Letterman apologizes for censoring comic Bill Hicks in 1993
Friday night David Letterman proved that he is a class act, and that the broadcasting industry could profit from his example.
Over 15 years ago, Letterman and his producer at the time, Robert Morton, chose to delete from “The Late Show” a controversial bit by astringent comedian Bill Hicks.
Hicks was scheduled for “The Late Show with David Letterman” on October 1, 1993, it would be his twelfth appearance on the show. However, Hicks’ performance was removed from the pre-taped broadcast, perhaps the only time a comedian’s taped routine had been completely deleted before the broadcast.
Hicks voiced his rage and feelings of betrayal to John Lahr of The New Yorker in a hand-written 39-page letter. Letterman said at the time that he regretted how Hicks was treated, but the comic was never invited back. Hicks later died from pancreatic cancer with his parents at his side on February 26, 1994.
rest of article and video of Hicks' brilliant censored monologue:
http://www.dailystab.com/david-lette...hicks-in-1993/
I didn't know this was planned for Dave's show Friday and was really pleased when I happened upon it. The dialogue between Dave and Bill Hicks' mother was moving, and the censored bit was Hicks at his best. RIP Bill.
Re: Letterman apologizes for censoring comic Bill Hicks in 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by chefmike
Friday night David Letterman proved that he is a class act, and that the broadcasting industry could profit from his example.
Over 15 years ago, Letterman and his producer at the time, Robert Morton, chose to delete from “The Late Show” a controversial bit by astringent comedian Bill Hicks.
Hicks was scheduled for “The Late Show with David Letterman” on October 1, 1993, it would be his twelfth appearance on the show. However, Hicks’ performance was removed from the pre-taped broadcast, perhaps the only time a comedian’s taped routine had been completely deleted before the broadcast.
Hicks voiced his rage and feelings of betrayal to John Lahr of The New Yorker in a hand-written 39-page letter. Letterman said at the time that he regretted how Hicks was treated, but the comic was never invited back. Hicks later died from pancreatic cancer with his parents at his side on February 26, 1994.
rest of article and video of Hicks' brilliant censored monologue:
http://www.dailystab.com/david-lette...hicks-in-1993/
I didn't know this was planned for Dave's show Friday and was really pleased when I happened upon it. The dialogue between Dave and Bill Hicks' mother was moving, and the censored bit was Hicks at his best. RIP Bill.
Yeah it only took Letterman 16 years. What a fucking class act. Right. He remains an asshole.