There's not many people that can lay claim to have lived a life as full as Louis Theroux.
The legendary documentary maker turns 46 today and it's fair to say he's packed a variety of experiences into that lifetime that most could only dream of. He's showing no signs of slowing down either having just released two new docs, Drinking to Oblivion and A Different Brain. That's not even mentioning My Scientology Movie which he's promised will get distributed in theaters this year.
To celebrate his birthday, we've collated some of the best moments from his body of work so far. So sit back, relax and reminisce with some of the moments that have made Louis the man he is today.
Making an offensive picket sign - The Most Hated Family in America
In The Most Hated Family in America, Louis met Westboro Baptist Church member Steve Drain. It's the section where Steve shows Louis the signs the church makes that is the most shocking. Drain reveals that he too was once an 'intelligent libertarian' and a documentary maker like Louis before he was converted to the church. Theroux is aghast at the man's sudden drop in intelligence and even wonders if the same could happen to him.
Learning How to Rap - Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends
As part of Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends, Louis travelled to the US south to meet pimp turned rapper Mello T. He even tried to compose a rap himself. While he's hardly a natural rapper you've got to give him full marks for effort.
Face Off with Scientology members - My Scientology Movie
It's yet to be released but this chilling moment from the sneak peak released a few months ago deserves inclusion. The pure intimidation exerted by the Scientology faithful is extremely unsettling.
Being attacked by a 'weaponized' dog - Louis Theroux's LA Stories
It's scary enough watching the trained professionals take on this weapon dog but once Louis tries on the arm shield it really does become nerve wrecking television. One of the guys sums it up best when he asks: "We're going to have to check your pants now, right?"
Mealtime politics in San Quentin Prison - Louis Theroux: Behind Bars
Louis gets the low down on the prison meal time politics in San Quentin and how the different groups and gangs segregate. He's shocked how what might seem like a trivial 'breach' in etiquette can result in brutal punishments from inmates' own gang members. The brief summary by Nick of why they do things that way is chilling.
"It's just how it is."
New boy at the wrestling club - Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends
It turns out Theroux's inquisitive style can get on his subjects nerves as he eventually annoyed the organisers enough to have him get put through the mill by the drillmaster in order to compensate. The very polite thrash talking promo he cuts at the start is comedy gold.
