Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name shown | William Aloysius Maher Jr. |
| Public name | Bill Maher |
| Date of birth | January 20, 1956 |
| Place of birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Raised in | River Vale, New Jersey |
| Education | B.A. English and History, Cornell University, 1978 |
| Early schooling | Pascack Hills High School, graduated 1974 |
| Primary professions | Comedian, political commentator, television host, author, documentary filmmaker |
| Long running shows | Politically Incorrect, 1993 to 2002; Real Time with Bill Maher, 2003 to present |
| Notable film | Religulous, 2008 |
| Podcast | Club Random, launched 2022 |
| Reported net worth | Approximately 100 to 150 million US dollars |
| Public family members | Father William Aloysius Maher Jr., mother Julie Maher née Berman, sister Kathy Maher |
Family and Personal Relationships
Family appears like a small constellation in which the central star is William Aloysius Maher Jr. The father, who shares the same formal name, worked in media as a radio announcer and network news editor, and is recorded in memorial records with birth in 1921 and passing in 1992. The mother, Julie Maher, born Julie Berman, worked as a nurse and provided part of the cultural weave of the household. One sibling is publicly noted, Kathy Maher, who is referenced in family mentions and occasional photo captions.
Romantic life has been part of the public narrative, with several relationships covered by press and interviews. Known partners include Coco Johnsen, who pursued legal claims in the early 2000s that were later dismissed, and public relationships with Karrine Steffans and Cara Santa Maria. In more recent years the singer Anjulie Persaud and social reports mentioning Noor Alfallah have appeared in media. William Aloysius Maher Jr. has never married and has no children, a fact he has discussed publicly in interviews.
Career and Work Achievements
William Aloysius Maher Jr. developed a career that is akin to an extended dialogue with the nation, frequently using satire to hone its tone. In the late 1970s, he started out in stand-up comedy before transitioning into television writing and on-camera work. As the host of Politically Incorrect, a program that ran until 2002 and contributed to the development of the contemporary model of humorous political debate, he gained widespread recognition in 1993. He introduced Real Time with Bill Maher, a weekly program that blends panel discussions, interviews, and monologues, on premium television in 2003.
He co-wrote and starred in the 2008 documentary Religulous, which provocatively and wryly examines organized religion. In 2022, he expanded into long-form discourse by adding podcasting to his repertoire with Club Random. Despite announcing his retirement from stand-up touring in 2025, he has been performing stand-up for decades and has committed to continuing his job in broadcasting.
His high-profile career has been supported with nominations and awards, and a generation of political satirists has been influenced by his manner. Few others in his business can equal his measurable accomplishment of television longevity, which is measured in decades rather than seasons.
Financial Overview
Part of the story is told by the numbers. William Aloysius Maher Jr.’s net worth is estimated by the public to be between $100 million and $150 million USD, with several publications placing it around $140 million. Long-term hosting contracts, production credits, stand-up touring earnings amassed over many years, book sales, and podcast earnings are examples of revenue streams. By acquiring a minority position in a major league baseball franchise in 2012—a holding that was reportedly later sold—he made investments in sports ownership. The scale indicates consistent commercial success linked to his broadcast presence, however celebrity financial estimations are guesses.
Recent Mentions and Public Presence
In recent seasons William Aloysius Maher Jr. remained a regular voice in cultural conversation. He clarified a retirement from stand-up in early 2025 but continued hosting commitments. His podcast and television clips frequently circulate on social platforms, generating discussion and sometimes controversy. Tabloid and entertainment outlets have published dating rumors and sightings, creating occasional social media spikes. Production schedules for his shows have been a topic of industry coverage from time to time. Overall, his public presence blends scheduled television output with the unpredictable weather of viral moments.
Extended Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1956 | Birth on January 20 in New York City. |
| 1974 | High school graduation from Pascack Hills High School. |
| 1978 | Graduation from Cornell University with a B.A. in English and History. |
| Late 1970s to 1980s | Early career in stand-up comedy and television writing. |
| 1993 | Launch of Politically Incorrect, national exposure as host. |
| 2002 | Politically Incorrect ends. |
| 2003 | Launch of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. |
| 2008 | Release of Religulous, a documentary questioning organized religion. |
| 2012 | Purchase of a minority stake in a major league baseball team. |
| 2022 | Launch of Club Random podcast. |
| 2024 | Media reports and social mentions of personal relationships. |
| 2025 | Announcement of retirement from stand-up touring, ongoing television hosting. |
FAQ
Who is William Aloysius Maher Jr.?
William Aloysius Maher Jr. is a comedian and political commentator who hosts long running television programs and produces media across film and podcasting.
When was William Aloysius Maher Jr. born?
He was born on January 20, 1956.
Does William Aloysius Maher Jr. have children?
No, he has publicly stated that he does not have children.
Who are the immediate family members of William Aloysius Maher Jr.?
Immediate family publicly noted include his father William Aloysius Maher Jr., his mother Julie Maher née Berman, and his sister Kathy Maher.
What are the main shows associated with William Aloysius Maher Jr.?
The main shows are Politically Incorrect, which ran from 1993 to 2002, and Real Time with Bill Maher, which began in 2003 and continues.
What is the reported net worth of William Aloysius Maher Jr.?
Public estimates place his net worth roughly between 100 million and 150 million US dollars.
