Louis C.K.

Early Life

• Birth Name: Louis Alfred Szkely
• Date of Birth: September 12, 1967
• Birth Place: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Family Background:
  • Father: Mexican-Hungarian-Jewish descent
  • Mother: Irish Catholic descent
  • Initially raised in Mexico, first language was Spanish
  • Moved to Boston at age 7
  • Parents divorced when he was 10
  • Raised by a single mother

Career Overview

Beginnings (1984-1997)

• Started as a stand-up comedian and writer
• Worked for shows like "The Chris Rock Show"
• Directed short films and his debut feature "Tomorrow Night"

Rise to Fame (1998-2004)

• Created and starred in "The Filthy Stupid Talent Show"
• Directed "Pootie Tang"
• Released first comedy album "Live in Houston" via his website

Breakthrough and Success (2005-2009)

• Starred in HBO's "Lucky Louie"
• Released stand-up specials like "Shameless" and "Chewed Up"
• Part of "Opie and Anthony's Traveling Virus Comedy Tour"

Establishing a Brand (2010-2016)

• Created, directed, and starred in FX's "Louie"
• Won several Primetime Emmy Awards for "Louie"
• Directed and produced "Horace and Pete"
• Voiced Max in "The Secret Life of Pets"

Recent Work and Controversy (2017-present)

• Accusations of sexual misconduct in 2017
• Apologized and admitted to the allegations
• Faced professional setbacks but returned to stand-up in 2018
• Released new specials like "Sincerely Louis CK" and "Sorry"
• Won Grammy for "Sincerely Louis CK"

Influences

• Influenced by comedians like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Woody Allen.
• Known for observational, black, and cringe comedy

Personal Life

Family

• Married Alix Bailey in 1995; divorced in 2008
• Two daughters from this marriage

Political Views

• Criticized Donald Trump in 2016, comparing him to Adolf Hitler
• Previously supported Democratic candidates

Philanthropy

• Donated significant earnings from his website sales to charities
• Supported causes like Fistula Foundation and others

Innovations

• Pioneered direct-to-fan ticket sales and DRM-free distribution.