From hilarious sketches on Saturday Night Live to the dark genius of Barry, Bill Hader has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. Known for blending humor, vulnerability, and storytelling, Hader’s journey from small-town Oklahoma to Emmy-winning fame is one of resilience and reinvention.
This biography explores the life, career, relationships, and personal growth of Bill Hader, a man who mastered comedy but never stopped exploring the depths of humanity behind it.
Bill Hader Biography
Bill Hader was born on June 7, 1978, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Sherri and William Thomas Hader Sr. He grew up with two sisters, Kara and Katie, in a creative but strict household. His father owned an air-freight company and dabbled in stand-up comedy, while his mother taught dance, a mix that clearly influenced Hader’s blend of performance and discipline.
After attending Edison Preparatory School, Hader studied briefly at The Art Institute of Phoenix and Scottsdale Community College, but his heart was set on film. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue an entertainment career, starting out as a production assistant before finding his true passion, comedy and storytelling.
ALSO READ: Meagan Good: Actress, 50 Cent Rumors & Jonathan Majors Love
Career
Bill Hader’s career took off when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2005, where his deadpan delivery, perfect impressions, and unforgettable characters like Stefon made him an audience favorite. His eight-year run on SNL (2005–2013) earned him multiple Emmy nominations and solidified his status as a comedic powerhouse.
After leaving SNL, Hader reinvented himself as a writer, producer, and actor in more dramatic roles. His biggest success came with HBO’s Barry (2018–2023), a dark comedy about a hitman trying to become an actor. The show earned him three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and multiple nominations for writing and directing.
Hader’s transition from sketch comedy to serious filmmaking showcases his range and depth, proving he’s more than just a funny man.
Bill Hader Movies
Bill Hader has appeared in an impressive list of films across genres, balancing comedy, drama, and voice work. Some of his most notable projects include:
- Superbad (2007)
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
- Tropic Thunder (2008)
- Adventureland (2009)
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) – voice of Flint Lockwood
- Inside Out (2015) – voice of Fear
- Trainwreck (2015)
- It: Chapter Two (2019)
His performances are marked by empathy and subtlety, often adding emotional weight to the comedic landscape.
Bill Hader Net Worth
As of 2025, Bill Hader’s estimated net worth stands at around $14 million. His wealth comes from acting, writing, directing, and producing for television and film. His success with Barry significantly boosted his financial standing, as he served not just as the show’s lead actor but also as co-creator and executive producer.
Hader’s behind-the-scenes work, including writing credits and production deals, continues to expand his Hollywood footprint and financial stability.
Family
Bill Hader was married to Maggie Carey, a writer and director, from 2006 to 2018. The couple shares three daughters, who are the center of Hader’s life. Despite his busy Hollywood schedule, he has often spoken about prioritizing fatherhood and spending time with his kids in Los Angeles.
In interviews, Hader has expressed how fatherhood helped him stay grounded, saying that being a dad gives him purpose beyond Hollywood fame.
ALSO READ: Jonathan Majors: Fame, Grace Jabbari Scandal & Meagan Good Romance
Bill Hader and Maggie Carey
Hader and Maggie Carey met through mutual friends in Los Angeles before marrying in 2006. Carey, best known for directing The To Do List (2013), supported Hader throughout his rise on SNL. However, after over a decade together, they filed for divorce in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences.
Despite their split, the two maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship and continue to prioritize their daughters’ well-being.
Bill Hader and Anna Kendrick
In 2020, Bill Hader began dating actress Anna Kendrick, known for Pitch Perfect and Up in the Air. Their relationship was kept largely private, with reports confirming the couple had been together for over a year before the public learned of it in 2022.
However, by June 2022, multiple outlets confirmed their breakup. Both stars reportedly parted on good terms, citing busy work schedules and the challenge of maintaining privacy under public scrutiny.
Bill Hader and Ali Wong
Following his relationship with Kendrick, Bill Hader began dating comedian and actress Ali Wong in 2022. The two briefly split but rekindled their romance in early 2023, attending events together and occasionally speaking about their mutual respect for each other’s work.
Their shared background in comedy and writing has made them one of Hollywood’s most intriguing low-key couples, admired for their humor and creative synergy.
Controversies
Unlike many Hollywood figures, Bill Hader has managed to maintain a relatively scandal-free career. However, his openness about personal struggles, including anxiety, panic attacks, and the pressures of fame, has sparked important conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry.
In 2022, Hader addressed burnout from overworking on Barry, admitting that balancing writing, directing, and acting took a toll on his mental well-being. His honesty has only deepened public respect for him, showing that vulnerability and success can coexist.
Bill Hader Age
Born on June 7, 1978, Bill Hader is 47 years old as of 2025. Despite being in his late forties, Hader remains at the peak of his creative powers, with a mix of experience, maturity, and renewed focus that keeps him one of Hollywood’s most respected creators.
Bill Hader Now
As of 2025, Bill Hader continues to balance work as a writer, director, and producer. Following the conclusion of Barry in 2023, he announced plans to direct his first feature film, a psychological thriller set for release in 2026.
He has also continued to voice animated characters and contribute to screenwriting projects, while maintaining a relatively private personal life. Fans appreciate his humility and grounded approach to fame, a rare trait in Hollywood today.
Conclusion
Bill Hader’s story is one of transformation, from a shy kid in Oklahoma to one of the most respected multi-hyphenate talents in entertainment. His evolution from sketch comedy to Emmy-winning creator proves that persistence, creativity, and emotional honesty can build a career that outlasts trends.
Whether he’s making us laugh, cry, or think, Hader’s authenticity shines through every project he touches. And as he continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Bill Hader is far from done leaving his mark on Hollywood.
ALSO READ: Martha Stewart: From Lifestyle Mogul to Snoop Dogg’s Iconic Friend