Bill Burr, Billy Corgan Joke About Being Half-Brothers in Podcast Surprise

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Comedian Bill Burr and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan shared a lighthearted moment during a recent podcast appearance, playfully entertaining rumors that they might be half-brothers. The unexpected reunion unfolded on comedian Howie Mandel‘s podcast, where Corgan made a surprise appearance during Burr’s interview.

The speculation began years ago when Corgan’s stepmother suggested that Burr could be one of his father’s alleged illegitimate children. Corgan recounted the story during a November 2023 episode of Mandel’s podcast, explaining that his stepmother believed Burr might be connected to his father’s past as a traveling musician. “My father did once tell me that I had a half-brother named Bill, who was born around the same time as me,” Corgan said at the time.

During Tuesday’s episode, Mandel orchestrated the surprise by bringing Corgan into the studio while Burr was being interviewed. Burr reacted with mock frustration, jokingly cursing at Mandel for the setup. “Did you ever think the fact that I never told that story, that maybe you shouldn’t?” Burr quipped to Corgan, who expressed surprise that Burr wasn’t aware of his appearance.

The two continued to play along with the idea, trading stories about their fathers. Burr noted that his father had claimed to be a dentist, while Corgan described his relationship with his father as “difficult.” Despite the humorous tone, Burr eventually declared, “We have the same father,” though Corgan jokingly countered, “The fact that he said he can’t sing, I think that sort of disproves that we’re related.”

The playful exchange drew comparisons to another celebrity duo, actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, who have also joked about potentially being half-brothers. McConaughey revealed on Kelly Ripa‘s podcast in 2023 that there was a possibility he and Harrelson shared the same father, though he expressed hesitation about pursuing a DNA test.

Burr’s latest comedy special, “Drop Dead Years,” is set to premiere on Hulu on March 14. Meanwhile, Corgan continues to lead the Smashing Pumpkins, with the band recently announcing new tour dates. The two stars may not be related, but their on-air chemistry left fans entertained and amused.