I don't know about his perversions, but definitely an addict. That's what killed him. But he was also an often insightful, often funny, and completely fearless social critic. A lot of what used to be the domain of columnists and commentators is now carried on by stand-ups, because the "serious" commentators don't have the cajones.
Listen to someone like George Carlin (in the early years; now he's more bitter than funny), Bill Hicks, Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison (he's mostly remembered for his screaming schtick, but there was more to the guy), Chris Rock (the bit where he says America needs new black leaders, and then nominates Pat Reilly, because no one has taken more black men to the promised land), Whether you agree with their premises or not, they have a stiletto-sharp way of finding things you oughta be thinking about. If HL Mencken were alive today, I think he'd be a comic rather than a columnist.
Plenty of videos showing Bill Hicks putting hecklers in their place. If people think the Kramer actor got wild, they should see Hicks in action. I'm not saying this was justified or a failed jab at a heckler gone badd.
I hear what you're saying. I spent some time at the Ding Ho back in the early 80's and saw some of Boston's finest at work. Not always for the faint-hearted, but funny and sharp as could be.