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{{Short description|American comedian, actor, and filmmaker (born 1967)}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox comedian {{Infobox comedian
|name = Louis C.K. | name = Louis C.K.
|image = Louis CK Kuwait crop.jpg | image = File:Louis C.K. on Your Moms House Podcast 2022.png
|imagesize = | alt = Refer to caption
|caption = Louis C.K. performing in ], December 2008 | caption = C.K. on '']'' podcast in August 2022
| birth_name = Louis Alfred Székely
|pseudonym =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|9|12}}
|birth_name = Louis Szekely
| birth_place = ], U.S.
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1967|9|12}}
| medium = {{flatlist|
|birth_place = ], U.S.
|medium = ], ], ] * ]
* ]
* ]
|hometown = ], U.S.
|nationality = American, Mexican
|active = 1985–present
|genre = ], ], ]
|subject = ], ], ], ], ], ]
|influences = ],<ref name="Vogel"/> ],<ref name="Vogel"/> ], ], ],<ref name="Vogel"/> ],<ref name="Knutzen"/> ], ], ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/onenightstand/interviews/louis_ck.html|title=Interview with Louis C.K.|work=]|publisher=]|year=2005|accessdate=December 6, 2007}}</ref>
|influenced = ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aspecialthing.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1465 |title=Patton Oswalt: The AST Interview |publisher=|date=|accessdate=August 19, 2010 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071013165258/http://aspecialthing.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1465 |archivedate = October 13, 2007}}</ref> ]
|spouse = Alix Bailey (1995–2008; 2 children)
|notable_work = '']''<br/>'']''<br/>'']''<br/>'']''<br/>'']''
|signature =
|website =
| module = {{Infobox comedian awards
|child=yes
|emmyawards = '''Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program''' <br> 1999 '']''
}}
}} }}
| nationality = {{hlist|]|]<ref>{{cite web|publisher=PBS|url=http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/archive/200909/20090925_ck.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311075212/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/archive/200909/20090925_ck.html|archive-date=March 11, 2011|date=September 25, 2009|access-date=August 29, 2018|title=Louis C.K.|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
'''Louis Szekely''' (born September 12, 1967), known professionally as '''Louis C.K.''', is a ], television and film writer, actor, ], and ] from ]<ref>http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/louis-ck.</ref> He currently stars in the ] comedy series '']'', which he also writes, directs, and edits.<ref>http://punchlinemagazine.com/blog/2011/03/louis-c-k-s-fx-show-louie-coming-to-blu-ray</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118033625?refCatId=15 | work=Variety | first=Brendan | last=Kelly | title=Just for Laughs to fete Louis C.K | date=March 8, 2011}}</ref>
| active = 1984–present
| genre = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| subject = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Alix Bailey|1995|2008|reason=divorced}}
| children = 2
| signature =
| website = {{URL|louisck.com}}
}}

'''Louis Alfred Székely''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|uː|i|_|ˌ|s|eɪ|ˈ|k|eɪ}};<ref>Lais Jr., C.J. (August 18, 2006). "Louis C.K.: Home is where the angst is". ''The Times Union'' (Albany, New York). p. D1.</ref> born September 12, 1967), known professionally as '''Louis C.K.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|uː|i|_|ˌ|s|iː|ˈ|k|eɪ}}),{{efn|C.K.'s stage name is an approximate English pronunciation of his ] surname, ] {{IPA-hu|ˈseːkɛj|}},<ref>LaRue, William (June 11, 2006). "HBO's New Comedy: Swear Words and All: 'Lucky Louie' Feels Like a Good Bet for Its Producer from CNY". ''The Post-Standard'' (Syracuse, New York). p. H1.</ref> as he explained on '']'' on September 25, 2009.}} is an American stand-up comedian, actor and filmmaker.<ref name="TavisSmiley">{{Cite AV media |url=http://www.pbs.org/video/tavis-smiley-louis-ck-friday-925/ |title=Louis C.K.: Friday, 9/25 |time=07:41 |publisher=] |date=September 25, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107060828/http://www.pbs.org/video/tavis-smiley-louis-ck-friday-925/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="HReporter-NYCCoverStory-2015">{{cite news|last1=C.K.|first1=Louie|last2=Rose|first2=Lacey|title=Louis C.K.'s Crabby, Epic Love Letter to NYC: "Everyone's Dealing with the Same S— … Elbow to Elbow"|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/louis-cks-crabby-epic-love-786746|access-date=April 9, 2015|work=]|date=April 8, 2015}}</ref> C.K. has won three ],<ref name="PeabodyAward-2012">{{cite web|title=Louie (FX)|url=http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/louie|publisher=]|access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref> three ], six ]s,<ref name="Emmys-CK-Bio">{{cite web|title=Louis C.K.|url=http://www.emmys.com/bios/louis-ck|publisher=]|access-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref> and a ] as well as numerous awards for '']'', '']'', and his stand-up specials '']'' (2011) and '']'' (2013).<ref name="IMDb-awards">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0127373/awards |title=Louis C.K. – Awards |publisher=] |access-date=January 21, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, '']'' ranked C.K.'s stand-up special '']'' number three on their "Divine Comedy: 25 Best Stand-Up Specials and Movies of All Time" list<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/divine-comedy-25-best-stand-up-specials-and-movies-70696/|title=Divine Comedy: 25 Best Stand-up Specials and Movies|first1=Steve|last1=Ciabattoni|first2=David|last2=Fear|first3=Tim|last3=Grierson|first4=Matthew|last4=Love|first5=Noel|last5=Murray|first6=Scott|last6=Tobias|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2015}}</ref> and ranked him fourth on its 2017 list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Love|first1=Matthew|title=50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/lists/50-best-stand-up-comics-of-all-time-w464199|magazine=]|access-date=February 24, 2017|date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=December 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171211003827/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/lists/50-best-stand-up-comics-of-all-time-w464199|url-status=dead}}</ref>

C.K. began his career in the 1990s writing for comedians including ], ], ], ], and '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/10/c-k-and-snl-louies-19-year-backstory-with-the-nbc-sketch-show.html|title=C.K. and 'SNL': Louie's 19-Year Backstory with the NBC Sketch Show |website=Vulture|date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> He was also directing surreal short films and directed two features—'']'' (1998) and '']'' (2001). In 2001, C.K. released his debut comedy album, '']'', directly through his website and became among the first performers to offer direct-to-fan sales of tickets to his stand-up shows and ]-free video concert downloads via his website.<ref name="Slate-Hulu-CharlieRose-2014" /> He became prolific releasing nine comedy albums, often directing and editing his specials as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/louis-ck-reveals-how-write-703433|title=Louis C.K. Reveals How to Write, Direct, Edit and Star in Every Episode of a Hit Show (and Not Go Crazy)|website=The Hollywood Report|date=May 13, 2014|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> These specials include '']'' (2007), '']'' (2008), '']'' (2010), and '']'' (2013).

He gained prominence and widespread acclaim for his ] semi-autobiographical comedy-drama series '']'' (2010–2015), which he created, directed and starred in. The series received ] with C.K. winning two ]. In 2016, he created and starred in his self-funded web series '']'', and co-created the shows '']'' and '']'' for ] and voiced the protagonist Max in the animated film '']'' in the same year. During this time he also had supporting acting roles in films such as ]'s '']'', ]'s '']'' (both 2013), and the ] drama '']'' (2015).

In 2017, he admitted to several incidents of sexual misconduct following the release of an article in '']''. This resulted in widespread criticism and caused his 2017 film '']'' to be pulled from distribution prior to its release. In 2018, he returned to stand-up comedy, and in 2019, he announced an international tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/10/louis-ck-protests-comedy-cellar-1202016568/|title=Protestors Turn Out for Louis C.K.'s First Publicized Comedy Cellar Set|website=IndieWire|date=October 30, 2018|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/celebrity/2019/10/27/louis-c-k-announces-new-14-city-tour-email-fans/|title=Louis C.K. announces new 14-city tour in email to fans|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> He has also released the specials '']'' (2020) and '']'' (2021) on his website, receiving a ] for the former. C.K. also co-wrote and directed the film '']'' (2022).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/04/arts/television/louis-ck-special.html|title=Louis C.K. Drops a Comeback Special|website=The New York Times|access-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/04/louis-ck-surprise-comedy-special-sincerely-1202222849/|title=Louis C.K. Drops Surprise Comedy Special on His Website|website=IndieWire|date=April 4, 2020|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref>

== Early life ==
Louis Alfred Székely<ref name=motherobit /> was born in ],<ref name=biography.com>{{cite web|url=https://www.biography.com/performer/louis-ck|title=Louis C.K.: Comedian (1967–)|publisher=] (] / ])|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114353/https://www.biography.com/people/louis-ck-21014255|url-status=live}}</ref> on September 12, 1967,<ref name=biography.com /><ref name="Atlantic-FilthMoral-2012">{{cite web|last=Parker|first=James|title=The Filthy Moralist: How the comedian Louis C.K. became America's unlikely conscience |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/05/the-filthy-moralist/308940/ |work=] |publisher=The Atlantic Monthly Group|access-date=August 19, 2012|date=April 2, 2012|quote=All of which suggests that Louis – born Louis Székely on September 12, 1967 – has struck a nerve.}}</ref> the son of ] Mary Louise (née Davis) and economist Luis Székely.<ref name=biography.com/><ref name="Owosso-JuneWedding-1961">{{cite news|title=June Wedding Was Held In Traverse City |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zSQyAAAAIBAJ&pg=2897%2C7676500|access-date=May 23, 2014|newspaper=]|date=June 26, 1961|quote=Mary Louise Davis...became the bride of Louis Szekely...}}</ref><ref name="Copley-Knutzen-2007">{{cite news|last=Knutzen|first=Eirik|title=TV Close-Up: Louis C.K.|url=http://members.pikmail.com/home.php?feature=24&aid=7909&gid=5|access-date=April 18, 2013|agency=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929150934/http://members.pikmail.com/home.php?feature=24&aid=7909&gid=5|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref> He has three sisters.<ref name="RStone-Feature-2011">{{cite news|last=Weiner|first=Jonah|title=How Louis C.K. Became the Darkest, Funniest Comedian in America|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/how-louis-c-k-became-the-darkest-funniest-comedian-in-america-20111212|access-date=March 31, 2014|newspaper=]|date=December 22, 2011}}</ref> His father is of ] and ] descent.<ref name=biography.com/> C.K.'s ] paternal grandfather, Géza Székely Schweiger, had immigrated from ] to ]; he and his Mexican wife raised their children in the ] faith.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coming to Jerusalem: Louis C.K. and his Jewish Root |url=https://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/coming-to-jerusalem-louis-c-k-and-his-jewish-root/2016/07/24/ |access-date=May 15, 2020 |work=]|location=Jerusalem, Israel |date=July 24, 2016|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201211235558/https://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/coming-to-jerusalem-louis-c-k-and-his-jewish-root/2016/07/24/|url-status=live}}</ref> C.K.'s mother, an American, was a Catholic with ] ancestry.<ref name=biography.com />

When C.K. was an infant, his family moved to his father's home country of Mexico,<ref name=biography.com /> where his father had earned a degree from the ] prior to graduating from Harvard.<ref name="Owosso-JuneWedding-1961"/> C.K.'s first language was ]; it was not until after they moved back to the U.S. when he was 7 that he began to learn English. He has said that he has since forgotten much of his Spanish.<ref name="Comes Clean">{{cite magazine|last=Hiatt|first=Brian|title=Louis C.K. Comes Clean|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/louis-c-k-comes-clean-20130425|magazine=]|access-date=November 3, 2017|date=April 25, 2013|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201212001135/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/louis-c-k-comes-clean-73965/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Accidental White Person">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/louis-c-k-im-an-accidental-white-person-20130411 |title=Louis C.K.: I'm an Accidental White Person |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=April 11, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201212001405/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/louis-c-k-im-an-accidental-white-person-243605/|url-status=live}}</ref> When C.K. left Mexico with his family, they moved back to the United States and settled in the ] area, initially for a year in ].<ref name="Comes Clean" />


Upon moving from Mexico to suburban Boston, C.K. wanted to become a writer and comedian, citing ], ] and ] as some of his influences.<ref name="NYPost-HotSeat-2007">{{cite news|last=Vogel |first=Laura |title=Hot Seat: Louis C.K. |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/item_0i3ylcj0GXPO0SqsmNybUM;jsessionid=4FAF908BF5985A7D8D7DBB9802A22A40 |access-date=May 23, 2014 |newspaper=] |date=May 27, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425233808/http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/item_0i3ylcj0GXPO0SqsmNybUM%3Bjsessionid%3D4FAF908BF5985A7D8D7DBB9802A22A40 |archive-date=April 25, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> When he was 10, his parents divorced. C.K. said that his father was around but he did not see him much and when he remarried, C.K.'s father ] to ], the faith of his new wife.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=313950799 |title=Louis C.K. On His 'Louie' Hiatus: 'I Wanted The Show To Feel New Again' |publisher=NPR |date=May 19, 2014 |access-date=December 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Hiatus-2014">{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/05/19/313950799/louis-c-k-on-his-louie-hiatus-i-wanted-the-show-to-feel-new-again|title=Louis C.K. On His 'Louie' Hiatus: 'I Wanted The Show To Feel New Again'|last=Gross|first=Terry|date=May 19, 2014|work=]|publisher=]|type=Audio interview|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> C.K. and his three sisters were raised by their single mother in ].<ref name="NYObserver-SaveSitcom-2005">{{cite news|last=Hagan|first=Joe|title=Can HBO Save the Sitcom? Louis CK Says Yes|url=http://observer.com/2005/04/can-hbo-save-the-sitcom-louis-ck-says-yes/|access-date=August 5, 2012|newspaper=]|year=2005}}</ref> The fact that his mother had only "bad" TV shows to view upon returning home from work inspired him to work on television.<ref name="NYObserver-SaveSitcom-2005" /> C.K.'s mother raised her children as Catholic and they attended after-school Catholic class until they completed communion.<ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Hiatus-2014" /> C.K. has said that his father's whole family still lives in Mexico. C.K.'s paternal uncle Dr. Francisco Székely is an academic and an international consultant on environmental affairs who served as Mexico's Deputy Minister of Environment (2000–2003).<ref name="Uncle-pdf">{{cite web|title=Biography: Dr. Francisco Székely|url=http://www.ecologic.eu/download/dinner_dialogue/2004/cv_Szekely.pdf|work=Ecologic Institute|access-date=January 16, 2014|year=2004|archive-date=January 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116235027/http://www.ecologic.eu/download/dinner_dialogue/2004/cv_szekely.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Early life and career==
His stage name is derived from an approximate English pronunciation of his originally Hungarian surname ] ({{IPA-hu|ˈseːkɛj}}). Szekely was born in ], the son of Mary Louise (née Davis), a ], and Luis Szekely, an ].<ref name="Knutzen">{{cite news|last=Knutzen|first=Eirik|title=Louis C.K.|url=http://members.pikmail.com/home.php?feature=24&aid=7909&gid=5|accessdate=November 10, 2010|newspaper=]}}</ref><ref name=eugo>{{Cite news|last=|first=|coauthors=|title=June Wedding Was Held In Traverse City|pages=4|publisher=Owosso Argus-Press|date=June 27, 1961|url=http://news.google.ca/newspapers?id=zSQyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=c6wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2897,7676500&dq=june-wedding-was-held-in-traverse-city&hl=en|accessdate=January 24, 2011}}</ref> His mother is of ] ancestry and his father, a native of ], is of ] Catholic and ] Jewish descent.<ref name="Vogel">{{cite news|last=Vogel|first=Laura|title=Louis C.K.|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/item_0i3ylcj0GXPO0SqsmNybUM;jsessionid=4FAF908BF5985A7D8D7DBB9802A22A40|accessdate=November 10, 2010|newspaper=]|year=2007|date=May 27, 2007}}</ref> The two met at ] while Luis was trying to finish his ] during a ] program. Louis moved to Mexico City and lived there until the age of seven.<ref name="Knutzen"/> His first language is Spanish, and he still retains his Mexican ].<ref name="Smiley">{{cite web|last=Smiley|first=Tavis|title=Louis C.K.|url=http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200909/20090925_ck.html|publisher=]|accessdate=November 10, 2010|year=2009}}</ref>
Upon moving from Mexico to ], Szekely discovered he wanted to become a writer and comedian, citing ], ], and ] as some of his influences.<ref name="Vogel"/> When he was around the age of 10, his parents ]d. Consequently, Szekely was raised as one of four children by a single mother in ].<ref name="Hagan">{{cite news|last=Hagan|first=Joe|title=Can HBO Save the Sitcom? Louis C.K. Says Yes|url=http://www.observer.com/node/50661|accessdate=November 10, 2010|newspaper=]|year=2005}}</ref> His primary influence for aspiring to produce movies and television turned out to be his mother: "I remember thinking in fifth grade, 'I have to get inside that box and make this shit better'... because she deserves this."<ref name=Hagan/>


C.K. attended ] and graduated in 1985. He graduated with future '']'' star ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Radksen|first1=Jill|title=Louis C.K. and Matt LeBlanc, way back when|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2015/09/19/emmy-nominees-louis-and-matt-leblanc-knew-them-when/K8mD1IpH0Fr5HtyZZvGe6L/story.html|newspaper=]|access-date=December 28, 2016|date=September 20, 2015}}</ref> After graduation, C.K. worked as an auto mechanic and at a public access TV cable station in Boston.<ref name="Copley-Knutzen-2007"/> According to C.K., working in public access TV gave him the tools and technical knowledge to make his short films and later his television shows. "Learning is my favorite thing", he said.<ref name="Slate-Hulu-CharlieRose-2014" /> He also worked for a time as a cook and in a video store.<ref name="RStone-Feature-2011" />
After ], he worked as an auto mechanic in Boston before summoning the courage to try stand-up.<ref name="Knutzen"/> His first attempt was in 1984 at a ]'s ] night, where he was given five minutes of time, but only had two minutes of material.<ref name="louisweb">{{cite web|title=Louis C.K.'s Bio|url=http://www.louisck.net/bio.html|publisher=Louisck.net|accessdate=October 12, 2010}}</ref> The experience kept him away from comedy for two years.<ref name="Bromley">{{cite web|last=Bromley|first=Patrick|title=Louis C.K. – Biography|url=http://comedians.about.com/od/comediansal/p/louisck.htm|publisher=About.com|accessdate=October 12, 2010}}</ref> Szekely gradually moved up into paid gigs, opened for ] and hosted comedy clubs<ref name="Knutzen"/> until he moved to ] in 1989.<ref name="louisweb"/>


==Career== ==Career==
===1984–1997: Career beginnings===
===Writing===
In 1984 at 17, C.K. directed the comedic short film ''Trash Day''. The ] showed an interest in him as a filmmaker, but he instead decided to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fitz-Gerald|first1=Sean|title=How Louis C.K. Became a King of Comedy|url= https://www.vulture.com/2015/04/louis-ck-king-of-comedy.html|publisher=]|access-date=June 3, 2016|date=May 28, 2015}}</ref> C.K.'s first attempt at stand-up was in 1985 at an ] night at a ] in ], Massachusetts, during the apex of the comedy boom. He was given five minutes of time, but had only two minutes of material.<ref name="LouisCK-bio-archive-2008">{{cite web|last=CK|first=Louis|title=Louis C.K.'s Bio|url=http://www.louisck.net/bio.html|work=Louis C.K.|access-date=May 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413233950/http://www.louisck.net/bio.html|archive-date=April 13, 2008}}</ref> He was so discouraged by the experience that he did not perform again for two years.<ref name="About.com-Bio">{{cite web|last=Bromley|first=Patrick|title=Louis CK – Biography|url=http://comedians.about.com/od/comediansal/p/louisck.htm|publisher=]|access-date=October 12, 2010|archive-date=December 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210030701/http://comedians.about.com/od/comediansal/p/louisck.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> As Boston's comedy scene grew, C.K. gradually achieved success, performing alongside acts such as ] and ], and eventually he moved up to paid gigs, opening for ] and hosting comedy clubs<ref name="Copley-Knutzen-2007"/> until he moved to ] in 1989.<ref name="LouisCK-bio-archive-2008"/> He performed his act on many televised programs, including ''Evening at the Improv'' and '']''. C.K.'s short film '']'' (1993), was submitted to the ] in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Adelman|first1=Kim|title=Aspen Shortsfest Turns 20: Watch 5 of the Best Films They've Ever Shown|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2012/04/aspen-shortsfest-turns-20-watch-5-of-the-best-films-theyve-ever-shown-48142/|website=]|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=April 13, 2012}}</ref>
His credits as a writer include '']'', '']'', '']'' and the '']''. His work for the ''Chris Rock Show'' was nominated for an ] three times, including winning "Best Writing in a Variety or Comedy Series" in 1999. He was also nominated for an ] for his work writing ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien''. However, the feature film born from the Chris Rock sketches, '']'', which C.K. wrote and directed, received largely negative reviews by critics but became a cult classic.<ref name="Tobias">{{cite web|last=Tobias|first=Scott|title=A.V. Club; The New Cult Canon: Pootie Tang|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/pootie-tang,30745/|accessdate=March 21, 2011}}</ref><ref name="esquire">{{cite web |url=http://www.esquire.com/features/man-at-his-best/q-and-a/louis-ck-interview-0611 |title=Louis C.K. Interview |last=Raab |first=Scott |date=23 May 2011 |work=Esquire |publisher= |accessdate=29 July 2011}}</ref> He wrote and directed the independent black-and-white film ''Tomorrow Night'' (1998) (which premiered at ])<ref></ref> and several shorter films, including six short films for the sketch comedy show "Sunny Skies" (1995) on the ] cable network.<ref>Louis CK Bio, http://www.louisck.com/bio.htm</ref> He was nominated for an ] for writing on his 2008 special, ''Chewed Up''.


In 1993, he unsuccessfully auditioned for '']'',<ref name="HReporter-NYCCoverStory-2015" /> although he did later work with ], writing on the '']'' shorts for the program.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Joanna|last1=Robison|title=Why Louis C.K. Is Glad He Didn't Get Hired at S.N.L.|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/04/louis-ck-snl-audition|work=]|location=New York City|date=April 8, 2015|access-date=February 22, 2016}}</ref> C.K.'s earliest writing job was for ] on the late-night talk show '']'' from 1993 to 1994,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yakas|first1=Ben|title='90s Flashback: Louis C.K., Robert Smigel & Adam Sandler Do Silly Dog Voices On Conan|url=http://gothamist.com/2015/02/28/90s_flashback_louis_ck_robert_smige.php|website=]|access-date=February 27, 2017|date=February 28, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427034621/http://gothamist.com/2015/02/28/90s_flashback_louis_ck_robert_smige.php|archive-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref> before briefly writing for '']'' in 1995.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Knoblauch|first1=Max|title=8 comedians who worked for David Letterman before they were big|url=http://mashable.com/2015/05/19/comedians-jumpstart-david-letterman/#IIZ0HFSKCPqA|website=]|access-date=May 27, 2016|date=May 20, 2015|quote=After writing for Conan's Late Night between 1993 and 1994, C.K. briefly wrote for Letterman's Late Show in 1995}}</ref> C.K. has stated that Conan O'Brien kept C.K. in comedy by hiring him, as he planned to quit comedy the following day if he had not been hired for ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien''.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=] |series=Conan |first=Conan |last=O'Brien |others=Louis C.K. |network=TBS |date=September 19, 2013 |number=466 |quote=I just wanted to say before you show it , we were talking about how I started on the show, I just want to thank you for giving me the shot, because I was really desperate. I was literally hungry all the time, I had no trajectory that showed me I would—I was about to—the day before you guys hired me, I was going to quit like, comedy and everything, so thanks.}}</ref>
C.K. has co-written two screenplays with ], '']'' in 2001, and '']'' in 2007.


Throughout the spring of 1996, C.K. served as the head writer for '']''; its writers also included ], ], ], and ]. It was canceled after seven episodes.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Crouch|first1=Ian|title=The Unfortunate Genius of "The Dana Carvey Show|url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-unfortunate-genius-of-the-dana-carvey-show|magazine=]|access-date=November 6, 2016|date=October 23, 2017}}</ref> In 1996, ] released his first half-hour comedy special.<ref name="LouisCK-bio-archive-2008" /> C.K. appeared several times on the animated show '']''.
===Stand-up===
C.K. has performed his stand-up frequently on shows such as '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. In August 2005, C.K. starred in a half-hour HBO special as part of the stand-up series '']''.


From 1997 to 1999, he wrote for '']''.<ref name="A.V.-Club-Pootie-Tang" /> His work on the show was nominated for a ] for writing three times, winning "Best Writing in a Variety or Comedy Series" in 1999. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his work writing for ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien''.<ref name = "Emmys-CKbio">{{cite web |url= http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/louis-ck |title=Television Academy Bios: Louis C.K.|work=] |publisher=] |year=2011 |access-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> He has been quoted as describing his approach to writing as a "deconstruction" that is both painful and frightening.<ref name="RStone-Feature-2011" />
In 2006, C.K. starred in his own hour-long ] special titled ''Shameless''. On March 1, 2008, Louis recorded a stand-up special, ''Chewed Up'', that premiered on Showtime October 4, 2008 and went on to be nominated for an Emmy for "Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Variety Special." On April 18, 2009, Louis recorded a stand-up special titled ''Hilarious'' that was released in 2010.<ref>Pabst Theater Show Gallery, http://pabsttheater.org/_galleries/louisck_pabst_041809/louisck.html</ref><ref>IMDb Hilarious Page, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1421373/</ref> It is the first stand-up comedy film to be accepted into Sundance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rabin |first=Nathan |url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/louis-ck,42621/ |title=Louis C.K. &#124; TV &#124; Interview |publisher=] |date=June 29, 2010 |accessdate=August 19, 2010}}</ref>


===1998–2004: Focus on filmmaking===
In a 2010 interview, C.K. described returning to stand-up and doing specials after his divorce as a year and a half working "to catch up to" the breakup of his marriage which, although portrayed in the ] series '']'' as fractious, had nonetheless been central to the show and his life. One element in his preparation for stand-up was training in the ] gym, including with locally well-known ] fighter ], trying to "learn how to ... do the grunt work and the boring, constant training so that you'll be fit enough to take the beating." <ref name="FA01" />
In 1998, C.K. wrote and directed the independent black-and-white film ], which premiered at ], marking his feature film directorial debut after making several shorter films,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Haglund|first1=David|title=Louis C.K. Finally Releasing His First Movie|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/01/07/louis_ck_movie_tomorrow_night_available_on_louie_s_website_soon_video.html|journal=]|access-date=May 3, 2016|date=January 7, 2014}}</ref> including six short films for the sketch comedy show '']'' (1995) on the ] cable network.<ref name="Splitslider-Short-Films">{{cite web|last1=Evans|first1=Bradford|title=The Short Films of Louis C.K|url=http://splitsider.com/2012/03/the-short-films-of-louis-c-k/|website=Spitslider|access-date=March 20, 2016|date=March 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701213250/http://splitsider.com/2012/03/the-short-films-of-louis-c-k/|archive-date=July 1, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> C.K. self-released ''Tomorrow Night'' in 2014.<ref name="NYorker-Anxiety-2014">{{cite web|last=Marantz|first=Andrew|title=Louis C.K.'s Motivating Anxiety |url=https://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/culture/2014/02/louis-cks-motivating-anxiety.html|work=]|access-date=May 24, 2014|date=February 7, 2014}}</ref> He hosted the ] show ''ShortCuts'' in 1999, which featured independent short films, including some made by C.K. himself.<ref>{{cite web|author1=''Laughspin'' Authors|title=Watch Louis C.K. host 'ShortCuts' from 1999 and his film 'Ice Cream'|url=http://www.laughspin.com/watch-louis-c-k-host-shortcuts-from-2001-and-his-film-ice-cream/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107060937/http://www.laughspin.com/watch-louis-c-k-host-shortcuts-from-2001-and-his-film-ice-cream/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=November 7, 2017|website=Laughspin|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=June 27, 2012}}</ref> Also that year, C.K. devised and starred in ''The Filthy Stupid Talent Show'', a mock talent show television special.<ref name="Variety-2000">{{cite web|last1=Chagollan|first1=Steve|title=Louis C.K.|url=https://variety.com/2000/legit/news/louis-c-k-1117783761/|website=]|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=July 15, 2000}}</ref> He had an early acting role in the independent comedy ''Tuna'', alongside ], in 2000 and performed on the stand-up showcase series '']'' the following year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Louis C.K., Nick Offerman Co-Starred In 'Tuna The Movie' 13 Years Ago (VIDEO)|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/17/louis-ck-nick-offerman-tuna-the-movie-13-years-ago_n_3102685.html|website=]|date=April 17, 2013|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Louis C.K.|url=http://www.cc.com/comedians/louis-ck|publisher=]|access-date=November 6, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030107/http://www.cc.com/comedians/louis-ck|url-status=dead}}</ref>


C.K. wrote and directed the feature film '']'' (2001), which was adapted from a sketch that was featured on ''The Chris Rock Show'' and featured ] in a supporting role. The film received largely negative reviews from critics, but has become a ];<ref name="AVClub-PootieTang-2009">{{cite web |last=Tobias|first=Scott|title=The New Cult Canon: Pootie Tang|url=https://www.avclub.com/articles/pootie-tang,30745/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725232534/http://www.avclub.com/articles/pootie-tang,30745/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2009|work=] |access-date=March 21, 2011 |date=July 23, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Esquire-Q&A-2011">{{cite web |last=Raab |first=Scott|url=http://www.esquire.com/features/man-at-his-best/q-and-a/louis-ck-interview-0611 |title=Louis C.K.: The ESQ+A |date=May 23, 2011 |work=] |publisher=Hearst Men's Network |access-date=July 29, 2011}}</ref> in a half-star review, ] declared it a "train wreck" and felt the film was "not in a releasable condition".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ebert|first1=Roger|title=Pootie Tang|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/pootie-tang-2001|website=] (via ])|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=June 29, 2001}}</ref> Though C.K. is credited as the director, he was fired at the end of filming with the film being re-edited by the studio.<ref name="TheWrap-Pootie-Mistake-2012">{{cite web|last=Molloy|first=Tim|title=Louis C.K. Talks 'Pootie Tang' – 'a Very Huge Mistake'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/tv/column-post/louis-ck-talks-pootie-tang-very-huge-mistake-34464|work=]|access-date=April 11, 2013|date=January 16, 2012|archive-date=March 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319033230/http://www.thewrap.com/tv/column-post/louis-ck-talks-pootie-tang-very-huge-mistake-34464|url-status=dead}}</ref> C.K. has since co-written two screenplays with Rock: '']'' (2001) and '']'' (2007).<ref name="A.V.-Club-Pootie-Tang">{{cite web|last1=Rabin|first1=Nathan|title=Pootie Tang: A Look Back With Director Louis C.K.|url=https://www.avclub.com/article/pootie-tang-a-look-back-with-director-louis-ck-13856|website=]|access-date=March 20, 2016|date=February 25, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Kennedy|first1=Lisa|title=It's hard to like "I Think I Love My Wife"|url=http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_5438296|website=]|access-date=March 20, 2016|date=March 16, 2007}}</ref> His first comedy album, '']'', was released in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lyons|first1=Margaret|title=A Primer on the Dane Cook–Louis C.K. Joke-Stealing Beef|url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/08/louis-ck-dane-cook-louie.html|publisher=Vulture.com|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> In 2002, he voiced Brendon Small's estranged father, Andrew Small, in the animated sitcom '']''.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|last1=Adams|first1=Erik|title=''Home Movies'': "Dad"/"Therapy"|url=https://www.avclub.com/tvclub/home-movies-dadtherapy-93849|website=]|access-date=July 18, 2016|date=March 26, 2013}}</ref> C.K. was among the writing staff of the sketch comedy show '']'' (2002–03).<ref name="A.V.-Club-Pootie-Tang" />
===Acting===
In June 2006, C.K. began starring in '']'', a ] he created. The series premiered on HBO and was videotaped in front of a live studio audience; it was HBO's first series in that format. ''Lucky Louie'' is described as a bluntly realistic portrayal of family life. However, HBO canceled the series after its first season. He also plays a small role as a security guard in '']''. In 2009, C.K. was added to NBC's '']'', where he appeared in a multi-episode story arc as a potential love interest for ]'s character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/08/07/louis-ck-gets-another-shot-at-television |title=Louis C.K. Gets Another Shot at Television |publisher=Slashfilm.com |date=August 7, 2009 |accessdate=August 19, 2010}}</ref>


===2005–2009: ''Lucky Louie'' and standup breakthrough===
In August 2009, ] picked up his new series '']''. In it, C.K. is starring, writing, directing, and editing. The show features his stand-up routines blended with skits based somewhat on his offstage experiences.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118007486.html | work=Variety | title=More laffs in FX lineup | first=Cynthia | last=Littleton | date=August 19, 2009}}</ref> The show premiered on June 29, 2010. The show's first season consisted of thirteen episodes and the second is currently airing with a third season planned. It addresses life as a divorced, aging father: "It's hard to start again after a marriage," he started in one of his early routines on the show. "It's hard to really, like, look at somebody and go, hey, maybe something nice will happen. ... Or you'll meet the perfect person, who you love infinitely, and you even argue well, and you grow together, and you have children, and then you get old together, and then she's going to die...that's the best case scenario."<ref name="FA01" />
], December 2008]]
In August 2005, C.K. starred in a half-hour HBO special as part of the stand-up series '']''. Inspired by the work ethic of fellow comedian ], who had committed to dropping all of his existing material and starting over every year,<ref name="HuffPo-2011">{{cite web|title=Louis C.K. "I'm Doing Exactly What He Taught Me To Do"|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/06/louis-ck-honors-george-carlin-video_n_950134.html/|work=Huffington Post|access-date=December 6, 2015|date=September 6, 2011}}</ref> in June 2006, C.K. starred in and wrote '']'', a sitcom he created. The series premiered on ] and was videotaped in front of a studio audience; it was HBO's first series in that format. ''Lucky Louie'' is described as a bluntly realistic portrayal of family life. HBO canceled the series after its first season.<ref name="Vulture-Asshole-2010">{{cite web|last=Marsh|first=Steve|title=Louis C.K. on the Importance of Acting Like an Asshole|url=https://www.vulture.com/2010/06/louis_ck_interview.html|publisher=Vulture.com|access-date=May 24, 2014|date=June 29, 2010}}</ref>


C.K. was a part of ] with other comedians in ]. In 2007, he hosted a three-hour phone-in show on the service at the request of Opie & Anthony, during which he advised callers on their relationship troubles.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Brawley|first1=Eddie|title=Louis C.K.'s 'Dianetics': Inside His Weird and Wild Three-Hour Radio Show|url=http://splitsider.com/2014/09/louis-cks-dianetics-inside-his-weird-and-wild-three-hour-radio-show/|website=]|access-date=February 22, 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312073300/http://splitsider.com/2014/09/louis-cks-dianetics-inside-his-weird-and-wild-three-hour-radio-show/|url-status=dead}}</ref> During an interview with ] ] on the show, C.K. repeatedly asked Rumsfeld whether he is in fact a ] space alien who "eats Mexican babies".<ref name="HuffPo-RumsfeldLizard-2011">{{cite news|last=McGlynn|first=Katia|title=Louis C.K. Asks Donald Rumsfeld: Are You A 'Lizard From Outer Space'? (AUDIO)|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/25/louis-ck-donald-rumsfeld_n_828284.html|work=]|access-date=February 23, 2013|date=February 25, 2011}}</ref> Rumsfeld declined to comment and the video has since gone viral.<ref name="HuffPo-RumsfeldLizard-2011" /> He appeared in three films in 2008: '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=French|first1=Phillip|title=Review: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/jun/01/comedy.romance|newspaper=]|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Fitz-Gerald|first1=Sean|title=How Louis C.K. Became a King of Comedy|date=May 28, 2015 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/04/louis-ck-king-of-comedy.html|publisher=Vulture.com|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref>
C.K. has also appeared in the films '']'', '']'', and ''].


C.K. launched his first hour-long special, '']'', in 2007, which aired on HBO and was later released on DVD.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tung|first1=Cameron|title=Revisiting 'Shameless', Louis CK's First Stand-up Special|url=http://splitsider.com/2012/11/revisiting-shameless-louis-cks-first-stand-up-special/|website=Splitsider|access-date=March 20, 2016|date=November 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424183907/http://splitsider.com/2012/11/revisiting-shameless-louis-cks-first-stand-up-special/|archive-date=April 24, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2008, he recorded a second hour-long special, '']'', which premiered on ] on October 4, 2008, and was nominated for a ].<ref name="Emmys-CK-Bio" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Chapman|first1=Glen|title=Louis C.K. Chewed Up DVD review|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/dvd-bluray/8328/louis-ck-chewed-up-dvd-review|website=Den of Geek|publisher=]|access-date=March 20, 2016|date=November 12, 2009}}</ref> C.K. and his wife Alix Bailey divorced in 2008,<ref name="Us-5Things-2012">{{cite web|title=Louis C.K.: 5 Things You Don't Know|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/louis-ck-5-things-you-dont-know-2012219|work=] Magazine|access-date=January 16, 2014|date=September 21, 2012}}</ref><ref name="GQ-FunnyCK-feature-2011">{{cite web|last=Lovell|first=Joel|title=That's Not Funny, That's C.K.|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201108/louis-ck-interview-gq-august-2011|work=]|access-date=May 24, 2014|date=August 2011}}</ref> with C.K. and Bailey sharing ] of their children.<ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Post-Divorce-2010">{{cite web|last=Gross|first=Terry|title=Comedian Louis C.K.: Finding Laughs Post-Divorce|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=128343426|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=May 23, 2014|type=Transcript|date=July 7, 2010}}</ref> In a 2010 interview, C.K. talked about how, after his divorce, he thought, "well, there goes my act." He alluded to the way that his marriage had been central to his act and his life, and he said that it took him approximately a year to realize "I'm accumulating stories here that are worth telling."<ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Post-Divorce-2010" /> One element in his preparation for stand-up was training at the same ] gym as ] fighter ], trying to "learn how to ... do the grunt work and the boring, constant training so that you'll be fit enough to take the beating."<ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Post-Divorce-2010" /> A clip from an appearance by C.K. on '']'' in October 2008 titled "Everything's Amazing and Nobody is Happy" became a ] hit on ] in 2009, helping his standup career to propel forward.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjNgNDZzH5o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/BjNgNDZzH5o |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Louis C.K. Talks 'Everything's Amazing And Nobody Is Happy' Clip, His Comedy Tour & More |last1=TIME |date=Mar 18, 2009 |via=YouTube }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Louis C.K. was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in July 2011 for ''Louie''.<ref>{{cite web|title=63rd Annual Pimetime Emmy Awards|url=http://www.emmys.tv/awards/63rd-primetime-emmy-awards}}</ref>


On April 18, 2009, C.K. recorded a concert film titled '']''. Unlike his previous specials—which had all been produced for television networks—''Hilarious'' was produced independently, directed by C.K. himself, and sold to ] and ] after it was complete. As a result, it was not released until late 2010. It was published on DVD and CD in 2011.<ref name="Pitchfork-Interview-2011">{{cite web|last=Deusner|first=Stephen M.|title=Interviews: Louis C.K.|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/7926-louis-ck/|work=]|publisher=Pitchfork Media Inc.|access-date=May 25, 2014|date=June 20, 2011}}</ref> It is the first stand-up comedy film accepted into the ].<ref name="AVClub-interview-2010">{{cite web|first=Nathan |last=Rabin |url=https://www.avclub.com/articles/louis-ck,42621/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722204723/http://www.avclub.com/articles/louis-ck,42621/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |title=Louis C.K.|work=] |publisher=Onion, Inc.|location=Chicago, Illinois|date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=August 19, 2010}}</ref> From 2009 to 2012, C.K. played Dave Sanderson, a police officer and ex-boyfriend of ] (played by ]) in the sitcom '']''.<ref>{{cite web|title='Parks and Recreation': Louis C.K. Returns (PHOTOS)|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/06/parks-and-recreation-louis-ck_n_1258380.html|website=]|date=February 6, 2012|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref> He also co-starred in the romantic comedy fantasy film '']'', directed by and starring ], in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|first1=James|last1=Kettle|title=Meet Louis CK: the nicest guy in massively offensive comedy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/mar/19/louis-ck-hilarious-gervais|work=]|location=London, England|date=March 18, 2011|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref>
===Other work===
As a ], C.K. portrayed ]'s estranged father, Andrew Small, in '']'', and appeared numerous times on '']''.


===2011–2016: ''Louie'', ''Horace and Pete'' and film roles ===
C.K. is a frequent guest on the ] radio show, which also features his ''Lucky Louie'' co-star ], and was also a part of ] with other comedians in 2007. He makes frequent appearances on ] on ], and in 2007 hosted a three-hour phone-in show on the service at the request of Opie & Anthony, during which he advised callers on their relationship troubles.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=La0gD5eccJA</ref>
]
] picked up C.K.'s series '']'' in August 2009, which C.K. stars in, writes, directs, and edits.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/arts/television/21arts-NEWCOMEDYSER_BRF.html?_r=0|title=New Comedy Series for Louis C. K.|last1=Itzkoff|first1=Dave|date=August 20, 2009|work=]|access-date=May 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name="hitfix_interview">{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/interview-louie-creator-star-louis-ck-on-season-one-drunken-sarah-palin-tweets-and-more|title=Interview: 'Louie' creator/star Louis CK on season 1, drunken Sarah Palin tweets and more|last=Sepinwall|first=Alan |date=January 24, 2011|publisher=HitFix.com|access-date=March 20, 2016}}</ref> The show features stand-up routines blended with segments partially based on his offstage experiences which address his life as a divorced, aging father.<ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Post-Divorce-2010" /><ref name="Variety-FX-lineup-2009">{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2009/scene/markets-festivals/more-laffs-in-fx-lineup-1118007486/|title=More laffs in FX lineup|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=August 19, 2009|work=]}}</ref> The show premiered on June 29, 2010.<ref name="EW-Louie-renewed-2012">{{cite magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/07/28/fx-renews-louie/|title=FX renews 'Louie'|last=Hibberd|first=James |date=July 28, 2012|magazine=]|access-date=July 28, 2012}}</ref> In season three, episodes dealt respectively with a date with an unstable bookshop clerk (played by ]);<ref name="Vulture-ParkerPosey-2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/07/seitz-how-parker-posey-made-louie-an-even-greater-show.html|title=Seitz: Parker Posey Has Revealed the Even Greater Show Hiding Within Louie|last=Seitz|first=Matt Zoller|date=July 27, 2012|publisher=Vulture.com|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> a doomed attempt to replace a retiring ]; an aborted visit to C.K.'s father; and a dream-reality New Year's Eve episode in which C.K. ends up in China.<ref name="Vulture-RespectMystery-2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/12/seitz-revisits-louies-new-years-eve-episode.html|title=Seitz: On Louie, 'New Year's Eve,' and Respecting the Mystery|last=Seitz|first=Matt Zoller|date=December 31, 2012|publisher=Vulture.com|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> These episodes were ranked in critic Matt Zoller Seitz's favorite 25 comedy episodes of 2012.<ref name="Vulture-FaveComedy-2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/12/best-comedy-episodes-of-2012-matt-zoller-seitz.html|title=Matt Zoller Seitz's Favorite Comedy Episodes of 2012|last=Seitz|first=Matt Zoller|date=December 11, 2012|publisher=Vulture.com|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> Seitz called the episode "New Year's Eve" "truly audacious".<ref name="Vulture-RespectMystery-2012" /><ref name="Vulture-FaveComedy-2012" /> C.K. has been nominated five times for the ] (2011–2015) for his work in '']'', and won two Emmys in 2011{{snd}} for the ''Louie'' episode "Pregnant"<ref name="HuffPo-Emmys-2012">{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/23/louis-ck-best-comedy-writing-emmys-2012_n_1907583.html|title=Louis C.K. Wins Best Comedy Writing at Emmys 2012 For 'Louie'|last=Etkin|first=Jaimie|date=September 23, 2012|work=]|access-date=April 11, 2013}}</ref> and for his special '']''.<ref name="NYT-Joke-2013">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/07/arts/for-louis-c-k-the-jokes-on-him.html?pagewanted=all|title=The Joke's on Louis C.K.|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|date=April 4, 2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 11, 2013}}</ref>


The show was renewed for a fourth season;<ref name="RollingStone-Happy-2014">{{cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/why-cant-louis-be-happy-20140506|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508014350/http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/news/why-cant-louis-be-happy-20140506|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 8, 2014|title=Why Can't Louis Be Happy? Despite all his incredible success, Louis C.K. is only getting darker|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|date=May 6, 2014|newspaper=]|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> with a 19-month hiatus after season 3<ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Hiatus-2014" /> to accommodate C.K.'s roles in ]'s '']'' and ]'s '']'' in 2013.<ref name="GQ-KingComedy-2014">{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/celebrities/201405/louis-ck-cover-story-may-2014|title=The 15 Funniest People Alive: Louis C.K. Is America's Undisputed King of Comedy|last=Corsello|first=Andrew|date=May 2014|work=]|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Variety-ExplainsBreak-2014">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/louie-c-k-explains-the-break-before-louies-fourth-season-1201168077/|title=Louis C.K. Explains the Break Before 'Louie's' Fourth Season|last=Gaffney|first=Adrienne|date=April 30, 2014|work=]|access-date=May 26, 2014}}</ref> During the 2014 ] presentations, FX Networks' ] reported that '']'' would return in spring 2015 for a shortened fifth season of seven episodes—compared to the 13 episodes of prior seasons.<ref name="Hitfix-Season5-2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/fxs-renews-louie-for-a-shortened-season-5|title=FX's renews 'Louie' for a shortened Season 5|last1=Fienberg|first1=Daniel|date=July 21, 2014|website=]|access-date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> The ] premiered in April 2015 and an announcement said the series would take an "extended ]" in August 2015;<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/louis-c-k-taking-extended-hiatus-from-louie-20150808|title=Louis C.K. Taking 'Extended Hiatus' From 'Louie'|last1=Kreps|first1=Daniels |magazine=]|date=August 8, 2015|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref> C.K. stated in January 2016 that he "just doesn't know" whether it would return or not.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/louie-fx-returning-season-6-louis-ck-1201681541/|title=Louis C.K. on the Future of 'Louie': 'I Just Don't Know'|last1=Wagmeister|first1=Elizabeth |website=]|date=January 16, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref> In November 2017, in the wake of the misconduct allegations against C.K, FX cut ties with the embattled comic and filmmaker, ending their partnership.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5019929/louis-ck-louie-fx-sexual-misconduct-masturbation/|title=Why FX Cutting Ties With Louis C.K. Is a Big Deal|magazine=Time|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> In 2018, however, FX CEO ] stated to '']'', "I love ''Louie'' and I love Louis C.K.'s work and I miss him, and I miss it," and that "the network is ready to welcome C.K. back and is eager for ''Louie'' season six".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/08/louie-fx-return-season-6-louis-ck-second-chance-harassment-1201992170/|title=FX Boss Misses Louis C.K. and Would Bring 'Louie' Back, but Season 6 Depends on Society Accepting 'Second Chances'|website=IndieWire|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> In 2011, C.K. joined fellow comedians ], ], and ] for a discussion of comedy in '']'', a one-hour ] that aired on ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/04/23/hbo-talking-funny-special-friday/|title=HBO's 'Talking Funny': Are you having a laugh?|first=Annie|last=Barrett|date=April 23, 2011|magazine=]|access-date=June 8, 2020}}</ref>
During an interview with ] ] on the ] radio show, Louis C.K. famously asked Rumsfeld whether he is in fact a Mexican baby-eating space lizard "who eats the poor."<ref>{{cite web|title=Louis C.K. Asks Donald Rumsfeld: Are You A 'Lizard From Outer Space'?|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/25/louis-ck-donald-rumsfeld_n_828284.html}}</ref> Rumsfeld declined to comment.
]'' gala]]
On December 10, 2011, C.K. released his fourth full-length special, '']''. Like ''Hilarious'', it was produced independently and directed by C.K. However, unlike his earlier work, it was distributed digitally on his website, foregoing both physical and broadcast media. C.K. released the special for $5.00 and without ], hoping that these factors and the direct relationship between the artist and consumer would effectively deter illegal downloading.<ref name="NPR-FreshAir-Louie-Love-Loss-2011">{{cite web|last=Gross|first=Terry|title=Louis C.K. Reflects On 'Louie,' Loss, Love And Life|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/12/13/143581710/louis-c-k-reflects-on-louie-loss-love-and-life|work=]|publisher=]|access-date=May 25, 2014|type=Audio interview|date=December 13, 2011}}</ref> At the end of the special, the release of a new album, recorded at ] the previous year, is mentioned. By December 21, 2011, the sales of the special from C.K.'s website had already earned him over $1 million.<ref name="LouisCK-PayPal-Statement-2011">{{cite web|last=C.K.|first=Louis|title=Another Statement from Louis C.K.|url=https://buy.louisck.net/news/another-statement-from-louis-c-k|work=Louis C.K.|access-date=May 23, 2014|type=blog|date=December 21, 2011|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714210001/https://buy.louisck.net/news/another-statement-from-louis-c-k|url-status=dead}}</ref> C.K. hosted ''Saturday Night Live'' on November 3, 2012, and was subsequently ]-nominated for ].<ref name="Emmys-CKbio" /><ref name="HuffPo-HostSNL-2012">{{cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/21/louis-ck-to-host-snl_n_1995122.html|title=Louis C.K. To Host SNL With Musical Guest Fun November 3|date=October 21, 2012|work=]|access-date=October 29, 2012|first=Carol|last=Hartsell}}</ref> The success of the special prompted other comedians, including ], ], and ], to release their own specials with a similar business model.<ref name="Forbes-RedditAMA-2012">{{cite news|last=Holiday|first=Ryan|author-link=Ryan Holiday|title=Inside the Reddit AMA: The Interview Revolution That Has Everyone Talking |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanholiday/2012/05/01/inside-the-reddit-ama-the-interview-revolution-that-has-everyone-talking/|access-date=May 23, 2014|newspaper=]|date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> On May 11, 2012, C.K. additionally made two audio-only downloads available for $5.00 each: '']'' (and the audio version of his first ] stand-up special, ''Shameless''), as well as an audio-only version of '']''.<ref name="LouisCK-PayPal-Statement-2011" /> C.K.'s fifth one-hour special, '']'', was recorded at the ] in ], and premiered on HBO April 13, 2013.<ref name="Esquire-AmPreacher-2013">{{cite web|last=Marche|first=Stephen|title=Louis C.K. Is Our New American Preacher|url=http://www.esquire.com/blogs/culture/louis-ck-oh-my-god-review|work=]|access-date=May 6, 2013 |date=April 15, 2013}}</ref> It was also sold and distributed using the same model as C.K. used for ''Live at the Beacon Theater''.


In 2013, C.K. appeared in critically acclaimed films the first being ]'s '']'' where he played the romantic interest of ]' character.<ref name=":6">{{cite magazine|last1=Miler|first1=Julie|title=Blue Jasmine's Sally Hawkins on the Mystery of Woody Allen: 'No One Can Work Out Woody'|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/12/sally-hawkins-blue-jasmine-interview|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=December 11, 2013}}</ref> C.K. originally auditioned for the role that went to ], and Allen offered Louie the role that ended up in the film. Of the experience, C.K. stated, “I had this three-day part and I figured I'm a tourist on this movie. All I want is a little Woody moment to take home with me. It was so fun, and we had lunch, and I thought having lunch with him was my rewarding moment. And then after lunch, we shot one more scene and I got a big laugh on the set, and I thought, that's my Woody moment".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2013/07/watch-new-clip-from-blue-jasmine-louis-c-k-talks-potential-movie-with-woody-allen-95580/|title=Watch: New Clip From 'Blue Jasmine,' Louis C.K. Talks Potential Movie With Woody Allen|website=]|date=July 24, 2013|access-date=May 18, 2020}}</ref> Later that year, C.K. starred in ]'s black comedy crime film '']'', which was released in December 2013. C.K. played the role of ] supervisor Stoddard Thorsen, the boss of ]'s character.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Denby|first1=David|title=Grand Scam|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/12/16/grand-scam|magazine=]|access-date=November 6, 2017|date=December 16, 2013}}</ref> The film was a financial and critical hit, earning 10 ] nominations including ]. C.K. earned a ] for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/awards/lupita-nyongo-jared-leto-win-sag-supporting-actor-awards-1201063802/|title= 'American Hustle' Wins SAG Ensemble Cast Award|website= ]|date= January 19, 2014|access-date= May 18, 2020}}</ref>
He is also an occasional guest on the ] radio show which is a popular showcase for comedians and he frequently works with ] on '']'' shorts exclusively for '']'', ranging from politics to surrealism.
], 2013]]
C.K.'s production company, Pig Newton, where he works with producer Blair Breard, signed a contract to develop and executive produce pilots for ] in 2013.<ref name="HReporter-OverallDeal-2013">{{cite news|last1=O'Connell|first1=Michael|title=Louis C.K. Inks Overall Deal at FX Productions|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/louis-ck-inks-deal-at-661502|access-date=August 28, 2014|work=]|date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> In January 2014, an announcement said C.K. would produce and co-write a ]–created comedy pilot for FX Networks.<ref name="HReporter-GalifianakasPilot-2014">{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|title=Zach Galifianakis to Star in FX Comedy From Louis C.K.|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/zach-galifianakis-star-fx-comedy-670757|access-date=May 26, 2014|newspaper=]|date=January 14, 2014}}</ref> The 10-episode single-camera comedy, titled '']'', premiered on January 21, 2016.<ref name="HReporter-Baskets-2014">{{cite news|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|title=FX's Zach Galifianakis, Louis C.K. Clown Comedy 'Baskets' Ordered to Series|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/fxs-zach-galifianakis-louis-ck-728639|access-date=August 28, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 27, 2014}}</ref> It features Galifianakis as the main character, a struggling clown named Chip Baskets in a pilot episode written by Galifianakis, Louis C.K. and ].<ref name="HitFix-Baskets-2014">{{cite news|last1=Fienberg|first1=Daniel|title=Zach Galifianakis makes FX a 'Baskets' case for 2016: Louis C.K. and Jonathan Krisel co-created the comedy with the 'Hangover' star|url=http://www.hitfix.com/the-fien-print/zach-galifianakis-makes-fx-a-baskets-case-for-2016|access-date=August 28, 2014|work=]|date=August 27, 2014}}</ref> C.K. released his sixth one-hour special '']'' to his website in January 2015, which, unlike his past few specials, was recorded at a club, ] in ]. C.K. said he intended the material as an exercise in creating an act that hearkened back to his early days in comedy clubs.<ref name="Vulture-ComedyStore-2015">{{cite news|last1=Zoller Seitz|first1=Matt|title='Louis C.K. Live at the Comedy Store' Is Loose With Flashes of Brilliance|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/01/louis-ck-live-at-the-comedy-store-review.html|access-date=February 16, 2015|publisher=Vulture.com|date=January 30, 2015}}</ref> The special premiered exclusively on ] on May 28, 2015.


He returned to host '']'' on March 29, 2014, and May 16, 2015, and received ] nominations for ] for both episodes.<ref name="Emmys-CK-Bio"/><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Busis|first1=Hillary|title='Saturday Night Live' recap: Louis C.K. does his thing|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2014/03/30/saturday-night-live-recap-louis-ck|magazine=]|access-date=May 26, 2016|date=March 30, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Busis|first1=Hillary|title=Louis C.K. hosts the Saturday Night Live finale this weekend: Talk about it here!|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/05/15/louis-ck-and-rihanna-snl-finale-discuss|magazine=]|access-date=May 26, 2016|date=May 16, 2015}}</ref> C.K. also attended the '']'', where he was chosen to introduce a montage of the pre-recorded sketches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/17/arts/television/the-snl-40th-anniversary-show-very-funny-except-when-it-wasnt.html|title=The 'S.N.L.' 40th-Anniversary Show: Very Funny, Except When It Wasn't|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 16, 2015|access-date=April 5, 2020|last1=Stanley|first1=Alessandra}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6472915/snl-40th-anniversary-show-complete-guest-list-arcade-fire-kanye-west-taylor-swift|title='SNL' 40th Anniversary Show: Complete Guest List With Arcade Fire, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Jack White|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 5, 2020}}</ref> In May 2015, it was announced that C.K. would write, direct, and star in the film ''I'm a Cop'', to be produced by ], ], and Blair Breard, with a budget of $8 million,<ref name="HReporter-ImACop-2015">{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title=Louis C.K. to Direct, Star in Indie Film 'I'm a Cop' (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/louis-ck-direct-star-indie-793211|access-date=June 6, 2015|work=]|date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> although he later canceled the project.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Davs|first1=Edward|title=Louis C.K. Says He's Scrapped His Next Movie & There Will Be No More 'Louie' On FX For Now|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/04/louis-c-k-says-hes-scrapped-his-next-movie-there-will-be-no-more-louie-on-fx-for-now-292596/|website=]|access-date=August 6, 2016|date=April 13, 2016}}</ref> C.K. became the first comedian to sell out ] three times in a single tour in 2015.<ref name="HReporter-NYCCoverStory-2015" /> Audio from the tour was released by C.K. on his website as ''Louis C.K.: Live at Madison Square Garden'' through the ] model.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Russell|first1=Scott|title=Pay What You Want for Louis C.K.'s New Live Album|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/08/pay-what-you-want-for-louis-cks-new-live-album.html|website=]|access-date=July 9, 2016|date=August 11, 2015}}</ref> In November 2015, C.K. co-starred in the biographical drama film '']'' as a composite character based on five different screenwriters who were ] for their alleged ties to the ] during the 1940s.{{Efn|His character, Arlen Hird, is a composite character based on ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="rapold">{{cite news|last1=Rapold|first1=Nicolas|title='Trumbo' Recalls the Hunters and the Hunted of Hollywood|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/08/movies/trumbo-recalls-the-hunters-and-the-hunted-of-hollywood.html|work=]|access-date=December 22, 2015|date=November 4, 2015}}</ref>}}<ref name="BInsider-LouisC.K.Trumbo-2015">{{cite news|last1=Guerrasio|first1=Jason|title=Louis C.K. is completely unrecognizable in this poster for the new Bryan Cranston movie|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trumbo-louis-ck-stars-in-new-bryan-cranston-movie-2015-8?r=US&IR=T|access-date=August 12, 2015|work=]|date=August 11, 2015}}</ref> He executive-produced the pilot for the ] black comedy series '']'', starring Notaro, in November 2015. It was ordered for a full season by Amazon.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wright|first1=Megh|title=Tig Notaro and Louis C.K.'s Pilot 'One Mississippi' Is Now on Amazon|url=http://splitsider.com/2015/11/tig-notaro-and-louis-c-k-s-pilot-one-mississippi-is-now-on-amazon/|website=Splitsider|access-date=January 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427004102/http://splitsider.com/2015/11/tig-notaro-and-louis-c-k-s-pilot-one-mississippi-is-now-on-amazon/|archive-date=April 27, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2016 C.K. and actor/comedian ] were rumoured to create, write, executive produce, and provide the voices for the two main characters in an animated series pilot for FX.<ref name=AlbertBrooksAnimatedSeries>{{cite news|last1=Kit|first1=Borys|title=Louis C.K., Albert Brooks Team for Animated FX Pilot|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/louis-ck-albert-brooks-team-851795|access-date=January 6, 2016|work=]|date=January 4, 2016}}</ref> The following January, the series was announced to instead be premiering on ] in 2018 and titled ''The Cops'', following two ] ]men.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hibberd|first1=James|title=Louis C.K. to star in animated cop comedy|url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/01/14/louis-ck-animated-cop-comedy-tbs/|magazine=]|access-date=January 14, 2017|date=January 14, 2017}}</ref>
C.K. started his own , featuring sketches, short films he made independently in the earlier years of his career, and rejected HBO segments. In 2007, he wrote a controversial sketch presenting the ] as existing "solely for the purpose of boy rape" that attracted the ire of several Christian media organizations (the same groups would later attack ''Lucky Louie'' for being "barbaric").<ref>http://www.catholicleague.org/release.php?id=1156</ref>


On January 30, 2016, he released the first episode of the ] drama series '']'' to his website, without any prior announcements. C.K. directed, wrote, and starred in the series as bar owner Horace, alongside ], who portrays co-owner Pete.<ref>{{cite web|last1=D'Orazio|first1=Dante|title=Louis C.K. surprises fans with new show Horace and Pete, co-starring Steve Buscemi|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/30/10875710/louis-ck-tv-show-horace-and-pete-released|website=]|date=January 30, 2016|access-date=January 30, 2016}}</ref> ''Horace and Pete'' pioneered the genre of 'sadcom'. ] of '']'' said the series "may best be described as a '']'' spec script by ]: a snapshot of a family—and a country—suffering a hangover decades in the making."<ref>{{cite news|first=James |last=Poniewozik|title=Review: Louis C.K.'s 'Horace and Pete,' Mournful and Unshakable|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/31/arts/television/louis-ck-horace-and-pete-episode-1-review.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 16, 2016|date=January 30, 2016|author1-link=James Poniewozik}}</ref> The self-financed series received a significantly positive reaction from critics, who largely focused on the performances of the veteran cast that includes C.K., Buscemi, ], ], ], and ] and C.K.'s writing.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Heritage|first1=Stuart|title=Want to help Louis CK out of debt? Four great reasons to watch Horace and Pete|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/apr/13/louis-ck-is-in-millions-of-dollars-of-debt-horace-and-pete|website=]|access-date=June 16, 2016|date=April 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Horace and Pete: Season 1 (2016)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/horace-and-pete/s01/|publisher=]|access-date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> C.K. has expressed his interest in a second season.<ref>{{cite web|last1=D'Alessandro|first1=Anthony|title=Louis C.K. On Potential 'Horace And Pete' Season 2: "I Have Ideas On How To Continue The Series"|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/louis-c-k-horace-and-pete-season-2-1201773539/|website=]|access-date=June 16, 2016|date=June 16, 2016}}</ref>
==Personal life==
], ], ], Louis C.K., and ] at the ] in 2017]]
He was married to artist and painter Alix Bailey; they divorced in 2008. He has two daughters from the marriage<ref>{{cite news|last = Singer|first = Matthew|title = Louis CK talks America off the ledge—then kicks it in the balls.
C.K. next voiced the lead, Max, a ], in the animated comedy film '']''. The film was co-directed by ] of the '']'' series, and was released on July 8, 2016.<ref name="mikeflemingjr">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/01/chris-meledandris-illumination-sets-louis-c-k-eric-stonestreet-and-kevin-hart-for-3d-animated-pets-pic-at-universal-670775/|title=Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet & Kevin Hart To Voice Animated 'Pets' Movie |first=Mike Jr.|last=Fleming|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 24, 2014 |access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Patrick|title=Louis C.K. is unleashed in animated 'Secret Life of Pets'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2016/07/07/secret-life-of-pets-louis-ck-eric-stonestreet-kevin-hart/86483860/|website=]|access-date=July 8, 2016|date=July 7, 2016}}</ref> It grossed over $875 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|title=''The Secret Life of Pets'' (2016)|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=illumination2015.htm|publisher=]|access-date=July 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=D'Alessandro|first1=Anthony|title='The Secret Life Of Pets 2' Will Be Unleashed A Month Earlier|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/the-secret-life-of-pets-2-runs-to-june-2019-release-1202149417/|website=]|access-date=October 24, 2017|date=August 15, 2017|archive-date=October 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001213707/http://deadline.com/2017/08/the-secret-life-of-pets-2-runs-to-june-2019-release-1202149417/|url-status=dead}}</ref> C.K. developed the series '']'' with its star ], who had appeared on ''Louie''. C.K. co-wrote, co-produced, and directed the pilot.<ref name="HReporter-NYCCoverStory-2015" /> The show is about a single working actress mother and her struggles to raise three daughters.<ref name="NYTimes-AdlonTVShow-2015">{{cite news|last1=Chow|first1=Andrew|title=FX Picks Up a Pilot From Louis CK and Pamela Adlon|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/19/fx-picks-up-a-pilot-from-louis-ck-and-pamela-adlon/|access-date=April 22, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=January 19, 2015}}</ref> It premiered in September 2016 on FX.<ref>{{cite web|last1=D'Allesssandro|first1=Anthony|title=Louis C.K.-Pamela Adlon FX Comedy Series 'Better Things' Sets Fall Premiere Date|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/louis-c-k-better-things-pamela-adlon-horace-and-pete-fx-1201773843/|website=]|access-date=August 8, 2016|date=June 16, 2016}}</ref> His stand-up special ''2017'' was filmed in Washington, D.C., and released on April 4, 2017, through the streaming service ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Schwindt|first1=Oriana|title=Louis C.K. Inks Deal With Netflix for Two Stand-Up Specials|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/louis-ck-netflix-new-specials-stand-up-1201993716/|website=]|access-date=February 22, 2017|date=February 22, 2017}}</ref> ]'s stand-up special, ''Whatever Threatens You'', directed and produced by C.K., was released through his website in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Logan|first1=Brian|title=An American original: comic Barry Crimmins is as radical as ever|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/dec/16/barry-crimmins-us-politics-comedian-louis-ck|website=]|access-date=November 7, 2017|date=December 16, 2016}}</ref> On April 8, 2017, he hosted ''Saturday Night Live'' for a fourth time,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Czajkowski|first1=Elise|title=Saturday Night Live: Louis CK in top form with redeeming monologue|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/apr/09/saturday-night-live-louis-ck-monologue-pepsi-ad|website=]|access-date=April 10, 2017|date=April 9, 2017}}</ref> where he received strong reviews for his opening monologue in which he tackled ], and bits about a racist chicken, and talking animals. A critic from '']'' wrote " no one's better at taking a joke to the edge and tiptoeing nimbly along it".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/louis-ck-returns-for-a-refreshingly-odd-saturday-night-1798190967|title=Louis CK returns for a refreshingly odd Saturday Night Live|website=] |date=April 9, 2017 |access-date= April 5, 2020}}</ref> C.K. also honored fellow comedian ] who died that week, saying during the goodnights portion stating, "I just want to say, Don Rickles was the funniest man in the world and he was also a lovely, beautiful guy. I'll miss him for the rest of my life".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/09/arts/television/snl-louis-ck-and-alec-baldwin-trump.html|title=On 'S.N.L.,' Alec Baldwin Is Trump, Bill O'Reilly and Trump (Again)|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 9, 2017|access-date=April 5, 2020|last1=Itzkoff|first1=Dave}}</ref>
|work= ] Online|url = http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-5945-louis_ck_talks_america_off_the_ledgemdashthen_kicks_it_in_the_balls.html|date = November 17, 2008|accessdate = January 1, 2009}}</ref> and shares ] of them with Bailey.<ref name="FA01">, transcript, Louis C.K. interview with ] on ], July 7, 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-07.</ref>


C.K. directed the film '']'' in secret, shooting entirely on black and white ] in June 2017.<ref name="ilyd">{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/article/louie-ck-announces-surprise-new-film-i-love-you-da-259480 |title=Louis CK Announces Surprise New Film, ''I Love You, Daddy'' |date=August 15, 2017 |last=Rife |first=Katie |website=]}}</ref> The film follows a television producer and writer played by C.K. called Glen Topher whose teenage daughter, played by ], is seduced by a much older film director (]), causing Topher to become disconcerted. The film also features ], Adlon, ], ] and ].<ref name="BradshawReview">{{cite web|last1=Bradshaw|first1=Peter|title=I Love You, Daddy review – Louis CK's brazen comedy is a screwball success|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/09/i-love-you-daddy-review-louis-ck-toronto-film-festival-tiff|website=]|access-date=September 10, 2017|date=September 10, 2017}}</ref> It premiered at the ] in September,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Zeitchick|first1=Steven|title=Stealth Louis C.K. movie to make world premiere at Toronto Film Festival|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-louis-ck-new-movie-toronto-20170815-story.html|website=]|access-date=August 15, 2017|date=August 15, 2017}}</ref> whereupon '']'' film critic ] gave the film a four-star review, calling it a "very funny and recklessly provocative homage to Woody Allen, channeling his masterpiece '']''."<ref name="BradshawReview" />
==Discography==
* ''Live In Houston'' (2001) (CD)
* '']'' (2005) (DVD)
* ''Shameless'' (2007) (DVD)
* '']'' (2008) (CD/DVD)
* '']'' (2011) (CD/DVD)


===2017: Misconduct revelations and fallout ===
==Filmography==
<!-- Louie (American TV series) links to this section -->
{| class="wikitable"
In 2015, rumors about C.K.'s behavior towards women in his professional life began to appear on various websites, from high profile names such as ], ], and ].<ref name='DBroseanne'>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/roseanne-barr-calls-out-louis-ck-ive-heard-so-many-stories|title=Roseanne Barr Calls Out Louis C.K.: 'I've Heard So Many Stories'|website=]|first=Jen|last=Yamato|access-date=January 4, 2019|date=June 30, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Redden" /> Two years later, in a September 2017 '']'' interview, comedian Notaro cut ties with C.K., a one-time collaborator and producer on her show '']'', saying that he should address the rumors of sexual impropriety, and alluding to an unspecified "incident" between herself and C.K.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|first=Yohana |last=Desta |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/08/tig-notaro-louis-ck-one-mississippi |title=Tig Notaro Distances Herself from Louis C.K., Says He Should 'Handle' Sexual Misconduct Rumors|work=] |date=August 23, 2017 |access-date=November 10, 2017}}</ref> As he had in the past, C.K. denied the allegations in a September 2017 '']'' interview, saying: "They're rumors, that's all that is{{nbsp}}... I don't think talking about that stuff in the press{{nbsp}}... is a good idea."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/11/movies/louis-ck-rumors-wont-answer.html|title=Asking Questions Louis C.K. Doesn't Want to Answer|last=Buckley|first=Cara|date=September 11, 2017|work=]|access-date=January 5, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On November 9, 2017, ], distributor of C.K.'s upcoming film '']'', canceled the New York premiere of the film due to "unexpected circumstances".<ref name="THR Premiere Canceled">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/louis-cks-movie-premiere-canceled-advance-ny-times-story-1056585|title=Louis C.K.'s Movie Premiere Canceled in Advance of N.Y. Times Story|last1=Schaffstall|first1=Katherine|date=November 9, 2017|website=]|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref>

Later that day, the '']'' published allegations of sexual misconduct from five women against C.K.<ref name="NYTimes Misconduct">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/arts/television/louis-ck-sexual-misconduct.html|title=Louis C.K. Crossed a Line Into Sexual Misconduct, 5 Women Say|last1=Ryzik|first1=Melena|last2=Buckley|first2=Cara|date=November 9, 2017|website=The New York Times|access-date=November 9, 2017|last3=Kantor|first3=Jodi}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Framke |first1=Caroline |title=The sexual harassment allegations against Louis C.K., explained |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/11/9/16629400/louis-ck-allegations-masturbation |website=Vox |access-date=5 May 2021 |date=10 November 2017}}</ref> The women who spoke out in the article included comedy duo Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov, who claimed that C.K. had invited them to his hotel room in 2002 during the ] where he masturbated in front of them. They relayed the incident to ] founder ]. The comedian ] stated that when they were on the set of a television pilot in 2005, C.K. offered to masturbate in front of her and she declined. Corry reported the incident and no action was taken.<ref name="NYTimes Misconduct" /> Comedian Abby Schachner alleged that C.K. masturbated while they were on the phone describing the conduct as "unprofessional and inappropriate".<ref name="NYTimes Misconduct" /> Both Corry and Schachner stated that C.K. privately apologized for his past behavior several years later.<ref name="NYTimes Misconduct"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecut.com/2018/08/what-about-the-careers-of-louis-ck-victims.html|title=What Happened to the Women Louis C.K. Harassed?|work=The Cut|last=Aggeler|first=Madeleine|date=August 30, 2018|accessdate=April 4, 2022}}</ref>

In response to ''The New York Times'' reporting, C.K. released a statement apologizing and admitting guilt, writing, "These stories are true" and saying that while he initially thought "it was okay because I never showed a woman my dick without asking first", he went on to express remorse, stating, "the power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly."<ref name="Redden">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/nov/09/louis-ck-accused-by-five-women-of-sexual-misconduct-in-new-report|title=Louis CK accused by five women of sexual misconduct in new report|last1=Redden|first1=Molly|date=November 9, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref> He stated: "I have spent my long and lucky career talking and saying anything I want. I will now step back and take a long time to listen."<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/11/10/louis-c-k-these-stories-are-true/|title=Louis C.K. responds to sexual misconduct allegations: 'These stories are true'|last=Elahe|first=Izadi|date=November 10, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=November 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-41950043|title=Louis CK admits sexual misconduct allegations are true|publisher=BBC|date=November 10, 2017|accessdate=April 4, 2022}}</ref>

In the wake of the scandal, C.K. suffered severe repercussions, stating in 2018 that the fallout had taken him through "hell and back" and cost him approximately $35 million in lost income.<ref name="seinfeld_indiewire" /> The release and distribution of his film ''I Love You, Daddy'' was cancelled,<ref name="ILYD Release">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/the-orchard-no-longer-moving-forward-with-release-of-louis-c-k-s-i-love-you-daddy-1202205610/|title=The Orchard No Longer Moving Forward With Release Of Louis C.K.'s 'I Love You, Daddy'|last1=D'Alessandro|first1=Anthony|date=November 10, 2017|website=]|access-date=November 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-louis-ck-fx-hbo-charlie-day-allegations-1510276569-htmlstory.html|title='I Love You, Daddy' stars drop out of film promotion after Louis C.K. allegations; FX, HBO weigh in|last1=Yamato|first1=Jen|date=November 9, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=November 10, 2017}}</ref> and ] and ] cut ties with C.K.<ref name="netflix">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2017/11/10/louis-ck-i-love-you-daddy-release-canceled-amid-sexual-misconduct-scandal/851769001/|title=Louis C.K. scandal: 'Pets 2,' FX cut ties with comedian over sexual misconduct|work=]|first1=Maeve|last1=McDermott|first2=Jayme|last2=Deerwester|date=November 12, 2017|access-date=January 4, 2019}}</ref> ] dropped C.K.'s appearance on an upcoming '']'' television special and removed his content from their on-demand services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/louis-c-k-dropped-a-night-of-too-many-stars-special-sexual-harassment-scandal-1202205375/|title=Louis C.K. Dropped From HBO's 'A Night Of Too Many Stars' Special, On-Demand Offerings|last1=Hipes|first1=Patrick|date=November 9, 2017|website=]|access-date=November 10, 2017}}</ref> C.K.'s manager Dave Becky, who was under fire for allegedly making threatening statements, dropped C.K. as a client.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Desta |first1=Yohana |title=Louis C.K.'s Former Manager Dave Becky Apologizes for "Perceived Cover-Up" |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/11/louis-ck-dave-becky-apology-cover-up |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/11/louis-ck-dave-becky-apology-cover-up|title=Louis C.K.'s Former Manager Dave Becky Apologizes for "Perceived Cover-Up"|last=Desta|first=Yohana|work=HWD|access-date=December 27, 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/louis-ck-former-manager-dave-becky-sexual-misconduct-scandal-what-i-did-was-wrong-1202207195/|title=Ex Louis C.K. Manager Dave Becky On Scandal: 'What I Did Was Wrong'|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=November 13, 2017|website=]|access-date=December 27, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Holloway |first1=Daniel |title=Pamela Adlon Fires 3 Arts' Dave Becky Following Louis C.K. Harassment Claims |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/pamela-adlon-louis-ck-dave-becky-1202614115/ |magazine=]|date=14 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Megh |title=John Mulaney on Hosting SNL, Broadway Musicals, and Becoming a Meme |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/03/interview-john-mulaney-on-snl-broadway-dave-becky.html |work=]|date=11 March 2019 |language=en-us}}</ref> TBS suspended production of, and eventually scrapped, its animated series ''The Cops,'' co-created with ].<ref name="The Cops Suspended">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/louis-ck-tbs-suspends-production-animated-cop-comedy-series-albert-brooks-1202205246/|title=TBS Suspends Production On Louis C.K. Animated Comedy Series 'The Cops'|last1=Petski|first1=Denise|last2=Andreeva|first2=Nellie|date=November 10, 2017|website=]|access-date=November 15, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/tv/tbs-scraps-louis-c-k-s-animated-series-cops-155883.html|title=TBS Scraps Louis C.K.'s Animated Series 'The Cops'|website=Cartoon Brew|last1=Amidi|first1=Amid|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/louis-ck-animated-comedy-cops-scrapped-at-tbs-latest-harassment-fallout-1059564|title=Louis C.K. Animated Comedy 'The Cops' Scrapped at TBS in Latest Harassment Fallout|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 10, 2018}}</ref> His voice was either replaced or removed from projects such as ]'s '']'' and ]'s '']''.<ref name="SLoP Sequel">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/louis-ck-secret-life-of-pets-2-1202612432/|title=Louis C.K. Dropped From 'Secret Life of Pets 2' by Universal, Illumination|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=November 11, 2017|magazine=]|access-date=November 12, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-redubs-louis-cks-gravity-falls-character-sexual-misconduct-admission-1070056|title=Disney Redubs Louis C.K.'s 'Gravity Falls' Character After Sexual Misconduct Admission|last1=Shanely|first1=Patrick|date=December 21, 2017|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223000950/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-redubs-louis-cks-gravity-falls-character-sexual-misconduct-admission-1070056|archive-date=December 23, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=December 21, 2017}}</ref>

=== 2018–present: Return to stand-up comedy ===
] in August 2018]]
On August 26, 2018, C.K. made an unannounced appearance at the ] in ], New York. It was reported that he received an ovation from the audience and performed a typical set, making no reference to the sexual controversy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/louis-c-k-returns-to-the-stage-after-admitting-to-sexual-misconduct/ |title=Louis C.K. returns to the stage for first time since admitting sexual misconduct |date=August 28, 2018 |website=CBS News |access-date=August 29, 2018}}</ref><ref name="bbcreturn" /> His return to stand-up comedy was criticized by comedians, including ], ], ], and ] as being premature,<ref name="bbcreturn">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-45330560|title=Fellow comedians hit out at Louis CK's stand-up return|first=Patrick|last=Evans|work=BBC News|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/28/arts/louis-ck-comeback-reaction.html|work=The New York Times|title=Louis C.K.'s Return to the Stage Incites a Range of Emotions|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=August 30, 2018}}</ref> whereas ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] supported C.K.'s right to continue standup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo4msuz5GgU&t=3s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/mo4msuz5GgU |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Comedians Defend Louis C.K. |publisher=YouTube |date=March 20, 2018 |access-date=December 27, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Joe |last=Price|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2018/08/marlon-wayans-comedian-defend-louis-ck-return |title=Marlon Wayans Is the Latest Comedian to Defend Louis C.K.'s Return |publisher=Complex |date=August 29, 2018 |access-date=December 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/snls-michael-che-defends-louis-ck-he-has-the-right-to-speak-and-make-a-living|title=SNL's Michael Che defends Louis C.K.: he has the "right to speak and make a living"|first=Matt|last=Wilstein|newspaper=The Daily Beast|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref><ref name="gaffigan">{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/jim-gaffigan-uncensored-on-louis-cks-comeback-ruling-sundance-and-popping-amazons-comedy-cherry|title=Jim Gaffigan Uncensored: On Louis C.K.'s 'comeback', ruling Sundance and popping Amazon's comedy cherry|first=Marlow|last=Stern|newspaper=The Daily Beast|date=March 1, 2019|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2019/biz/news/janeane-garofalo-defends-louis-c-k-sexual-misconduct-comedy-1203105862/|title=Janeane Garofalo defends Louis C.K.: 'He has paid heavily'|first=Rachel|last=Yang|magazine=]|date=January 11, 2019|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sarah-silverman-defends-louis-ck-sexual-misconduct_us_5bce1592e4b0a8f17eef3af7|title=Sarah Silverman defends Louis C.K.: 'I believe he has remorse'|first=Marina|last=Fang|work=The Huffington Post|date=October 22, 2018|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/female-comics-kevin-hart-louis-ck-comedy-age-trump-1201578|title=Female Comics Sound Off on Kevin Hart, Louis C.K. and Comedy in the Age of Trump|website=]|date=April 12, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2020}}</ref> Comedian ] also supported C.K.'s return to standup but opined that the public may have felt that C.K. had not owned up to his actions enough, saying in October 2018, "We know the routine: The person does something wrong. The person's humiliated. They're exiled. They suffer, we want them to suffer. We love the tumble, we love the crash and bang of the fall. And then we love the crawl-back. The grovel. Are you going to grovel? How long are you going to grovel?" Seinfeld added, "We, the court of public opinion, decided if he's going to come back, he'd better show a lot of pain. Because he denied (the public) that."<ref name="seinfeld_indiewire">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/10/jerry-seinfeld-louis-ck-comeback-interview-1202015667/|title=Jerry Seinfeld weighs in on Louis C.K.'s comedy comeback|first=Zack|last=Sharf|work=IndieWire|date=October 26, 2018|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref> ] and ] who starred in C.K.'s '']'' expressed their hope that he would receive a second chance.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nate|last=Jones |url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/03/edie-falco-interview.html |title=Edie Falco Interview |publisher=Vulture.com|date=March 30, 2018 |access-date=December 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Zack|last=Sharf |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2018/03/edie-falco-louis-ck-second-chance-sexual-misconduct-1201945400/ |title=Edie Falco Hopes Louis C.K. Gets A Second Chance |publisher=IndieWire |date=March 30, 2018 |access-date=December 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.vulture.com/2019/01/alan-alda-woody-allen-movies-louis-ck.html|title= Alan Alda Talks Woody Allen Movies and Louis C.K.|website= Vulture|date= January 25, 2019|accessdate= September 11, 2023}}</ref>

On December 31, 2018, an audience member secretly recorded C.K. working out new material and posted it online, which drew media controversy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/12/louis-ck-leaked-standup-comedy-audio-parkland-nonbinary.html|title=Louis C.K. Mocks Parkland Kids, Nonbinary People in Leaked Stand-up Set|work=]|last=Wright|first=Megh|date=31 December 2018|accessdate=4 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/31/entertainment/louis-ck-parkland-audio-trnd/index.html|title=Comedian Louis C.K. mocks Parkland shooting survivors in leaked audio|first=Doug|last=Criss|publisher=CNN|date=December 31, 2018|access-date=December 31, 2018}}</ref> Included in his set were jokes about school shootings, which drew condemnation from ] and a divided reaction from fellow comedians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://waaf.radio.com/blogs/anthony-capobianco/louis-ck-jokes-about-parkland-school-shooting-non-binary-people-leaked-set|title=Listen To The Leaked Louis C.K. Set That Has People In an Uproar|first=Anthony|last=Capobianco|publisher=WAAF|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2018|archive-date=January 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106104523/https://waaf.radio.com/blogs/anthony-capobianco/louis-ck-jokes-about-parkland-school-shooting-non-binary-people-leaked-set|url-status=dead}}</ref> ] defended C.K.'s jokes, saying " got nothing against those kids. It was him pretending to be angry for comedy."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/1/4/21048179/ricky-gervais-offensive-comedy-transphobic-caitlyn-jenner-jokes-cancel-culture |title=Ricky Gervais is hosting the Golden Globes. Expect controversy. |publisher=Vox |date=January 4, 2020 |access-date=January 19, 2020}}</ref> In October 2019, C.K. announced in an email to subscribers of his website an international tour of his new material.<ref>{{cite web |last=Furdyk |first=Brent |url=https://etcanada.com/news/530754/louis-c-k-reveals-plans-for-comeback-tour-2-years-after-metoo-scandal/ |title=Louis C.K. Reveals Plans For Comeback Tour 2 Years After #MeToo Scandal |publisher=ETCanada.com |date=October 27, 2019 |access-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225215427/https://etcanada.com/news/530754/louis-c-k-reveals-plans-for-comeback-tour-2-years-after-metoo-scandal/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Gary|last= Trock |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/louis-ck-dropped-holocaust-joke-223123752.html |title=Louis CK Dropped a Holocaust Joke in Israel and the Crowd Went Wild |publisher=Yahoo.com |date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=December 25, 2019}}</ref><ref name="nytimes1">{{cite news|first=Maya|last=Salam |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/02/arts/louis-ck-tour-rules.html |title=Louis C.K., Back on Tour, Looks to Accelerate His Comeback|work=The New York Times|date=August 29, 2018 |access-date=December 25, 2019}}</ref> Following the leak of his new material in December 2018, his future shows would require audience members to lock cell phones and other devices in ] pouches, which has become the norm, with comedians ], ], and ] using them as well.<ref name="nytimes1" /> Canadian comedian ], owner of Canadian comedy club chain ], defended his decision to book C.K. again in ], citing sold out tickets for five shows<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/louis-ck-toronto-show-1.5304701 |title=Unapologetic Louis C.K. hits the stage in Toronto for first of 5 sold-out nights |first=Deana |last=Sumanac-Johnson |agency=CBC News |date=October 3, 2019 |access-date=August 23, 2021 }}</ref> and a lack of controversy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cjnews.com/culture/entertainment/breslin-why-i-brought-louis-c-k-back-from-the-dead|title=Breslin: Why I brought Louis C.K. back from the dead|first=Mark|last=Breslin|date=November 8, 2019}}</ref>

In January 2020, C.K. performed an unannounced set, receiving a standing ovation for the eighth annual benefit show for late comedian ], a yearly benefit of which comedian ] is the organizer.<ref>{{cite news|author=Barbie Latza NadeauCorrespondent-At-Large |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/louis-ck-receives-standing-ovation-at-surprise-gig-in-new-york-city |title=Louis C.K. Receives Standing Ovation at Surprise Gig in New York City |newspaper=The Daily Beast |publisher=Thedailybeast.com |date=2020-01-29 |access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref> Beginning in March 2020, most of C.K.'s shows were canceled due to the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-04-04/louis-ck-new-comedy-special|title=Louis C.K. has dropped a new comedy special. Here's what you need to know|date=April 4, 2020|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> On April 4, 2020, C.K. self-released a new stand-up special entitled '']'' through his website without advance notice.<ref name="Sincerely Louis CK">{{cite web|url=https://louisck.com/products/sincerely-louis-ck|title=Sincerely Louis CK|website=louisck.net|access-date=April 4, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404175219/https://louisck.com/products/sincerely-louis-ck|url-status=dead}}</ref> The special drew a divided response from audiences, including fellow comedian ], who said, "I laughed at a lot of it. But it's hard to not think of what he has done, what he has and hasn't learned, but I definitely laughed."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/25/arts/television/amy-schumer.html|title=Amy Schumer Misses Stand-Up. ('I Should Have Said My Dad, but That's Not the Truth.')|newspaper=]|date=May 25, 2020|access-date=August 10, 2020|last1=Zinoman|first1=Jason}}</ref>

In July 2020, C.K. released an audio series of conversations between himself and then-girlfriend ] titled ''Long Distance Relationship''.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://theinterrobang.com/louis-ck-announces-and-releases-conversations-with-his-girlfriend/|title=Louis CK Announces and Releases Conversations With His Girlfriend|first=Interrobang|last=Staff|date=July 2, 2020}}</ref> Proceeds would go toward the ] and French charity Fondation Abbé Pierre.<ref name="auto"/> On August 4, 2020, C.K. was invited by his longtime friend ] to join him in an installment of his standup series "An Intimate Socially Distanced Affair" at the Wirrig Pavilion in ], during the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/08/louis-c-k-dave-chappelle-socially-distant-standup-show/|title=Louis C.K. Joins Dave Chappelle for Socially-Distant Standup Show|website=Consequence of Sound|date=August 8, 2020|access-date=August 8, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/rambling-reporter/louis-ck-makes-surprise-appearance-at-dave-chappelles-summer-camp-comedy-show-1306532|title=Louis C.K. Makes "Surprise Appearance" at Dave Chappelle's Summer Camp Comedy Show|website=]|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=August 8, 2020}}</ref> Photos emerged from the event of C.K. with Chappelle, ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/dave-chappelle-apparently-brought-louis-ck-to-his-socia-1844666876|title=Dave Chappelle apparently brought Louis CK to his socially distant comedy shows in Ohio|website=A.V. Club|date=August 9, 2020|access-date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> In October 2020, C.K. appeared in a docu-series titled '']'' about the Los Angeles comedy club of the same name, directed by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2020/10/comedy-store-review-showtime-1234590089/|title='The Comedy Store' Review: Showtime's Doc Squanders a Great Premise on Too Few Punchlines|first1=Leonardo Adrian|last1=Garcia|date=October 2, 2020}}</ref> In May 2021, following the easing of restrictions in New York City due to the ], C.K. made an unannounced stop at the Village Underground.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/04/29/jab-jokes-and-legal-weed-the-new-rules-of-indoor-stand-up-comedy/|title=Jab jokes and legal weed: The new rules of indoor stand-up comedy|first1=Tim|last1=Donnelly|first2=Ryan|last2=Devir|date=April 29, 2021}}</ref> He then announced upcoming tour-dates for summer 2021 in ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/louis-c-k-returns-to-minneapolis-this-month/600076189/|title=Louis C.K. returns to Minneapolis this month|website=Star Tribune|date=July 8, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/louis-ck-doing-five-shows-at-atlanta-comedy-theater-june-3-5/SHQL42RWE5BH5AQKTCPDZEZA24/|title=Louis C.K. doing five shows at Atlanta Comedy Theater June 3–5|first1=Rodney|last1=Ho|first2=The Atlanta|last2=Journal-Constitution|website=ajc}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/2021/05/27/louis-c-k-returning-nashville-four-sold-out-shows-zanies/7469357002/|title=Louis C.K. returning to Nashville for four sold-out shows at Zanies|first=Dave|last=Paulson|website=The Tennessean}}</ref>

In August 2021, C.K. announced a tour of the United States in the year 2021 and international dates for the year 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/louis-ck-stand-up-comedy-tour-1235034739/|title=Louis C.K. Makes Return to Stand-Up With Nationwide Tour Starting Next Week|first1=Jordan|last1=Moreau|date=August 4, 2021}}</ref> American dates include two nights at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/2021/07/14/disgraced-comedian-louis-c-k-playing-madisons-comedy-state-selling-out-shows-and-drawing-backlash/7961927002/|title=Disgraced comedian Louis C.K. is playing Madison's Comedy on State, selling out shows and drawing backlash|first=Piet|last=Levy|website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel}}</ref> The tour rescheduled dates canceled due to COVID-19, acknowledging the ongoing pandemic and safety concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/louis-ck-announces-comeback-tour-following-sexual-misconduct-claims/|title=Louis C.K. announces comeback tour following sexual misconduct claims|first=Abrar|last=Al-Heeti|publisher=CNET}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/louis-ck-announces-24-city-202626565.html|title=Louis CK Announces 24-City Comeback Comedy Tour Starting This Month|website=ca.movies.yahoo.com|date=August 4, 2021}}</ref> On '']'' in November 2021, comedian ] revealed that C.K. had filmed a new special at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/louis-c-k-/louis-ck-new-special/|title=Louis C.K.'s New Special Is Amazing, Say Louis C.K.'s Friends|first=Seth|last=Simons|date=November 19, 2021|website=pastemagazine.com|access-date=December 7, 2021|archive-date=December 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207071751/https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/louis-c-k-/louis-ck-new-special/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 18 December 2021 C.K. announced the release of a new stand-up comedy special, titled '']''. The special was released for sale through his website, similar to other releases he has done in the past. He also offered a bundling of previous specials for a larger fee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/tv/louis-ck-sorry-standup-special/|title=Louis C.K. Is Selling His New Stand-Up Special 'SORRY' Online|date=December 18, 2021}}</ref> In April 2022, C.K. won the ] for his special ''Sincerely, Louis C.K.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/nov/23/dave-chappelle-louis-ck-grammy-nominations|title=Grammy awards: controversial comedians Dave Chappelle and Louis CK receive nominations|date=November 24, 2021|website=the Guardian}}</ref>
]'' in 2022|upright=0.75]]
In April and May 2022, C.K. appeared as a guest in a series of episodes of ''Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast'', a podcast hosted by comedians Shane Gillis and Matt McCusker. The series is a four-part, six hour long discussion on the stories of each U.S. president in order.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast: Ep 393 – The Presidents (feat. Louis C.K.) on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-393-the-presidents-feat-louis-c-k/id1177068388?i=1000558853298 |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-US}}</ref> June 2022 saw the premiere of C.K.'s film '']'', which he produced, directed, and co-wrote with fellow comedian ]. The film is a comedy drama that stars List as a recovering alcoholic jazz musician who confronts his emotionally abusive family.<ref name="premieres indie drama">{{cite web |title=Louis C.K. Premieres Indie Drama 'Fourth of July' In New York |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/louis-c-k-premieres-indie-drama-fourth-of-july-in-new-york-1235174670/ |work=Hollywood Reporter |first=Kyra |last=Alessandrini |date=July 1, 2022}}</ref> To promote the film, rather than using traditional talk shows, C.K. appeared on a number of well-known ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Domenech |first=Ben |url=https://spectatorworld.com/book-and-art/louis-ck-comeback-fourth-july/ |title=Louis's comebaC.K. |publisher=The Spectator World |date=2022-08-05 |accessdate=2022-08-26}}</ref> such as '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barstoolsports.com/blog/3429398/louis-ck-gives-joe-rogan-the-best-explanation-of-comedy-and-twitter-youll-hear-all-year |title=Louis CK Gives Joe Rogan the Best Explanation of Comedy and Twitter You'll Hear All Year |publisher=Barstool Sports |date=2022-08-19 |accessdate=2022-08-26}}</ref> '']'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=670 - Louis C.K. - Your Mom's House with Christina P and Tom Segura |url=https://your-moms-house-with-christina-p-and-tom-segura.simplecast.com/episodes/670-louis-ck-your-moms-house-with-christina-p-and-tom-segura-bFy2ojGi |access-date=2023-09-16 |website=your-moms-house-with-christina-p-and-tom-segura.simplecast.com}}</ref> '']'', '']'', '']'', and ''Are You Garbage?''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://spectatorworld.com/book-and-art/louis-ck-comeback-fourth-july/ |title=Louis's comebaC.K. |date=August 5, 2022}}</ref>

On January 28, 2023, C.K. performed at a sold-out performance at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msg.com/calendar/madison-square-garden-january-2023-louis-c-k#about-the-event|title=Louis C.K.|publisher=]|date=January 28, 2023|accessdate=February 1, 2023}}</ref> The event was live recorded and aired on his website as the special, ''Louis C.K.: Back to the Garden''.

==Influences==
C.K. has named many comedians whom he admired or who influenced his work, including ],<ref name="NYPost-HotSeat-2007"/> ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/jul/28/louie-louis-ck-uk-tv|title=Why isn't Louie on UK TV?|first=Gwilym|last=Mumford|newspaper=The Guardian|date=July 28, 2012|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/pictures/the-curb-effect-how-larry-david-changed-comedy-forever-20110720/louis-ck-0184143|title=How Larry David Changed Comedy Forever|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=December 27, 2017}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2011/12/13/143581710/louis-c-k-reflects-on-louie-loss-love-and-life|title=Louis C.K. reflects on 'Louie', love, loss and life|publisher=NPR|date=December 13, 2011|access-date=March 20, 2019}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Robin Williams' enduring influence on comedians |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/08/12/robin-williams-influence-on-comedians-louis-ck-jimmy-fallon/13950161/|first=Patrick|last=Ryan|newspaper=]|access-date=June 25, 2017|date=August 12, 2014}}</ref> ],<ref name="Copley-Knutzen-2007"/> ]<ref>{{cite news|title=Richard Pryor created Chris Rock and LouisC.K.|url=http://www.salon.com/2014/12/19/richard_pryor_created_chris_rock_and_louis_c_k/first=David|last=Henry|work=]|access-date=June 25, 2017|date=December 19, 2014}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/louis-cks-idol-worship-comic-talks-woody-allen-and-bill-cosby/ |title=Louis C.K.'s idol worship: Comic talks Woody Allen and Bill Cosby |publisher=CBS News |date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Influences">{{cite magazine|title=Black And Blue|first=Emily|last=Nussbaum|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/07/09/black-and-blue-3|magazine=]|access-date=June 25, 2017|date=July 9, 2012}}</ref>

== Ticketing innovation ==
C.K. innovated ] distribution in 2001 when he released his debut comedy album, '']'', directly through his website. He became one of the first performers to use his website to offer direct-to-fan ticket sales for his shows, as well as ]-free video concert downloads.<ref name="Slate-Hulu-CharlieRose-2014" /> In this way, C.K. sold tickets for his stand-up tour, circumventing large ], bypassing their overhead and the venues they control.<ref name="NYT-Joke-2013" /> C.K. has said the ticket outlets create barriers to consumers, whereas direct distribution has effectively "closed the gap between how easy it was to steal it how easy it was to buy it".<ref name="Slate-Hulu-CharlieRose-2014">{{cite journal|last=Haglund|first=David|title=Watch Louis C.K. Chat for Half an Hour About Comedy, Parenting, and Failure|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/05/09/louis_c_k_charlie_rose_interview_louie_talks_parenting_comedy_and_more_video.html |journal=]|access-date=May 26, 2014|type=Embedded Hulu video of Charlie Rose Show appearance|date=May 9, 2014}}</ref> The success of the special prompted other comedians, including ], ], and ], to release their own specials with a similar business model.<ref name="Forbes-RedditAMA-2012" />

== Personal life ==
===Marriage and relationships===
C.K. married artist Alix Bailey in 1995.<ref>Knutzen, Eirik (June 19, 2006). "Louis C.K." ''Copley News Service''.</ref> Together, they have two daughters.<ref name="Willamette-AmericaLedge-2008">{{cite news|last=Singer|first=Matthew|title=Louis CK talks America off the ledge—then kicks it in the balls|work=]|url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-5945-louis_ck_talks_america_off_the_ledgemdashthen_kicks_it_in_the_balls.html|date=November 17, 2008|access-date=January 1, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927221809/http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-5945-louis_ck_talks_america_off_the_ledgemdashthen_kicks_it_in_the_balls.html |archive-date=September 27, 2011}}</ref> The couple divorced in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lovell |first=Joel |url=https://www.gq.com/story/louis-ck-interview-gq-august-2011 |title=That's Not Funny, That's C.K. |publisher=GQ |date=August 2, 2011 |access-date=December 26, 2019}}</ref> C.K.'s mother, Mary Louise Székely, died on June 3, 2019.<ref name=motherobit>{{cite web|url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=mary-louise-szkely-davis&pid=193121372 |title=Mary Székely Obituary – Boston, MA &#124; Boston Globe |publisher=Legacy.com |access-date=2020-02-12}}</ref>

C.K. had a brief relationship with musician ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/03/23/fiona-apples-art-of-radical-sensitivity|title=Fiona Apple's Art of Radical Sensitivity|last=Nussbaum|first=Emily|magazine=The New Yorker|date=March 13, 2020|language=en|access-date=2020-04-18}}</ref>

C.K. confirmed he was dating ] in 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/24/opinion/sunday/louis-ck-blanche-gardin-metoo.html|title=Opinion {{!}} The Woman Who Still Finds Louis C.K. Lovable|last=Druckerman|first=Pamela|date=November 24, 2018|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 16, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In August 2022, he mentioned that they had broken up.<ref>{{cite web |last=jreadmin |date=2022-08-19 |title=JRE #1859 – Louis C.K. & Joe List – Book List |url=https://jrelibrary.com/1859-louis-ck-joe-list/ |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=JRE Library |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Political views ===
About political partisanship, C.K. stated, "Some things I think are very ], or very ]. I think when someone falls into one category for everything, I'm very suspicious. It doesn't make sense to me that you'd have the same solution to every issue."<ref name="ThinkProgress-Politics-2012">{{cite web |url=http://thinkprogress.org/alyssa/2012/01/16/404790/louis-ck-on-his-political-philosophy-and-the-value-of-curiosity/ |work=] |last=Rosenberg |first=Alyssa |title=Louis CK on His Political Philosophy and the Value of Curiosity |date=January 16, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2014 |archive-date=January 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140121204942/http://thinkprogress.org/alyssa/2012/01/16/404790/louis-ck-on-his-political-philosophy-and-the-value-of-curiosity/ |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

In March 2016, C.K. sent an email to those subscribed to his mailing list which was critical of the ]. C.K. stated he hoped for a ] president but likened ] presidential candidate ] to ]. He labeled Trump an "insane bigot", also adding, "He's not a monster. He's a sad man."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Reilly|first1=Katie|title=Louis C.K. on Donald Trump: 'The Guy Is Hitler'|url=https://time.com/4248723/louis-ck-donald-trump-email-hitler-comparison/|magazine=]|access-date=March 10, 2016|date=March 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Krieg|first1=Gregory|title=Louis C.K.: 'Insane bigot' Donald Trump 'is Hitler'|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/05/politics/louis-ck-donald-trump-adolf-hitler/|publisher=]|access-date=March 10, 2016|date=March 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first=Tricia|last=Gilbride|url=http://mashable.com/2016/03/06/louis-ck-donald-trump-hitler/#cTEDqy5SdiqV|title=Louis C.K. wants a conservative president, calls Donald Trump 'Hitler'|work=]|date=March 6, 2016|access-date=December 28, 2017|language=en}}</ref> C.K. later referred to the email as "irrational".<ref>{{cite episode |title= Louis C.K. Interview|series = Opie with Jim Norton|series-link=Opie with Jim Norton|credits= Hughes, Gregg, Norton, Jim, and C.K., Louis|network=], ]|airdate=April 18, 2016}}</ref> But he clarified to Stephen Colbert in April 2017 that Trump is not "some new kind of evil" but rather "a gross, crook, dirty, rotten, lying sack of shit", to boisterous approving applause from the '']'' audience.<ref>{{cite web|title=Louis C.K. Calls Trump A 'Gross Crook Dirty Rotten Lying Sack Of'... |via=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=89&v=XNxG2PBVMlI&feature=youtu.be |last1=The Late Show with Stephen Colbert |date=Apr 4, 2017 |access-date=2020-12-29 }}</ref>

In March 2020, C.K. donated to the ]. However, the campaign said that it has refunded the $2,800 donation from C.K. Neither Biden nor C.K. have released statements regarding the matter.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5825872/joe-biden-donation-louis-ck/ |date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422222518/https://time.com/5825872/joe-biden-donation-louis-ck/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 22, 2020|title= Joe Biden's Campaign Says It Has Refunded Donation From Louis C.K.|magazine=]|access-date=April 22, 2020}}</ref>

C.K. is on the record as having voted for the ] presidential candidate in the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Butts |first1=Dixon |title=MSSP- The Presidents - Parts 1-4 (feat. Louis CK) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0yDwdyFQzQ |date=May 18, 2022 |website=YouTube |access-date=15 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Hoffman |first1=Ashley |title=Louis C. K.: 'If You Vote for Trump You're a Sucker' |url=https://time.com/4554664/louis-c-k-on-trump-hillary/ |website=Time Magazine |date=November 2, 2016 |access-date=15 December 2023}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy ===
In 2011, by selling '']'' on his website, C.K. earned a "million dollars in a matter of days, half of which he away to his staff and charities."<ref name=reuters>{{cite news|last1=Molloy|first1=Tim|title=How comedian Louis C.K. made $1M and gave half away|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-louisck-idUSTRE7BM1R120111223|access-date=April 5, 2016|work=Reuters|date=December 23, 2011}}</ref> Recipients included ],<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grant|first1=Kate|title=Angel in Disguise|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-grant/fistula-foundation-louis-ck_b_1182044.html|website=Huffington Post|date=January 4, 2012|access-date=April 5, 2016}}</ref> Green Chimneys, ], ], and ].<ref name="reuters" />

In 2016, he selected the ] as the beneficiary of his '']'' Power Players Week appearance, and won $50,000 for the charity.<ref>{{cite web|title=2016 Power Players Week Contestants Announced|url=https://www.jeopardy.com/jbuzz/news/power-players-contestants-announced|website=Jeopardy!|access-date=April 6, 2016|date=March 30, 2016}}</ref>

In April 2020, C.K. donated $30,000 to the wait staff at the ] in ] during the ] as part of a ] program called "Tip Your Wait Staff".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.film-news.co.uk/news/UK/74745/Louis-C-K-donates-30-000-to-comedy-club-staff-relief-fund|title=Louis C.K. donates $30,000 to comedy club staff relief fund|website=Film-News.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thelaughbutton.com/louis-c-k-s-donation-to-joe-bidens-campaign-has-been-rejected|title=Louis C.K.'s donation to Joe Biden's campaign rejected|website=The Laugh Button}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.onenewspage.com/video/20200417/12991888/Louis-donates-30-000-to-comedy.htm|title=Louis C.K. donates $30,000 to comedy club staff relief fund|date=April 17, 2020|website=One News Page}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
Louis C.K. was raised Catholic and has identified as an ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2015/08/06/louis-ck-new-st-augustine|title=Is Louis C.K. the new St. Augustine?|date=August 6, 2015|website=America Magazine}}</ref>

== Filmography ==
{{main|Louis C.K. filmography}}
Louis C.K. is known as a writer, director, producer and actor who has acted in many television series, including '']'' (2006), '']'' (2010–2015) and '']'' (2016). He has hosted '']'' four times, in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017. He has also appeared in television shows, such as '']'' and '']''. C.K. has also starred in a number of films such as ]'s '']'', ]'s '']'' (both 2013) and ]'s ] drama '']'' (2015).

== Comedy releases ==

=== Specials and albums ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|- |-
! scope="col"|Year
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
! scope="col"|Title
! scope="col"|Studio
! scope="col"|Formats
|- |-
| 2001
| 1993–1994 || '']'' || Nicknames for Conan Guy / Various || Also Writer
! scope="row" | ]
| louisck.com
| LP/CD/download/streaming (audio only)
|- |-
| 2007
| rowspan="2" | 1996 || '']'' || Various || 3 Episodes / Also Writer
! scope="row" | ]
| ], louisck.com
| Broadcast/DVD/video & audio download/streaming
|- |-
| 2008
| '']'' || Himself || Stand-Up Special
! scope="row" | '']''
| ]/], louisck.com
| Broadcast/DVD/CD/video & audio download/streaming
|- |-
| 2010
| 1996–1997 || '']'' || Louis || 2 Episodes
! scope="row" | ]
| ], ], louisck.com, ]
| Theatrical/broadcast/DVD/CD/video & audio download/streaming
|- |-
| 2011
| 1997 || '']'' || Various || Also Writer <br> ]
! scope="row" | '']''
| louisck.com, ], Netflix
| Broadcast/DVD/video & audio download/streaming
|- |-
| 2012
| 2001 || '']'' || Himself || Stand-up Special
! scope="row" | '']''
| louisck.com
| Download/streaming (audio only)
|- |-
| 2013
| 2002 || '']'' || Andrew Small || Voice Only
! scope="row" | ]
| HBO, louisck.com
| Broadcast/DVD/LP/CD/video & audio download/streaming
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | 2015
| 2005 || '']'' || Himself || Stand-up Special
! scope="row" | '']''
| louisck.com, FX, Netflix
| Broadcast/DVD/video & audio download/streaming
|- |-
! scope="row" | ''Live at Madison Square Garden''
| 2006–2007 || '']'' || Louie || Creator / Writer / Ex. Producer
| louisck.com
| LP/download/streaming (audio only)
|- |-
| 2017
| 2007 || ''Shameless'' || Himself || Stand-up Special
! scope="row" | ]
| Netflix
| LP/streaming
|- |-
| 2020
| rowspan="4" | 2008 || '']'' || Stan ||
! scope="row" | '']''
| rowspan="4" | louisck.com
| rowspan="3" | Video & audio download/streaming
|- |-
|2021
| '']'' || Marty ||
! scope="row" | '']''
|- |-
|2023
| '']'' || Security Guard ||
! scope="row" | ''Louis C.K. at The Dolby''
|- |-
|2023
| ''] || Himself || Stand-up Special / Director / Editor
! scope="row" | ''Back to the Garden''
| Video download/streaming
|- |-
|}
| rowspan="2" | 2009 || '']'' || Greg ||

=== Appearances ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|- |-
! scope="col"|Year
| '']'' || Dave Sanderson || 5 Episodes
! scope="col"|Title
! scope="col"|Studio
! scope="col"|Track Information
! scope="col"|Formats
|- |-
| 1995
| 2010–present || '']'' || Louie || Creator / Writer / Director / Editor <br> Nominated - ] <br> Nominated - ]
! scope="row" | "Young Comedians Special"
| rowspan="2" | ]
| Special feature of ''One Night Stand'' DVD<ref name="One Night Stand">{{cite AV media notes|others=Louis C.K.|title=One Night Stand|year=2006|type=Liner notes|publisher=]|id=93317}}</ref>
| Broadcast/DVD (2006)
|- |-
| 1996
| 2011 ||'']'' || Himself || Stand-up Special / Director / Editor <br> Nominated - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special and Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Special {Single or Multi-Camera)
! scope="row" | "]"
|}
| Special feature of ''Shameless'' DVD<ref>{{cite AV media notes|others=Louis C.K.|title=Shameless|year=2007|type=Liner notes|publisher=]|id=94247}}</ref>

| Broadcast/streaming/DVD (2007)
===Non-performance credits===

{| class="wikitable"
|- |-
| 2000
! Year !! Title !! Notes
! scope="row" | "Stand Up America"
| Laughing Stock
| Track 8: "Louis CK"<ref>{{cite AV media notes|others=Various Artists|title=Stand Up America|year=2000|type=Liner notes|publisher=Laughing Stock Productions|id=5022739011329}}</ref>
| CD/download (2005)/streaming (2009)
|- |-
| 2001
| rowspan="2" | 2001 || '']'' || Screenwriter
! scope="row" | "]"
| ]/]
| ''Stand-Up Vault #3'' DVD<ref>{{cite AV media notes|others=Various Artists|title=Comedy Central Stand-Up Vault #3|year=2015|type=Liner notes|publisher=], ]|id=D59170694D}}</ref>
| Broadcast/download/streaming (2010)/DVD (2015)
|- |-
| 2003
| ''] || Screenwriter / Director
! scope="row" | "]"
| Just For Laughs (JFL)
| Episode: "Louis CK"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7o2bo7 |title=Louis CK – Stand Up In Montreal (03) |date=November 18, 2019 |publisher=] |access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>
| Broadcast/streaming (2010)
|- |-
| 2005
| 2007 || '']'' || Screenwriter
! scope="row" | "]"
| HBO
| Includes deleted scenes on DVD<ref name="One Night Stand"/>
| Broadcast/streaming/DVD (2006)
|- |-
| rowspan="2" | 2007
! scope="row" | "Just for Laughs"
| JFL
| Episode: "Louis CK II"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6k2te8 |title=Louis C.K. Stand Up – 2007 |date=May 22, 2018 |publisher=] |access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>
| Broadcast/streaming (2010)
|-
! scope="row" | "]" by ]
| Friggemall Records
| Track 6: "One of Those Couples"<ref>{{cite AV media notes|others=]|title=]|year=2007|type=Liner notes|publisher=Friggemall Records|id=FRIG 2007-2}}</ref>
| CD
|-
| 2008
! scope="row" | "]"
| HBO/]
| "Comic Relief 2006"<ref>{{cite AV media notes|others=]|title=Comic Relief: The Greatest...And The Latest|year=2008|type=Liner notes|publisher=]|id=SF 10746}}</ref>
| Broadcast/streaming/DVD
|-
| 2009
! scope="row" | "Just for Laughs"
| JFL
| Episode: "Whoopi Goldberg"<ref name="Just for Laughs">{{cite web|url=https://tubitv.com/tv-shows/318193/s01-e05-season-1-episode-5?start=true |title=Just for Laughs – Comedy Kings 5 |publisher=] |access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>
| Broadcast/streaming
|-
| 2010
! scope="row" | "Lafflink's Platinum Comedy Series Vol. 4"
| ]
| Chapter: "Louis CK"<ref>{{cite AV media notes|others=Lafflink|title=Lafflink's Platinum Comedy Series Vol. 4|year=2010|type=Liner notes|publisher=]|id=FLP-13179}}</ref>
| DVD/streaming
|-
| 2013
! scope="row" | "Best of Just for Laughs"
| rowspan="3" | JFL
| Episode: "Comedy Kings 5"<ref name="Just for Laughs"/>
| Broadcast/streaming
|-
| 2017
! scope="row" | "Just for Laughs – Comedy All-Stars, Vol. 4"
| Tracks 1-3: ''Jfl 2009''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1441470119?i |title=Just for Laughs – Comedy All-Stars, Vol. 4 |date=November 4, 2017 |publisher=]|access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" | CD/download/streaming
|-
| 2018
! scope="row" | "Just for Laughs – The Nasty Show, Vol. 3"
| Track 10: ''Sexual Expression (Jfl 1994)''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1442338502?i |title=Just for Laughs – The Nasty Show, Vol. 3 |date=November 14, 2018 |publisher=]|access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2021
! scope="row" | "Caroline's Comedy Hour, Vol. 1"
| rowspan="3" | Clown Jewels
| Track 7: ''Guy from the Thing''
| rowspan="3" | Download/streaming
|-
! scope="row" | "Caroline's Comedy Hour, Vol. 5"
| Track 18: ''Diverse Culture''
|-
! scope="row" | "Caroline's Comedy Hour, Vol. 8"
| Track 13: ''Do You Ever Feel Stupid?''
|} |}


== References == == Awards and nominations ==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Louis C.K.}}
{{Cleanup-link rot|date=July 2011}}
For his work performing stand-up, writing, acting, directing, producing, and editing, C.K. has received several awards and nominations. Among them are 39 ] nominations, with six wins.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/bios/louis-ck|title= Louis C.K. – Emmy Awards, Nominations, and Wins|website= Emmys.com|access-date= May 27, 2020}}</ref> C.K. has won the ] three times—for '']'' in 2012, '']'' in 2016, and '']'' in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/louis-ck|title= Louis C.K. – Artist|website= Grammy.com|access-date= May 27, 2020}}</ref>
{{Reflist|2}}


C.K. has also been nominated for two ] and five ] awards, winning the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture ], together with the other cast members of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/awards/lupita-nyongo-jared-leto-win-sag-supporting-actor-awards-1201063802/|title='American Hustle' Wins SAG Ensemble Cast Award|website=]|date=January 19, 2014|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Louis C.K.}}
{{Wikiquote|Louis CK}}
*
* {{IMDb name|127373}}
*
*


Additionally, C.K. has won three ] in the area of Excellence in Entertainment for his shows ''Louie'', ''Better Things'', and ''Horace and Pete'', as well as three ] for his work on ''Louie'', alongside his writing partner, ].
{{Louis C.K.}}

{{EmmyAward ComedyVarietyMusicWriting 1975-2000}}
== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
{{sister project links|b=no|s=no|n=no|v=no|voy=no|species=no|wikt=no|d=Q15079|c=Category:Louis C.K.}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}


{{Louis C.K.|state=expanded}}
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
{{Navboxes
| NAME = C.K., Louis
|title = ]
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Louis Szekely (real name)
|list =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
{{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series}}
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1967-09-12
{{EmmyAward ComedyWriting}}
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ], U.S.
{{EmmyAward ComedyVarietyMusicWriting 1990s}}
| DATE OF DEATH =
{{EmmyAward VarietySpecialWriting}}
| PLACE OF DEATH =
{{Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album}}
{{Satellite Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy}}
{{TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy}}
{{WritersGuildofAmericaEpisodicComedyScreenplay 2010s}}
}} }}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:C.K., Louis}} {{DEFAULTSORT:C.K., Louis}}
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Latest revision as of 17:55, 22 December 2024

American comedian, actor, and filmmaker (born 1967)

Louis C.K.
Refer to captionC.K. on Your Mom's House podcast in August 2022
Birth nameLouis Alfred Székely
Born (1967-09-12) September 12, 1967 (age 57)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Medium
Nationality
Years active1984–present
Genres
Subject(s)
Spouse Alix Bailey ​ ​(m. 1995; div. 2008)
Children2
Websitelouisck.com

Louis Alfred Székely (/ˈluːi ˌseɪˈkeɪ/; born September 12, 1967), known professionally as Louis C.K. (/ˈluːi ˌsiːˈkeɪ/), is an American stand-up comedian, actor and filmmaker. C.K. has won three Peabody Awards, three Grammy Awards, six Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award as well as numerous awards for The Chris Rock Show, Louie, and his stand-up specials Live at the Beacon Theater (2011) and Oh My God (2013). In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked C.K.'s stand-up special Shameless number three on their "Divine Comedy: 25 Best Stand-Up Specials and Movies of All Time" list and ranked him fourth on its 2017 list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time.

C.K. began his career in the 1990s writing for comedians including David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Dana Carvey, Chris Rock, and Saturday Night Live. He was also directing surreal short films and directed two features—Tomorrow Night (1998) and Pootie Tang (2001). In 2001, C.K. released his debut comedy album, Live in Houston, directly through his website and became among the first performers to offer direct-to-fan sales of tickets to his stand-up shows and DRM-free video concert downloads via his website. He became prolific releasing nine comedy albums, often directing and editing his specials as well. These specials include Shameless (2007), Chewed Up (2008), Hilarious (2010), and Oh My God (2013).

He gained prominence and widespread acclaim for his FX semi-autobiographical comedy-drama series Louie (2010–2015), which he created, directed and starred in. The series received numerous accolades with C.K. winning two Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series. In 2016, he created and starred in his self-funded web series Horace and Pete, and co-created the shows Baskets and Better Things for FX and voiced the protagonist Max in the animated film The Secret Life of Pets in the same year. During this time he also had supporting acting roles in films such as David O. Russell's American Hustle, Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine (both 2013), and the Hollywood blacklist drama Trumbo (2015).

In 2017, he admitted to several incidents of sexual misconduct following the release of an article in The New York Times. This resulted in widespread criticism and caused his 2017 film I Love You, Daddy to be pulled from distribution prior to its release. In 2018, he returned to stand-up comedy, and in 2019, he announced an international tour. He has also released the specials Sincerely Louis CK (2020) and Sorry (2021) on his website, receiving a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the former. C.K. also co-wrote and directed the film Fourth of July (2022).

Early life

Louis Alfred Székely was born in Washington, D.C., on September 12, 1967, the son of software engineer Mary Louise (née Davis) and economist Luis Székely. He has three sisters. His father is of Mexican and Hungarian-Jewish descent. C.K.'s Jewish paternal grandfather, Géza Székely Schweiger, had immigrated from Hungary to Mexico; he and his Mexican wife raised their children in the Catholic faith. C.K.'s mother, an American, was a Catholic with Irish ancestry.

When C.K. was an infant, his family moved to his father's home country of Mexico, where his father had earned a degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico prior to graduating from Harvard. C.K.'s first language was Spanish; it was not until after they moved back to the U.S. when he was 7 that he began to learn English. He has said that he has since forgotten much of his Spanish. When C.K. left Mexico with his family, they moved back to the United States and settled in the Boston area, initially for a year in Framingham, Massachusetts.

Upon moving from Mexico to suburban Boston, C.K. wanted to become a writer and comedian, citing George Carlin, Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor as some of his influences. When he was 10, his parents divorced. C.K. said that his father was around but he did not see him much and when he remarried, C.K.'s father converted to Orthodox Judaism, the faith of his new wife. C.K. and his three sisters were raised by their single mother in Newton, Massachusetts. The fact that his mother had only "bad" TV shows to view upon returning home from work inspired him to work on television. C.K.'s mother raised her children as Catholic and they attended after-school Catholic class until they completed communion. C.K. has said that his father's whole family still lives in Mexico. C.K.'s paternal uncle Dr. Francisco Székely is an academic and an international consultant on environmental affairs who served as Mexico's Deputy Minister of Environment (2000–2003).

C.K. attended Newton North High School and graduated in 1985. He graduated with future Friends star Matt LeBlanc. After graduation, C.K. worked as an auto mechanic and at a public access TV cable station in Boston. According to C.K., working in public access TV gave him the tools and technical knowledge to make his short films and later his television shows. "Learning is my favorite thing", he said. He also worked for a time as a cook and in a video store.

Career

1984–1997: Career beginnings

In 1984 at 17, C.K. directed the comedic short film Trash Day. The New York University Tisch School of the Arts showed an interest in him as a filmmaker, but he instead decided to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. C.K.'s first attempt at stand-up was in 1985 at an open mic night at a comedy club in Boston, Massachusetts, during the apex of the comedy boom. He was given five minutes of time, but had only two minutes of material. He was so discouraged by the experience that he did not perform again for two years. As Boston's comedy scene grew, C.K. gradually achieved success, performing alongside acts such as Denis Leary and Lenny Clarke, and eventually he moved up to paid gigs, opening for Jerry Seinfeld and hosting comedy clubs until he moved to Manhattan in 1989. He performed his act on many televised programs, including Evening at the Improv and Star Search. C.K.'s short film Ice Cream (1993), was submitted to the Aspen Shortsfest in 1994.

In 1993, he unsuccessfully auditioned for Saturday Night Live, although he did later work with Robert Smigel, writing on the TV Funhouse shorts for the program. C.K.'s earliest writing job was for Conan O'Brien on the late-night talk show Late Night with Conan O'Brien from 1993 to 1994, before briefly writing for Late Show with David Letterman in 1995. C.K. has stated that Conan O'Brien kept C.K. in comedy by hiring him, as he planned to quit comedy the following day if he had not been hired for Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Throughout the spring of 1996, C.K. served as the head writer for The Dana Carvey Show; its writers also included Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Robert Smigel, and Charlie Kaufman. It was canceled after seven episodes. In 1996, HBO released his first half-hour comedy special. C.K. appeared several times on the animated show Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist.

From 1997 to 1999, he wrote for The Chris Rock Show. His work on the show was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for writing three times, winning "Best Writing in a Variety or Comedy Series" in 1999. He was also nominated for an Emmy for his work writing for Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He has been quoted as describing his approach to writing as a "deconstruction" that is both painful and frightening.

1998–2004: Focus on filmmaking

In 1998, C.K. wrote and directed the independent black-and-white film Tomorrow Night, which premiered at Sundance, marking his feature film directorial debut after making several shorter films, including six short films for the sketch comedy show Howie Mandel's Sunny Skies (1995) on the Showtime cable network. C.K. self-released Tomorrow Night in 2014. He hosted the PBS show ShortCuts in 1999, which featured independent short films, including some made by C.K. himself. Also that year, C.K. devised and starred in The Filthy Stupid Talent Show, a mock talent show television special. He had an early acting role in the independent comedy Tuna, alongside Nick Offerman, in 2000 and performed on the stand-up showcase series Comedy Central Presents the following year.

C.K. wrote and directed the feature film Pootie Tang (2001), which was adapted from a sketch that was featured on The Chris Rock Show and featured Chris Rock in a supporting role. The film received largely negative reviews from critics, but has become a cult classic; in a half-star review, Roger Ebert declared it a "train wreck" and felt the film was "not in a releasable condition". Though C.K. is credited as the director, he was fired at the end of filming with the film being re-edited by the studio. C.K. has since co-written two screenplays with Rock: Down to Earth (2001) and I Think I Love My Wife (2007). His first comedy album, Live in Houston, was released in 2001. In 2002, he voiced Brendon Small's estranged father, Andrew Small, in the animated sitcom Home Movies. C.K. was among the writing staff of the sketch comedy show Cedric the Entertainer Presents (2002–03).

2005–2009: Lucky Louie and standup breakthrough

Louis C.K. performing in Kuwait, December 2008

In August 2005, C.K. starred in a half-hour HBO special as part of the stand-up series One Night Stand. Inspired by the work ethic of fellow comedian George Carlin, who had committed to dropping all of his existing material and starting over every year, in June 2006, C.K. starred in and wrote Lucky Louie, a sitcom he created. The series premiered on HBO and was videotaped in front of a studio audience; it was HBO's first series in that format. Lucky Louie is described as a bluntly realistic portrayal of family life. HBO canceled the series after its first season.

C.K. was a part of Opie and Anthony's Traveling Virus Comedy Tour with other comedians in 2007. In 2007, he hosted a three-hour phone-in show on the service at the request of Opie & Anthony, during which he advised callers on their relationship troubles. During an interview with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on the show, C.K. repeatedly asked Rumsfeld whether he is in fact a reptilian space alien who "eats Mexican babies". Rumsfeld declined to comment and the video has since gone viral. He appeared in three films in 2008: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, Diminished Capacity, and Role Models.

C.K. launched his first hour-long special, Shameless, in 2007, which aired on HBO and was later released on DVD. In March 2008, he recorded a second hour-long special, Chewed Up, which premiered on Showtime Network on October 4, 2008, and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy or Variety Special. C.K. and his wife Alix Bailey divorced in 2008, with C.K. and Bailey sharing joint custody of their children. In a 2010 interview, C.K. talked about how, after his divorce, he thought, "well, there goes my act." He alluded to the way that his marriage had been central to his act and his life, and he said that it took him approximately a year to realize "I'm accumulating stories here that are worth telling." One element in his preparation for stand-up was training at the same boxing gym as Lowell, Massachusetts fighter Micky Ward, trying to "learn how to ... do the grunt work and the boring, constant training so that you'll be fit enough to take the beating." A clip from an appearance by C.K. on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in October 2008 titled "Everything's Amazing and Nobody is Happy" became a viral hit on YouTube in 2009, helping his standup career to propel forward.

On April 18, 2009, C.K. recorded a concert film titled Hilarious. Unlike his previous specials—which had all been produced for television networks—Hilarious was produced independently, directed by C.K. himself, and sold to Epix and Comedy Central after it was complete. As a result, it was not released until late 2010. It was published on DVD and CD in 2011. It is the first stand-up comedy film accepted into the Sundance Film Festival. From 2009 to 2012, C.K. played Dave Sanderson, a police officer and ex-boyfriend of Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) in the sitcom Parks and Recreation. He also co-starred in the romantic comedy fantasy film The Invention of Lying, directed by and starring Ricky Gervais, in 2009.

2011–2016: Louie, Horace and Pete and film roles

Louis C.K. speaking in Montreal, July 2011

FX picked up C.K.'s series Louie in August 2009, which C.K. stars in, writes, directs, and edits. The show features stand-up routines blended with segments partially based on his offstage experiences which address his life as a divorced, aging father. The show premiered on June 29, 2010. In season three, episodes dealt respectively with a date with an unstable bookshop clerk (played by Parker Posey); a doomed attempt to replace a retiring David Letterman; an aborted visit to C.K.'s father; and a dream-reality New Year's Eve episode in which C.K. ends up in China. These episodes were ranked in critic Matt Zoller Seitz's favorite 25 comedy episodes of 2012. Seitz called the episode "New Year's Eve" "truly audacious". C.K. has been nominated five times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2011–2015) for his work in Louie, and won two Emmys in 2011 – for the Louie episode "Pregnant" and for his special Live at the Beacon Theater.

The show was renewed for a fourth season; with a 19-month hiatus after season 3 to accommodate C.K.'s roles in David O. Russell's American Hustle and Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine in 2013. During the 2014 Television Critics Association presentations, FX Networks' John Landgraf reported that Louie would return in spring 2015 for a shortened fifth season of seven episodes—compared to the 13 episodes of prior seasons. The fifth season premiered in April 2015 and an announcement said the series would take an "extended hiatus" in August 2015; C.K. stated in January 2016 that he "just doesn't know" whether it would return or not. In November 2017, in the wake of the misconduct allegations against C.K, FX cut ties with the embattled comic and filmmaker, ending their partnership. In 2018, however, FX CEO John Landgraf stated to Variety, "I love Louie and I love Louis C.K.'s work and I miss him, and I miss it," and that "the network is ready to welcome C.K. back and is eager for Louie season six". In 2011, C.K. joined fellow comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Ricky Gervais for a discussion of comedy in Talking Funny, a one-hour television special that aired on HBO.

C.K. at the 2012 Time gala

On December 10, 2011, C.K. released his fourth full-length special, Live at the Beacon Theater. Like Hilarious, it was produced independently and directed by C.K. However, unlike his earlier work, it was distributed digitally on his website, foregoing both physical and broadcast media. C.K. released the special for $5.00 and without DRM, hoping that these factors and the direct relationship between the artist and consumer would effectively deter illegal downloading. At the end of the special, the release of a new album, recorded at Carnegie Hall the previous year, is mentioned. By December 21, 2011, the sales of the special from C.K.'s website had already earned him over $1 million. C.K. hosted Saturday Night Live on November 3, 2012, and was subsequently Primetime Emmy Award-nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. The success of the special prompted other comedians, including Jim Gaffigan, Joe Rogan, and Aziz Ansari, to release their own specials with a similar business model. On May 11, 2012, C.K. additionally made two audio-only downloads available for $5.00 each: WORD – Live at Carnegie Hall (and the audio version of his first HBO stand-up special, Shameless), as well as an audio-only version of Live at the Beacon Theater. C.K.'s fifth one-hour special, Oh My God, was recorded at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, and premiered on HBO April 13, 2013. It was also sold and distributed using the same model as C.K. used for Live at the Beacon Theater.

In 2013, C.K. appeared in critically acclaimed films the first being Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine where he played the romantic interest of Sally Hawkins' character. C.K. originally auditioned for the role that went to Andrew Dice Clay, and Allen offered Louie the role that ended up in the film. Of the experience, C.K. stated, “I had this three-day part and I figured I'm a tourist on this movie. All I want is a little Woody moment to take home with me. It was so fun, and we had lunch, and I thought having lunch with him was my rewarding moment. And then after lunch, we shot one more scene and I got a big laugh on the set, and I thought, that's my Woody moment". Later that year, C.K. starred in David O. Russell's black comedy crime film American Hustle, which was released in December 2013. C.K. played the role of FBI supervisor Stoddard Thorsen, the boss of Bradley Cooper's character. The film was a financial and critical hit, earning 10 Academy Awards nominations including Best Picture. C.K. earned a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture.

C.K. at the Peabody Awards, 2013

C.K.'s production company, Pig Newton, where he works with producer Blair Breard, signed a contract to develop and executive produce pilots for FX Networks in 2013. In January 2014, an announcement said C.K. would produce and co-write a Zach Galifianakis–created comedy pilot for FX Networks. The 10-episode single-camera comedy, titled Baskets, premiered on January 21, 2016. It features Galifianakis as the main character, a struggling clown named Chip Baskets in a pilot episode written by Galifianakis, Louis C.K. and Jonathan Krisel. C.K. released his sixth one-hour special Live at the Comedy Store to his website in January 2015, which, unlike his past few specials, was recorded at a club, The Comedy Store in West Hollywood. C.K. said he intended the material as an exercise in creating an act that hearkened back to his early days in comedy clubs. The special premiered exclusively on FX on May 28, 2015.

He returned to host Saturday Night Live on March 29, 2014, and May 16, 2015, and received Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for both episodes. C.K. also attended the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special, where he was chosen to introduce a montage of the pre-recorded sketches. In May 2015, it was announced that C.K. would write, direct, and star in the film I'm a Cop, to be produced by Scott Rudin, Dave Becky, and Blair Breard, with a budget of $8 million, although he later canceled the project. C.K. became the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden three times in a single tour in 2015. Audio from the tour was released by C.K. on his website as Louis C.K.: Live at Madison Square Garden through the pay what you want model. In November 2015, C.K. co-starred in the biographical drama film Trumbo as a composite character based on five different screenwriters who were blacklisted in Hollywood for their alleged ties to the Communist party during the 1940s. He executive-produced the pilot for the Amazon Video black comedy series One Mississippi, starring Notaro, in November 2015. It was ordered for a full season by Amazon. In January 2016 C.K. and actor/comedian Albert Brooks were rumoured to create, write, executive produce, and provide the voices for the two main characters in an animated series pilot for FX. The following January, the series was announced to instead be premiering on TBS in 2018 and titled The Cops, following two Los Angeles patrolmen.

On January 30, 2016, he released the first episode of the tragicomic drama series Horace and Pete to his website, without any prior announcements. C.K. directed, wrote, and starred in the series as bar owner Horace, alongside Steve Buscemi, who portrays co-owner Pete. Horace and Pete pioneered the genre of 'sadcom'. James Poniewozik of The New York Times said the series "may best be described as a Cheers spec script by Eugene O'Neill: a snapshot of a family—and a country—suffering a hangover decades in the making." The self-financed series received a significantly positive reaction from critics, who largely focused on the performances of the veteran cast that includes C.K., Buscemi, Edie Falco, Steven Wright, Alan Alda, and Jessica Lange and C.K.'s writing. C.K. has expressed his interest in a second season.

Timothy Simons, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Al Franken, Louis C.K., and Pamela Adlon at the Peabody Awards in 2017

C.K. next voiced the lead, Max, a Jack Russell Terrier, in the animated comedy film The Secret Life of Pets. The film was co-directed by Chris Renaud of the Despicable Me series, and was released on July 8, 2016. It grossed over $875 million worldwide. C.K. developed the series Better Things with its star Pamela Adlon, who had appeared on Louie. C.K. co-wrote, co-produced, and directed the pilot. The show is about a single working actress mother and her struggles to raise three daughters. It premiered in September 2016 on FX. His stand-up special 2017 was filmed in Washington, D.C., and released on April 4, 2017, through the streaming service Netflix. Barry Crimmins's stand-up special, Whatever Threatens You, directed and produced by C.K., was released through his website in 2016. On April 8, 2017, he hosted Saturday Night Live for a fourth time, where he received strong reviews for his opening monologue in which he tackled white privilege, and bits about a racist chicken, and talking animals. A critic from The A.V. Club wrote " no one's better at taking a joke to the edge and tiptoeing nimbly along it". C.K. also honored fellow comedian Don Rickles who died that week, saying during the goodnights portion stating, "I just want to say, Don Rickles was the funniest man in the world and he was also a lovely, beautiful guy. I'll miss him for the rest of my life".

C.K. directed the film I Love You, Daddy in secret, shooting entirely on black and white 35 mm film in June 2017. The film follows a television producer and writer played by C.K. called Glen Topher whose teenage daughter, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, is seduced by a much older film director (John Malkovich), causing Topher to become disconcerted. The film also features Charlie Day, Adlon, Rose Byrne, Edie Falco and Helen Hunt. It premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival in September, whereupon The Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw gave the film a four-star review, calling it a "very funny and recklessly provocative homage to Woody Allen, channeling his masterpiece Manhattan."

2017: Misconduct revelations and fallout

In 2015, rumors about C.K.'s behavior towards women in his professional life began to appear on various websites, from high profile names such as Roseanne Barr, Jen Kirkman, and Tig Notaro. Two years later, in a September 2017 Vanity Fair interview, comedian Notaro cut ties with C.K., a one-time collaborator and producer on her show One Mississippi, saying that he should address the rumors of sexual impropriety, and alluding to an unspecified "incident" between herself and C.K. As he had in the past, C.K. denied the allegations in a September 2017 New York Times interview, saying: "They're rumors, that's all that is ... I don't think talking about that stuff in the press ... is a good idea." On November 9, 2017, The Orchard, distributor of C.K.'s upcoming film I Love You, Daddy, canceled the New York premiere of the film due to "unexpected circumstances".

Later that day, the New York Times published allegations of sexual misconduct from five women against C.K. The women who spoke out in the article included comedy duo Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov, who claimed that C.K. had invited them to his hotel room in 2002 during the US Comedy Arts Festival where he masturbated in front of them. They relayed the incident to ImprovOlympics founder Charna Halpern. The comedian Rebecca Corry stated that when they were on the set of a television pilot in 2005, C.K. offered to masturbate in front of her and she declined. Corry reported the incident and no action was taken. Comedian Abby Schachner alleged that C.K. masturbated while they were on the phone describing the conduct as "unprofessional and inappropriate". Both Corry and Schachner stated that C.K. privately apologized for his past behavior several years later.

In response to The New York Times reporting, C.K. released a statement apologizing and admitting guilt, writing, "These stories are true" and saying that while he initially thought "it was okay because I never showed a woman my dick without asking first", he went on to express remorse, stating, "the power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly." He stated: "I have spent my long and lucky career talking and saying anything I want. I will now step back and take a long time to listen."

In the wake of the scandal, C.K. suffered severe repercussions, stating in 2018 that the fallout had taken him through "hell and back" and cost him approximately $35 million in lost income. The release and distribution of his film I Love You, Daddy was cancelled, and FX Networks and Netflix cut ties with C.K. HBO dropped C.K.'s appearance on an upcoming Night of Too Many Stars television special and removed his content from their on-demand services. C.K.'s manager Dave Becky, who was under fire for allegedly making threatening statements, dropped C.K. as a client. TBS suspended production of, and eventually scrapped, its animated series The Cops, co-created with Albert Brooks. His voice was either replaced or removed from projects such as Illumination's The Secret Life of Pets 2 and Disney Channel's Gravity Falls.

2018–present: Return to stand-up comedy

C.K. returned to standup at the Comedy Cellar in August 2018

On August 26, 2018, C.K. made an unannounced appearance at the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan, New York. It was reported that he received an ovation from the audience and performed a typical set, making no reference to the sexual controversy. His return to stand-up comedy was criticized by comedians, including Aparna Nancherla, Ian Karmel, Allie Goertz, and Judd Apatow as being premature, whereas Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Bill Burr, Michael Che, Jim Gaffigan, Janeane Garofalo, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes, Judy Gold, Marlon Wayans, Joe Rogan, and Kurt Metzger supported C.K.'s right to continue standup. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld also supported C.K.'s return to standup but opined that the public may have felt that C.K. had not owned up to his actions enough, saying in October 2018, "We know the routine: The person does something wrong. The person's humiliated. They're exiled. They suffer, we want them to suffer. We love the tumble, we love the crash and bang of the fall. And then we love the crawl-back. The grovel. Are you going to grovel? How long are you going to grovel?" Seinfeld added, "We, the court of public opinion, decided if he's going to come back, he'd better show a lot of pain. Because he denied (the public) that." Edie Falco and Alan Alda who starred in C.K.'s Horace and Pete expressed their hope that he would receive a second chance.

On December 31, 2018, an audience member secretly recorded C.K. working out new material and posted it online, which drew media controversy. Included in his set were jokes about school shootings, which drew condemnation from Parkland survivors and a divided reaction from fellow comedians. Ricky Gervais defended C.K.'s jokes, saying " got nothing against those kids. It was him pretending to be angry for comedy." In October 2019, C.K. announced in an email to subscribers of his website an international tour of his new material. Following the leak of his new material in December 2018, his future shows would require audience members to lock cell phones and other devices in Yondr pouches, which has become the norm, with comedians Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, and Aziz Ansari using them as well. Canadian comedian Mark Breslin, owner of Canadian comedy club chain Yuk Yuk's, defended his decision to book C.K. again in Toronto, citing sold out tickets for five shows and a lack of controversy.

In January 2020, C.K. performed an unannounced set, receiving a standing ovation for the eighth annual benefit show for late comedian Patrice O'Neal, a yearly benefit of which comedian Bill Burr is the organizer. Beginning in March 2020, most of C.K.'s shows were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. On April 4, 2020, C.K. self-released a new stand-up special entitled Sincerely Louis CK through his website without advance notice. The special drew a divided response from audiences, including fellow comedian Amy Schumer, who said, "I laughed at a lot of it. But it's hard to not think of what he has done, what he has and hasn't learned, but I definitely laughed."

In July 2020, C.K. released an audio series of conversations between himself and then-girlfriend Blanche Gardin titled Long Distance Relationship. Proceeds would go toward the Fistula Foundation and French charity Fondation Abbé Pierre. On August 4, 2020, C.K. was invited by his longtime friend Dave Chappelle to join him in an installment of his standup series "An Intimate Socially Distanced Affair" at the Wirrig Pavilion in Yellow Springs, Ohio, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Photos emerged from the event of C.K. with Chappelle, Sarah Silverman, Michelle Wolf, Tiffany Haddish and Common. In October 2020, C.K. appeared in a docu-series titled The Comedy Store about the Los Angeles comedy club of the same name, directed by Mike Binder. In May 2021, following the easing of restrictions in New York City due to the COVID-19 pandemic, C.K. made an unannounced stop at the Village Underground. He then announced upcoming tour-dates for summer 2021 in Atlanta, Nashville and Minneapolis.

In August 2021, C.K. announced a tour of the United States in the year 2021 and international dates for the year 2022. American dates include two nights at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The tour rescheduled dates canceled due to COVID-19, acknowledging the ongoing pandemic and safety concerns. On The Joe Rogan Experience in November 2021, comedian Shane Gillis revealed that C.K. had filmed a new special at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. On 18 December 2021 C.K. announced the release of a new stand-up comedy special, titled Sorry. The special was released for sale through his website, similar to other releases he has done in the past. He also offered a bundling of previous specials for a larger fee. In April 2022, C.K. won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his special Sincerely, Louis C.K.

C.K. on Your Mom's House in 2022

In April and May 2022, C.K. appeared as a guest in a series of episodes of Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast, a podcast hosted by comedians Shane Gillis and Matt McCusker. The series is a four-part, six hour long discussion on the stories of each U.S. president in order. June 2022 saw the premiere of C.K.'s film Fourth of July, which he produced, directed, and co-wrote with fellow comedian Joe List. The film is a comedy drama that stars List as a recovering alcoholic jazz musician who confronts his emotionally abusive family. To promote the film, rather than using traditional talk shows, C.K. appeared on a number of well-known podcasts, such as The Joe Rogan Experience, Your Mom's House, Long Days with Yannis Pappas, Ari Shaffir's Skeptic Tank, Flagrant 2, and Are You Garbage?.

On January 28, 2023, C.K. performed at a sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden. The event was live recorded and aired on his website as the special, Louis C.K.: Back to the Garden.

Influences

C.K. has named many comedians whom he admired or who influenced his work, including George Carlin, Woody Allen, Larry David, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby.

Ticketing innovation

C.K. innovated direct-to-consumer distribution in 2001 when he released his debut comedy album, Live in Houston, directly through his website. He became one of the first performers to use his website to offer direct-to-fan ticket sales for his shows, as well as DRM-free video concert downloads. In this way, C.K. sold tickets for his stand-up tour, circumventing large ticket outlets, bypassing their overhead and the venues they control. C.K. has said the ticket outlets create barriers to consumers, whereas direct distribution has effectively "closed the gap between how easy it was to steal it how easy it was to buy it". The success of the special prompted other comedians, including Jim Gaffigan, Joe Rogan, and Aziz Ansari, to release their own specials with a similar business model.

Personal life

Marriage and relationships

C.K. married artist Alix Bailey in 1995. Together, they have two daughters. The couple divorced in 2008. C.K.'s mother, Mary Louise Székely, died on June 3, 2019.

C.K. had a brief relationship with musician Fiona Apple.

C.K. confirmed he was dating Blanche Gardin in 2018. In August 2022, he mentioned that they had broken up.

Political views

About political partisanship, C.K. stated, "Some things I think are very conservative, or very liberal. I think when someone falls into one category for everything, I'm very suspicious. It doesn't make sense to me that you'd have the same solution to every issue."

In March 2016, C.K. sent an email to those subscribed to his mailing list which was critical of the 2016 presidential race. C.K. stated he hoped for a conservative president but likened Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. He labeled Trump an "insane bigot", also adding, "He's not a monster. He's a sad man." C.K. later referred to the email as "irrational". But he clarified to Stephen Colbert in April 2017 that Trump is not "some new kind of evil" but rather "a gross, crook, dirty, rotten, lying sack of shit", to boisterous approving applause from the Late Show audience.

In March 2020, C.K. donated to the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign. However, the campaign said that it has refunded the $2,800 donation from C.K. Neither Biden nor C.K. have released statements regarding the matter.

C.K. is on the record as having voted for the Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 United States presidential elections.

Philanthropy

In 2011, by selling Live at the Beacon Theater on his website, C.K. earned a "million dollars in a matter of days, half of which he away to his staff and charities." Recipients included the Fistula Foundation, Green Chimneys, the Pablove Foundation, Charity: Water, and Kiva.

In 2016, he selected the Fistula Foundation as the beneficiary of his Jeopardy! Power Players Week appearance, and won $50,000 for the charity.

In April 2020, C.K. donated $30,000 to the wait staff at the Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States as part of a GoFundMe program called "Tip Your Wait Staff".

Religion

Louis C.K. was raised Catholic and has identified as an agnostic.

Filmography

Main article: Louis C.K. filmography

Louis C.K. is known as a writer, director, producer and actor who has acted in many television series, including Lucky Louie (2006), Louie (2010–2015) and Horace and Pete (2016). He has hosted Saturday Night Live four times, in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017. He has also appeared in television shows, such as Parks and Recreation and Portlandia. C.K. has also starred in a number of films such as Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine, David O. Russell's American Hustle (both 2013) and Jay Roach's Hollywood blacklist drama Trumbo (2015).

Comedy releases

Specials and albums

Year Title Studio Formats
2001 Live in Houston louisck.com LP/CD/download/streaming (audio only)
2007 Shameless HBO, louisck.com Broadcast/DVD/video & audio download/streaming
2008 Chewed Up Showtime/Image Entertainment, louisck.com Broadcast/DVD/CD/video & audio download/streaming
2010 Hilarious Epix, Comedy Central, louisck.com, Netflix Theatrical/broadcast/DVD/CD/video & audio download/streaming
2011 Live at the Beacon Theater louisck.com, FX, Netflix Broadcast/DVD/video & audio download/streaming
2012 Word: Live at Carnegie Hall louisck.com Download/streaming (audio only)
2013 Oh My God HBO, louisck.com Broadcast/DVD/LP/CD/video & audio download/streaming
2015 Live at the Comedy Store louisck.com, FX, Netflix Broadcast/DVD/video & audio download/streaming
Live at Madison Square Garden louisck.com LP/download/streaming (audio only)
2017 2017 Netflix LP/streaming
2020 Sincerely Louis CK louisck.com Video & audio download/streaming
2021 Sorry
2023 Louis C.K. at The Dolby
2023 Back to the Garden Video download/streaming

Appearances

Year Title Studio Track Information Formats
1995 "Young Comedians Special" HBO Special feature of One Night Stand DVD Broadcast/DVD (2006)
1996 "HBO Comedy Half-Hour" Special feature of Shameless DVD Broadcast/streaming/DVD (2007)
2000 "Stand Up America" Laughing Stock Track 8: "Louis CK" CD/download (2005)/streaming (2009)
2001 "Comedy Central Presents" Comedy Central/Paramount Stand-Up Vault #3 DVD Broadcast/download/streaming (2010)/DVD (2015)
2003 "Just for Laughs" Just For Laughs (JFL) Episode: "Louis CK" Broadcast/streaming (2010)
2005 "One Night Stand" HBO Includes deleted scenes on DVD Broadcast/streaming/DVD (2006)
2007 "Just for Laughs" JFL Episode: "Louis CK II" Broadcast/streaming (2010)
"We Just Landed!" by Bob & Tom Friggemall Records Track 6: "One of Those Couples" CD
2008 "Comic Relief: The Greatest...And The Latest" HBO/Shout! Factory "Comic Relief 2006" Broadcast/streaming/DVD
2009 "Just for Laughs" JFL Episode: "Whoopi Goldberg" Broadcast/streaming
2010 "Lafflink's Platinum Comedy Series Vol. 4" First Look Studios Chapter: "Louis CK" DVD/streaming
2013 "Best of Just for Laughs" JFL Episode: "Comedy Kings 5" Broadcast/streaming
2017 "Just for Laughs – Comedy All-Stars, Vol. 4" Tracks 1-3: Jfl 2009 CD/download/streaming
2018 "Just for Laughs – The Nasty Show, Vol. 3" Track 10: Sexual Expression (Jfl 1994)
2021 "Caroline's Comedy Hour, Vol. 1" Clown Jewels Track 7: Guy from the Thing Download/streaming
"Caroline's Comedy Hour, Vol. 5" Track 18: Diverse Culture
"Caroline's Comedy Hour, Vol. 8" Track 13: Do You Ever Feel Stupid?

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Louis C.K.

For his work performing stand-up, writing, acting, directing, producing, and editing, C.K. has received several awards and nominations. Among them are 39 Emmy Award nominations, with six wins. C.K. has won the Grammy award for Best Comedy Album three times—for Hilarious in 2012, Live at Madison Square Garden in 2016, and Sincerely Louis C.K. in 2022.

C.K. has also been nominated for two Golden Globes and five Screen Actors Guild awards, winning the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in 2013, together with the other cast members of American Hustle.

Additionally, C.K. has won three Peabody awards in the area of Excellence in Entertainment for his shows Louie, Better Things, and Horace and Pete, as well as three Writers Guild of America awards for his work on Louie, alongside his writing partner, Pamela Adlon.

Notes

  1. C.K.'s stage name is an approximate English pronunciation of his Hungarian surname, Székely [ˈseːkɛj], as he explained on The Tavis Smiley Show on September 25, 2009.
  2. His character, Arlen Hird, is a composite character based on Alvah Bessie, Lester Cole, John Howard Lawson, Albert Maltz, and Samuel Ornitz.

References

  1. "Louis C.K." PBS. September 25, 2009. Archived from the original on March 11, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2018.
  2. Lais Jr., C.J. (August 18, 2006). "Louis C.K.: Home is where the angst is". The Times Union (Albany, New York). p. D1.
  3. LaRue, William (June 11, 2006). "HBO's New Comedy: Swear Words and All: 'Lucky Louie' Feels Like a Good Bet for Its Producer from CNY". The Post-Standard (Syracuse, New York). p. H1.
  4. Louis C.K.: Friday, 9/25. PBS. September 25, 2009. Event occurs at 07:41. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  5. ^ C.K., Louie; Rose, Lacey (April 8, 2015). "Louis C.K.'s Crabby, Epic Love Letter to NYC: "Everyone's Dealing with the Same S— … Elbow to Elbow"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  6. "Louie (FX)". The Peabody Awards. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  7. ^ "Louis C.K." Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  8. "Louis C.K. – Awards". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
  9. Ciabattoni, Steve; Fear, David; Grierson, Tim; Love, Matthew; Murray, Noel; Tobias, Scott (July 29, 2015). "Divine Comedy: 25 Best Stand-up Specials and Movies". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  10. Love, Matthew (February 14, 2017). "50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 11, 2017. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  11. "C.K. and 'SNL': Louie's 19-Year Backstory with the NBC Sketch Show". Vulture. October 22, 2012. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
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External links

Louis C.K.
Stand-up
Series created
Film
Related
Awards for Louis C.K.
Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series (1990–1999)
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special
1971–1978
2009–present
Between 1979–2008, writing specials competed alongside Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Comedy
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Episodic Comedy (2010s)
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