Bill Maher has made it clear that he's not a fan of a number of notable celebrities. But this doesn't mean that he hates each and every one of them. Despite having ripped on one of Hollywood's biggest stars, the acclaimed comedian and political chat show host has publicly defended Matt Damon and a few of the industry's most criticized individuals. But aside from that, the Real Time host is actually close friends with a few A-listers.
Even though Bill's private life is notoriously... well... private, he has been open about a few of his friendships. Many of Bill's celebrity friends live a similar lifestyle as he does while others seem as though they'd never travel in the same circles as he does. What's clear is that Bill's political opinions don't get in the way of some of his friendships with the rich and famous. Here's who Bill is closest to in Hollywood...
10 Woody Harrelson
It's no surprise that Bill Maher and Woody Harrelson are friends. First and foremost, both are total stoners. Most of the photos of them available online feature the two of them sharing a blunt. The two hang out in Woody's home state of Hawaii almost every single New Year's Eve where Bill performers an annual stand-up show. Of course, the two also agree on a lot of political opinions which definitely helps their close friendship.
9 Howard Stern
Bill Maher was a regular guest on The Howard Stern Show in the 1990s. But after Howard failed to defend Bill after he made some controversial remarks about 9/11, the two had a major falling out. In fact, they bashed each other for years. But things changed in 2019 when the two reconnected at a dinner party. Howard made an effort to apologize to Bill and all was forgiven. The two went on each other's shows for interviews and professed their friendship and mutual respect for one another.
8 Michael Moore
Despite Bill Maher and Michael Moore disagreeing on some of their politics. They're actually really close friends. Of course, they agree on more than they disagree, since both are registered, Democrats. Michael and Bill also have a shared love of baseball and have been spotted at numerous games together. Michael has also been invited out with Bill and Woody Harrelson and invited to partake in a bit of the sticky-icky-icky. However, Michael claims to have refused as he says he's never even tried it despite hanging out with two of the biggest stoners in Hollywood.
7 Ann Coulter
While Bill has some political differences with his friend Michael Moore, Ann Coulter is his political opponent. In fact, Bill and Ann agree on basically nothing. While Ann has become one of the most hated ultra-right-wing icons, she is friends with the center-left Bill. On numerous occasions, Bill has described Anne as his friend and is always open to having her on his show despite the fact that his audience always boos her.
6 Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie is one of Bill Maher's best and most frequent guests on HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher. The two share a deep disdain for organized religion and this tends to be where they bond the most. However, the acclaimed author and Fatwa victim is also a baseball fan and has attended some games with Bill. So, it's clear they have a connection outside of the talk show.
5 Eddie Vedder
The Pearl Jam frontman is a regular at Bill Maher's New Year's Eve bash following his yearly stand-up show. The two have actually collaborated on the event. Bill has publicly thanked his "friend" Eddie Vedder for lending his rock talents to the show. The two have famously celebrated their shows by taking virtually the same photograph together with Sean Penn every single year.
4 Sean Penn
Just like Eddie Vedder, acclaimed actor Sean Penn can be spotted at Bill Maher's yearly New Year's Eve shows in Hawaii. Unlike Eddie and Sean, Bill doesn't spend his days in Hawaii surfing, as he told Jimmy Kimmel in an interview. But they do get together in the evenings to drink, smoke, and just have a good time.
3 Jeff Ross
Comedian Jeff Ross is another celebrity who tends to go away to Hawaii with Bill. But the two are also good friends back in Los Angeles too. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they're both comedians and have a shared history together of performing in grungey comedy clubs as they worked their way toward fame and fortune.
2 Snoop Dogg
If there's anyone Bill Maher should be friends with Hollywood it's Snoop Dogg. Well, guess what? They are friends. While they don't get to see each other as much as they'd like, the two almost definitely partake in the special green plant together. Every time Snoop shows up on Real Time, Bill shows him great affection and always refers to him as his "friend". While we don't know much more about their connection, we do know there is one.
1 Roseanne Barr
Bill Maher shed a lot of light on his relationship with disgraced comedian Roseanne Barr after her 2018 scandal that got her fired from her own show. While he totally disagreed with the things that Roseanne said that got her into trouble as well as her politics, he sympathized with her mental health struggles. Still, at the end of things, he praised her for constantly sticking by him when he was down on his luck. Despite the drama that's surrounded her, Bill remains close with Roseanne who he calls "a dear friend".
