporary entertainment1
2
.5 sources
Related
who are some emerging 21st-century American male writers to watch
how has the role of comedy writers in American film and TV evolved in the 21st century
what are the most influential works by 21st-century American male writers
how do 21st-century American male actors balance film and television careers
what are the common themes in the writing of 21st-century American male writers
Keep Reading
Jason Bateman: Actor, Director, and Comedy Film Star
Jason Bateman is an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer known for his roles in popular TV series like Arrested Development and Ozark, as well as numerous successful comedy films.
2,454
Hollywood Star Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer best known for his leading roles in comedy films and his work on Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2002. He has starred in hit movies like Elf, Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and Stranger than Fiction, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations over his career.
2,247
Larry David: From 'Seinfeld' Co-Creator to Comedy Legend
Larry David, the acclaimed comedian and co-creator of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry with his uncompromising comedic vision and penchant for mining humor from the mundane.
2,372
Bernie Mac: Comedic Genius and TV Star
Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, was an American comedian and actor who rose to fame with his distinctive comedic style and memorable performances in film and television. According to his IMDb profile, Mac gained widespread recognition for his starring role in "The Bernie Mac Show," which ran from 2001 to 2006 and earned him two Emmy Award nominations.
2,390