Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? 26 years old

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.

Credits

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? Cast

Name Character
Tim Matheson He was 50, now 76 years old as Himself
Jay Leno He was 47, now 73 years old as Himself
Larry King He was 64, now 90 years old as Himself
Richard Pryor He was 57, 65 years old when he died as Himself
Dennis Miller He was 44, now 70 years old as Himself
Rodney Dangerfield He was 76, 82 years old when he died as Himself
Sam Kinison He was 44, 38 years old when he died as Himself (archive footage)
Carl LaBove as Himself
Judy Tenuta She was 41, now 67 years old as Herself
Bill Kinison as Himself
Beverly D'Angelo She was 46, now 72 years old as Herself

Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? Crew

Name Department
Sam Kinison as Writer. He was 44 (38) years old when He died Writing
Larry Carroll as Director. Directing
Larry Carroll as Executive Producer. Production
Larry Carroll as Writer. Writing
Stuart Garret as Executive Producer. Production
Bill Kinison as Executive Producer. Production
Arnold H. Orgolini as Producer. Production
Linda Agnelli as Producer. Production
Frank Floyd as Original Music Composer. Sound
Paul Hoffman as Original Music Composer. Sound
Bill Lane as Original Music Composer. Bill Lane was 76 (78) years old when Bill Lane died Sound
John Crawford as Cinematography. He was 77 (90) years old when He died Crew
Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? poster
Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh? (26 years)

  • Release day: Thursday, January 01, 1998
  • Runtime: 90 minutes