Bill Hader

Early Life

William Thomas Hader Jr. was born on June 7, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Sherri Renee, a dance teacher, and William Thomas Hader, an air cargo company owner and occasional stand-up comedian. Growing up with two younger sisters, Hader struggled to fit in during his school years, often finding solace in movies and comedy. His early influences included the works of Monty Python and Woody Allen, which shaped his comedic style. Despite facing challenges in academics, he pursued his passion for film by enrolling at The Art Institute of Phoenix and later Scottsdale Community College.

Career

Hader's journey in entertainment began in earnest when he moved to Los Angeles in 1999, dropping out of college to pursue filmmaking. He worked as a production assistant on various projects, including the documentary "Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy" and the film "Collateral Damage." However, it was his comedic talent that truly shone when he joined the cast of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" from 2005 to 2013. During his tenure, he became famous for his impressions and the beloved character Stefon on the Weekend Update segment, earning four Primetime Emmy Award nominations and a Peabody Award. Hader also lent his voice to characters in animated films, notably voicing Fear in Pixar's "Inside Out" and Flint Lockwood in the "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" series.

Personal Life

Hader's personal life has been marked by both achievements and challenges. He married writer and director Maggie Carey in 2006, with whom he has three daughters, but they divorced in 2018. He has since been linked to several actresses, including Rachel Bilson and Anna Kendrick, and had a notable on-and-off relationship with comedian Ali Wong. Hader is also an avid reader and a fan of the Chicago Cubs, often citing classic literature as a significant influence in his life. Despite his success, he has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety, particularly during his time on "Saturday Night Live."