Cruelty-Free Celebrity and Self Proclaimed “Lazy Vegetarian” Comedian Bill Maher

“We need more people speaking out. This country is not overrun with rebels and free thinkers. It’s overrun with sheep and conformists,” states Bill Maher. Maher, a well known talk show host, comedian and animal activist always has something to say. He grew up that way after all.

Born in New York City in 1956 and raised in New Jersey, Maher grew up in a rather simple lifestyle post World War II in the 1960’s. He once described it as a “Leave It To Beaver” scenario. Despite this, controversial subjects, often brought up by his father who was a news editor for NBC, were discussed at the dinner table. Maher was always encouraged to speak his mind on current events. Maybe this is how his journey began.

One of the most prominent points of his career was his talk show Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, which started in 1993 on Comedy Central. No stranger to discussing controversial topics, like he had done at the dinner table growing up, Maher would bring professionals with different backgrounds onto his show to discuss current events.

Almost ten years later, Politically Incorrect was cancelled, but Maher was far from done talking. Soon after his first show was cancelled, he picked up another opportunity as a talk show host on HBO and Real Time with Bill was launched. Real Time is still currently running on HBO and has so far earned him twenty-three Emmy nominations.

“To those people who say, `My father is alive because of animal experimentation,’ I say `Yeah, well, good for you. This dog died so your father could live.’ Sorry, but I am just not behind that kind of trade off.” — Bill Maher

In the midst of his talk shows, Maher, who still considers himself a lazy vegetarian, has lent his voice to the animal rights community. As a long time support of PETA and animal lover, he brought to his audience’s attention the harm done unto animals in the factory farms and the fur and film industry. As a board member of PETA since 1997, some of Maher’s most noted accomplishments include: supporting the California government to pass a law in 2006 prohibiting chaining up dogs and getting the University of Wisconsin to stop conducting experiments on cats.

“If ten people in America died of mad cow disease, in the long run it would save probably millions of lives. Because people would stop eating meat. That’s not a catty thing to say, to say — in the long run this is what I hope.” — Bill Maher

More and more celebrities are voicing their opinions on animal rights whether by standing up for animals in the beauty, fur or meat industry.  The main takeaway is that we can no longer stand by and tolerate senseless harm to animals. Those in the public eye, such as Bill Maher, are doing something about it by bringing awareness and resources to the cause.

Maher is using his voice to bring change for animal suffering.  You rock Bill!!

Deborah Rosenberg, founder of DiMare Design focuses on Cruelty Free (Vegan) Design and Design Therapy. She combines specific textures, scents and colors with cruelty free materials to create optimal thriving spaces. Saving animals while creating fabulous looking interiors is Deborah’s mission.

Deborah grew up in New York and resides in Miami with her daughters and dog Lucca.  Lucca’s favorite pastime is being a total beach bum.

Sources:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/bill_maher.html

https://www.activistfacts.com/person/1360-bill-maher/