Known for his edgy, provocative material, Carlin achieved status as an anti-Establishment icon in the 1970s with stand-up bits full of drug references and a routine about seven dirty words you could not say on television. Comedian George Carlin, a counter-culture hero famed for his routines about drugs and dirty words, died of heart failure at a Los Angeles-area hospital Sunday, a spokesman said. He was was 71. Carlin, who has had several heart attacks and a history of cardiac issues, went into the hospital this afternoon after complaining of heart problems. A regulatory battle over a radio broadcast of his “Filthy Words” routine ultimately reached the US Supreme Court.
His appearance as Rufus in the movie, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, introduced him to a whole new generation of fans. The landmark ruling, FCC v Pacifica, in 1978, ruled the material was indecent, but not obscene. Early in his career he introduced a routine known as The seven words you can not say on television. George Carlin was born on May 12, 1937 in New York, New York.
He is known by many as the hippy comedian, and has shocked, outraged, offended, and been loved by several generations of comedy fans. He is a master of stand up comedy. He was discharged from the Air Force before his enlistment was complete, and began a full time career in stand up comedy. He was arrested after one public performance.
While stationed at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana, he began working at a radio station in nearby Shreveport. He has also published several books that contain much of his material, and continues to be active in recording and live performances. In 2004, when Comedy Central named its top 100 Stand Up Comedians of All Time, George Carlin was ranked second. He took a few years off at the height of his fame due to illness and when he returned he began to work in films.
The decision allowed the FCC to restrict broadcasts during periods when children would likely be watching. During this time, he developed a comedy routine and began working local clubs. In his most recent film, Cars, an animated movie, he played the voice of the hippy van. This routine made Carlin extremely popular, but the fame came at the price of legal trouble.
He is famous for his highly irreverent routines. He is a notorious atheist, and religion is the subject of much of his humor. His style has changed very little over the years. Later, the FCC became embroiled in a case against a radio station that had performed the bit.
Language, Religion, Politics, and even Natural Disasters are common targets for Carlin’s sharp and caustic wit. He followed up this success with several other movies, usually in small and supporting character roles. Only Richard Pryor was ahead of him on the list. During this period, Carlin was a regular guest on the Johnny Carson show, and released several albums.
Carlin dropped out of high school at the age of 14, and went into the Air Force shortly afterwards.
