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For fans of comedy, Sam Kinison needs no introduction. His scathing comedy tackled tough topics no other comedian dared to touch. Fed up and disenfranchised with his career as a Pentacostal preacher, Sam left the ministry to try his hand at comedy. Almost immediately, and thanks in part to the foresight of Rodney Dangerfield who showcased Sam on an HBO special, his piercing scream, extreme humor and irreverent take on life attracted attention. Containing rare, early footage of Sam preaching and performing stand up at the world famous Comedy Store, the Award Winning "Why Did We Laugh" tells the story of a comedic genius who touched a deeper chord in people than most entertainers. Sadly, Sam was taken from us far too early, yet leaving us with a lasting and unique legacy.

Genres: Comedy, Documentary

Starring: Beverly D'Angelo, Rodney Dangerfield, Larry King

Released: January 1, 1998

Runtime: 90.0

Popularity Rating: 0.003

United States of America

Herself Beverly D'Angelo
Himself Rodney Dangerfield
Himself Larry King
Himself Bill Kinison
Himself (archive footage) Sam Kinison
Himself Carl LaBove
Himself Jay Leno
Himself Tim Matheson
Himself Dennis Miller
Himself Richard Pryor
Herself Judy Tenuta

Crew — Cinematography: John Crawford
Directing — Director: Larry Carroll
Production — Executive Producer: Bill Kinison
Production — Executive Producer: Larry Carroll
Production — Executive Producer: Stuart Garret
Production — Producer: Arnold H. Orgolini
Production — Producer: Linda Agnelli
Sound — Original Music Composer: Bill Lane
Sound — Original Music Composer: Frank Floyd
Sound — Original Music Composer: Paul Hoffman
Writing — Writer: Larry Carroll
Writing — Writer: Sam Kinison