William Thomas "Bill" Hader Jr. (born June 7, 1978) is an American actor, comedian, writer, director and producer. He first gained widespread attention for his eight-season run on Saturday Night Live, where his character work and impressions made him a standout performer. Since leaving sketch comedy he has built a varied career in film, television and animation, earning critical praise and major industry awards for both comic and dramatic performances.

Early life and training

Hader was born and raised in the United States and began his career working behind the scenes in television before moving in front of the camera. He developed his comedic skills through improvisational training with established improv companies and at local theaters, which helped shape the quick character work and timing that became central to his on-screen persona. This background in improv also led to collaborative relationships with other comedians and writers that carried into his later projects.

Career highlights

On television Hader is widely known for creating, writing, directing and starring in the HBO series Barry, a dark comedy-drama that blends humor with serious themes. The series showcased Hader's range as both an actor and a creative lead; it has been recognized by peers and critics and earned him multiple industry awards. His time on Saturday Night Live produced memorable recurring characters and impressions, and provided a platform for his transition to film and television projects.

Film and voice work

Hader has appeared in a broad mix of comedies and dramas, and has become a sought-after voice actor. Notable film appearances include major studio comedies and ensemble pieces as well as voice roles in animated features. Examples of his film work include comedies such as Superbad, Hot Rod and Tropic Thunder, coming‑of‑age and independent titles like Adventureland, and supporting roles in studio films. He has lent his voice to family and animated films such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Inside Out and The BFG, and appeared in genre and franchise pictures including Star Wars: The Force Awakens and It – Chapter Two. Hader also took part in comedies like Paul and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Style and critical reception

Critics and audiences have praised Hader for his versatility: he comfortably portrays exaggerated comic characters, sharply observed impressions and quiet, morally complex dramatic roles. His improvisational instincts often inform scripted work, giving many of his performances a spontaneous quality. As a creator, he is noted for balancing dark subject matter and humor, especially in projects that examine flawed characters and moral ambiguity.

Selected filmography and roles

Personal life

Hader has maintained a relatively private personal life compared with his public profile. He was married in the mid‑2000s and has children; that marriage ended in divorce late in the 2010s. Outside of acting and writing he has collaborated on projects as a director and producer and continues to work across film, television and voice acting.

Bill Hader's career is notable for a steady movement from sketch comedy to more varied creative roles behind and in front of the camera. He remains a prominent figure in contemporary American comedy and drama, respected for both his comic inventiveness and his ability to carry complex, dramatic narratives.