Sam Kinison

Acting

Sam Kinison

Born — Died

1953-12-08 — 1992-04-10

Place of birth

Yakima, Washington, U.S.

Known for

Acting

Credits

43 titles

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.

Known for

Saturday Night Live poster
6.9

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.

Saturday Night Live

1975

Married... with Children poster
7.7

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.

Married... with Children

1987

Late Night with David Letterman poster
6.2

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.

Late Night with David Letterman

1982

Tales from the Crypt poster
8.0

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?

Tales from the Crypt

1989

Dark Side of Comedy poster
8.2

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.

Dark Side of Comedy

2022

Back to School poster
6.3

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.

Back to School

1986

Film credits

2010s · 4 titles

1990s · 11 titles

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? poster
6.8

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.

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?

1999

Sam Kinison: Family Entertainment Hour poster
5.8

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!

Sam Kinison: Family Entertainment Hour

1991

No artwork available
2.0

"The Horror Hall of Fame II" was a television special that celebrates the history of horror by inducting another dozen movies and people.

The Horror Hall of Fame II

1991

Guitar poster
NR

No synopsis available yet.

Guitar

1991

Bon Jovi | Access All Areas: A Rock & Roll Odyssey poster
8.0

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.

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

1990

A Tribute to Sam Kinison poster
6.8

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.

A Tribute to Sam Kinison

1993

Sacred Cow Halloween Special poster
9.0

Bill Hicks and Kevin Booth take phone calls while visiting HELL for one night. Celebrating ten years of low budget indy productions by Sacred Cow productions for Austin Public Access TV.

Sacred Cow Halloween Special

1993

Sam Kinison: Banned poster
7.0

Sam Kinison live at the Felt Forum, 2/14/89. Also has opening act Carl Labove plus Sam's 3 MTV videos.

Sam Kinison: Banned

1990

Sam Kinison: Outlaws of Comedy poster
NR

When comedian Sam Kinison was on fire, anyone in his path was wise to watch out. His genius seared foes and fans alike, transforming the serious into the seriously funny, the bizarre into the brilliantly hilarious. In this performance, one of the last before his death, Kinison skewers everything from caffeine to contraception and marriage to money, sparing no comic expense and even poking fun at himself in his pursuit of endless laughs.

Sam Kinison: Outlaws of Comedy

1990

Sam Kinison: Live in Vegas poster
2.7

In the town that knows no limits, Kinison gives a completely raw and uncensored performance at the very height of his career. Filled with scorching comedy, hot women and sizzling rock 'n roll, this rarely seen live show encapsulates the energy, verve and relentless brand of comedy that was unique to Kinison.

Sam Kinison: Live in Vegas

1991

No artwork available
NR

This is a rare early performance of Sam Kinison that was included as an extra on the "Family Entertainment Hour" video release.

Sam Kinison: Live, Loud & Rare

1991

1980s · 9 titles

Back to School poster
6.3

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.

Back to School

1986

Savage Dawn poster
4.5

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.

Savage Dawn

1985

Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary poster
7.8

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.

Saturday Night Live: 15th Anniversary

1989

Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me poster
7.9

Rodney Dangerfield hosted this HBO special which includes fantastic performances by some of the best new talent of 1986. Comedians include Jeff Altman, Roseanne Barr, Sam Kinison, Bob Nelson, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Townsend, and, of course, Rodney Dangerfield.

Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me

1986

Rodney Dangerfield Hosts the 9th Annual Young Comedians Special poster
8.0

Some of the best new talent is showcased in these annual comedy specials each year. Every show is hosted by a different accomplished comedian. In 1984, the 9th year, the host was the magnificent Rodney Dangerfield.

Rodney Dangerfield Hosts the 9th Annual Young Comedians Special

1985

Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place poster
7.5

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.

Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place

1989

No artwork available
NR

Howard Stern's U.S. Open Sores was an event that occurred at the Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York in front of a sold-out attendance of 16,000. Taking place on October 7, 1989, the main event featured a tennis match between Howard Stern and his radio show producer Gary Dell'Abate.

Howard Stern's U.S. Open Sores

1989

Sam Kinison: Breaking the Rules poster
7.2

This is a great performance. Through yelling and energetic story-telling, he talks about marriage, drugs, being arrested (thanks to his ex-wife), pleasing women, religion, and much, much more.

Sam Kinison: Breaking the Rules

1987

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - In a Rusted Out Garage poster
NR

Recorded at the outset of Neil Young's In A Rusted Out Garage tour in late 1986. Originally broadcast on New York's WNEW-FM in November that year.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - In a Rusted Out Garage

1986

Series credits

Saturday Night Live poster
6.9

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.

Saturday Night Live

1975

Saturday Night Live poster
6.9

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.

Saturday Night Live

1975

Saturday Night Live poster
6.9

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.

Saturday Night Live

1975

Married... with Children poster
7.7

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.

Married... with Children

1987

Late Night with David Letterman poster
6.2

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.

Late Night with David Letterman

1982

Tales from the Crypt poster
8.0

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?

Tales from the Crypt

1989

Dark Side of Comedy poster
8.2

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.

Dark Side of Comedy

2022

The Howard Stern Show poster
7.0

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.

The Howard Stern Show

1990

Stand-Up: The Laughing Therapy poster
NR

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.

Stand-Up: The Laughing Therapy

2024

No artwork available
NR

An inside look at the lives of extraordinary individuals as told by their inner-circles.

I Am

2012

Charlie Hoover poster
8.5

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.

Charlie Hoover

1991

Behind the camera

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? poster
6.8

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.

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?

1999

Sam Kinison: Family Entertainment Hour poster
5.8

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!

Sam Kinison: Family Entertainment Hour

1991

Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me poster
7.9

Rodney Dangerfield hosted this HBO special which includes fantastic performances by some of the best new talent of 1986. Comedians include Jeff Altman, Roseanne Barr, Sam Kinison, Bob Nelson, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Townsend, and, of course, Rodney Dangerfield.

Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me

1986

Sam Kinison: Banned poster
7.0

Sam Kinison live at the Felt Forum, 2/14/89. Also has opening act Carl Labove plus Sam's 3 MTV videos.

Sam Kinison: Banned

1990

Sam Kinison: Banned poster
7.0

Sam Kinison live at the Felt Forum, 2/14/89. Also has opening act Carl Labove plus Sam's 3 MTV videos.

Sam Kinison: Banned

1990

Sam Kinison: Breaking the Rules poster
7.2

This is a great performance. Through yelling and energetic story-telling, he talks about marriage, drugs, being arrested (thanks to his ex-wife), pleasing women, religion, and much, much more.

Sam Kinison: Breaking the Rules

1987