Comedian Bill Maher made his first appearance on national television on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and boy, did he make an impression. Introducing new comedians to the show is always a pleasure, as comedy is one of the most difficult commodities to come up with in the entertainment industry.
Bill Maher, who regularly catches rising stars in New York City and at the improvisation, was welcomed with applause and music as he took the stage. With a lively and energetic presence, Maher immediately connected with the crowd and had them laughing from the start.
Maher began his set by discussing the dangers of driving on the road, particularly the pressure that Federal Express drivers face to deliver packages overnight. He humorously remarked that elderly women in crosswalks don’t mean much to these speedy drivers, jokingly suggesting that maybe they should stay off the road.
Continuing on, Maher delved into politics, expressing his admiration for President Ronald Reagan’s toughness with other countries. He even went as far as suggesting that if the Russians tried to take over another country, the United States should “Blow Up Chicago.” The audience erupted with laughter, appreciating Maher’s bold and satirical take on international relations.
Never one to hold back, Maher took a jab at Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, describing him as an ugly-looking communist who, according to news reports, was nearing death. Maher humorously pondered the scary thought of an absolute dictator with his finger on the nuclear button being on the brink of death.
The comedian, who himself comes from an ethnic heritage with a mixed marriage (his mother is Jewish and his father is Catholic), further explored religion. Maher shared his experiences of going to confession and even jokingly mentioned bringing a lawyer with him to confess his sins, poking fun at the Catholic system.
Religion, according to Maher, makes people think big and reach for the stars. He highlighted the idea that Jesus Christ dying for all sins is the ultimate act of picking up the check for humanity. Maher also humorously touched on the topic of circumcision and the struggles of naming a child, using Swedish names as an example.
Throughout his set, Maher had the audience in stitches with his clever and thought-provoking comedy. His delivery was impeccable, and it was clear that he was well on his way to becoming a rising star in the world of comedy.
Bill Maher‘s debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a memorable one. His wit, charm, and fearless approach to tackling controversial topics left the audience wanting more. It was a phenomenal start to what would become a successful career in the entertainment industry for Maher.
Originally aired on August 31, 1982
