Tony Deyal | Bill Maher takes the high road

In Trinidad, when I was three years old, my aunt taught me to read from her daily English newspaper. Even then, I loved words and the world they opened to me. In my boyish days, I played with the information I learnt in articles, stories and pictures and used them then, as I do today, to create joy in serious spaces, to make jokes, and even give “fatigue”.

Occasionally, my aunt left me alone in the reading area when she had work to do. That, for me, was the best time of all. I liked to read English jokes from some of the best comedians, especially Peter Sellers (1925–1980). He was regarded, not just as a film actor and singer, as well but was also considered one of the most versatile and influential comic geniuses of the 20th century. Among his “funny” quotes were, “There is no me. I do not exist. There used to be a me but I had it surgically removed.” He added, “I have the body of an 18-year-old. I keep it in the fridge.” One of his other jokes was, “I am a classic example of all humourists – only funny when I’m working.”

While I still read the Brits, and actually enjoy their humour, I have spent a lot more time in the US and found their comedy and satire. When the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts decided to award an annual prize for the best humourists, they decided it should be Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), considered the father of their American humour, whose name graced the award. This US group felt that Twain’s 19th-century legacy of satire, social commentary, and fearless observation remains the standard for American comedy. The awards were for those who made significant developments in American society in ways similar to Twain. In other words, focusing on “uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly”. From the start, many of us felt that this year’s winner, Bill Maher, would win. Interestingly, though, some under a politician were not supportive.

Since its inception in 1998, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor went to the top comedian of that year. The first-ever winner was the inimitable Richard Pryor. He was chosen to receive the inaugural award for his revolutionary, raw, and unflinchingly human comedy that blended personal struggles with sharp social commentary on race and inequality. As he said, “My father died with a lady. He was 57 years old when he died. The woman was 18. My father came and went at the same time.” He also added, “Marriage is really tough because you have to deal with feelings ... and lawyers.” In terms of getting one of his own, he said, “I believe in the institution of marriage, and I intend to keep trying until I get it right.” Among some of the winners up to last year, 2025, there were Whoopi Goldberg (2000), Bob Newhart (2002), Bill Cosby (2009), David Letterman (2017), Carol Burnette (2013), and Canon O’Bryan (2025).

For many years, I have followed the “players” and always considered which one would be chosen. Unfortunately, they told us who won but nobody else in the list. Essentially, just a couple days before, we were told that Bill Maher had won but I also wanted to know who else could, or should, have been considered. I then decided to consider which were the ones who could have a chance, and then see how, or why, Bill Maher, the winner, was right to have been chosen. First of all, I decided to consider the four who should have been up against Maher. First, there was Woody Allen (Neurotic Satire) and a few of his jokes, “This guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, ‘Doc, my brother’s crazy. He thinks he’s a chicken.’ And the doctor responded, ‘Why don’t you turn him in?’ The guy says, ‘I would, but I need the eggs.’ ” Woody also said, “Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don’t have a good partner, you’d better have a good hand.” Next was Alan Alda (Witty & Observational) with, “Laugh at yourself, but don’t ever aim your double at yourself.”; “It isn’t necessary to be rich and famous to be happy. It’s only necessary to be rich.”; and, like me on ageing, “It’s a funny feeling to work with people who you consider your colleague and to realize that they actually are young enough to be your children.”

Then came Mel Brooks (Satirical & Borscht Belt). On Blazing Saddles he said, “My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives (often followed by flatulence)”. In the “History of the World, Part 1, Brooks made it clear, “It’s good to be king!” There was also Eddie Murphy (High-Energy & Raunchy) with “You don’t even have to be able to talk. Just sing and get famous. ‘Cause James Brown’s been singin’ 30 years. I don’t know what the heck James is talkin’ about!”; “Michael Jackson, who can sing, and is a good lookin’ guy ... but ain’t the most masculine fellow in the world.”; he then boasted, “I’m not a cop … I’m a master criminal!”; then he told his friends to order whatever they liked, lunch was on Eddie Murphy ... [while he held up a bag with a cockroach in it]. In terms of women, there were four women in the line. First, Kristen Wiig, who said, “I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” Then there was Amy Poehler who explained, “Sometimes you lie in bed at night and you don’t have a single thing to worry about. That always worries me!” Ali Wong came up with, “I don’t want to lean in. I want to lie down.” But, for me, the female winner would have been Cecily Strong who said, “Comedy is very controlling — you are making people laugh.”

This is why I believe that Bill Maher deserves to be the 2026 winner. He had made political satire smart, funny and honest. His TV show Real Time with Bill Maher was unapologetically candid, hilarious and also made people laugh for years. It is fitting that he got it because, when it comes to life, love and power he “gets it” and passes on to his supporters the uncomfortable truths about the human condition with humour. Because of that, a funny thing happened before the announcement of his receiving the award. There was intense speculation, and even a public denial by the “White House.” The press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, initially called Maher’s selection “fake news”. The Kennedy Center later confirmed the choice following final discussions. Maher was good enough to reply, “Thank you to the Mark Twain people. I just had the award explained to me, and apparently it’s like an Emmy, except I win.” And the majority of the readers, like me, are glad that the 70-year- old got the prize for his long-standing career in political comedy and his “equal opportunity” satire.

Some of Bill’s satire is tough for days, and even months and years. For example, Maher started, “Let me ask you a question: Why the hell do people keep getting married? Isn’t anybody looking at the stats? I mean, one out of two marriages goes right down. If you were going skydiving, and they told you half the parachutes weren’t gonna open, you’d be like, ‘Yo, not that! I’m not going! I don’t like those odds. I have a 50-per cent chance of splatting on the ground? I’m not doing it!’ But there’s something about getting married, people just have to do it. They’re like, ‘Is this the line to losing half my money? Awesome! This is gonna be great! I can’t wait to lose my car and money!” Then, to end with one of his best, “I’m not saying women are dumber than men, but I am saying that men are dumber than women.”

Tony Deyal agreed with Bill Maher, “There’s nothing more freeing than being able to speak your mind and not care what anyone thinks of you. Unless you’re married.” Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com