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George Carlin

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9.6 Superb
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Biography

Recent Role:
Himself on Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America
Gender:
Male
Born:
5-12-1937
Died:
6-22-2008 (Heart Failure)
Birthplace:
Morningside Heights (Upper Manhattan), New York
Birth Name:
George Denis Patrick Carlin
George Carlin is an acclaimed stand-up comic, actor and an author. He was most famous for his role in the Supreme Court's 1978 case F.C.C vs Pacifica Foundation. Carlin's "Seven Dirty Words" routine was ultimately deemed "indecent" but not "obscene", thereby determining broadcast standards since.


Carlin grew up in New York City and dropped out of high school in the ninth grade. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Louisiana. Carlin tried his hand as a DJ in Shreveport, and after his discharge, found himself in Fort Worth, Texas, where he started doing stand-up.


More Carlin climbed the ladder until he started making frequent appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show", "The Tonight Show" amidst his comedy album releases.


Carlin's act changed dramatically during the 70's, as his dark humor, coupled with a new 'hippie look' forever changed the landscape of American humor. Carlin was notably the host on the first episode of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975. Because of his drug use and a heart condition, Carlin's career went into a decline during the late 70's. While his appearances were less frequent, he did start doing regular shows for HBO, which kept him in the public eye.


The late 80's saw a resurgence of Carlin's popularity as a result of his appearance in the "Bill & Ted" movies and he returned to his stand-up act, which was typically aired on HBO and had an accompanying album. Carlin also started writing books to further explore his almost nihilist look at the world and it's problems. In recent years Carlin has done voice-over roles in animated films and television.


Carlin was admitted to Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica on the morning of June 22, 2008, where he died of heart failure later that evening.

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  •  
    10 Perfect
    perfect hide show

    I've seen him in movies, like Dogma, and Jersey Girl, and thanks to a friend, I have seen some of his stand-up, and I can honestly say this guy is super hilarious. His routine on the 10 commandments, and on boy names… his routine on the stickers parents get for their 'honor roll' students. This guy was hilarious and it is truly sad he has passed away a while ago. I'm sure if he were still alive he would still be doing awesome stand up and entertaining crowds, either by performing stand up comedy or by doing movies. Awesome guy. 'Nuff said

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    10 Perfect
    Mr. Carlin's body of work will still be relevant to a new generation. A true testament to his talents. hide show

    George Carlin Class Clown-Class Act. When I was talking to Dave White on his radio show, Talking Television With Dave White, we discussed how I have written a large amount of obituaries lately. Sadly, once again I'm honoring a true pioneer who has left us way too soon and at a time when we still need him.

    Donna and I were visiting my brother and my two nephews in Chicago. I wanted to get a picture or the Bob Newhart statue at Navy Pier (See Hi Bob). Over lunch at Bubba Gump's the older generation had to explain to the younger who Bob Newhart is. We stayed on the subject of comedy and comedians. The younger of the nephews (Alex age 16) is a big fan of political satire. We discussed his favorite comedians Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and Lewis Black. I was telling him about the comedians who inspired his favorites. Obviously the conversation could not go too far without mentioning George Carlin.

    I told him that George Carlin is one of the greatest comedians in American history. I told him about George Carlin's comedy routine on the "Seven Dirty Words You Can Never Say on Television".

    This routine appeared on his Class Clown album. George Carlin was arrested on July 21, 1972 at Milwaukee's Summerfest and charged with violating obscenity laws after performing this routine. The case was dismissed in December of that year; the judge declared that the language was indecent, but Carlin had the freedom to say it as long as he caused no disturbance. I told my nephew that the classic routine is an excellent example of the power of comedy. Radio station WBAI (a Pacifica Radio Station in New York City) played similar routine, "Filthy Words," from George Carlin's Occupation: Foole album over the air. The broadcast was then brought to the attention of the FCC. Pacifica received a citation from the FCC, which sought to fine Pacifica for allegedly violating FCC regulations which prohibited broadcasting "obscene" material. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the FCC action, by a vote of 5 to 4, ruling that the routine was "indecent but not obscene," and the FCC had authority to prohibit such broadcasts during hours when children were likely to be among the audience. FCC v. Pacifica Foundation , 438 U.S. 726 (1978). The following morning I was shocked to learn that George Carlin had died. Before leaving Chicago I stopped by a Borders and bought the younger Figueroa a CD of George Carlin's Class Clown and Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics. Since then we have had a couple of conversations on George Carlin and he even bought a third CD. We talked about Carlin's influence on his favorite comedians, his love of words, his way of pointing out politicians and the news media manipulates the language to change their impact. I was so touched that my young nephew is now enjoying one of my favorite comedians.

    Mr. Carlin's body of work will still be relevant to a new generation. A true testament to his talents. Whenever we loose someone of prominence there are those who will ask, "Why?" I think it is because the time has come for us to activate our own Inner-Carlin. We examine our vocabulary, analyze what we hear from our leaders, point out the absurdities in life and not settle for being main stream.

    To quote George Carlin, "I think it's the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately".

    Good Night Mr. Carlin and good luck.

    Stay Tuned

    Tony Figueroa

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    9 Superb
    best comic ever. hide show

    George Carlin rest in peace was mu favorite comedian of all time. He had all different types of humor and thats what made him funny. I think he got better with age. I dont like his early stuff especially 70's ,80's were ok 90's and up were great.I think I have seen ever one of his shows but none live. His only problem is that he cussed a little to much i dont mind cussing at all but he could calm down a little bit. I didn't believe in everything that he said but ever comic is bound to offend you every once in a while.

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    10 Perfect
    One of our greatest comedians. hide show

    George Carlin took us where no other comedians could. His comedy was controversial, but he told the truth in his comedy. One of our greatest talents. One of my favorite issues he talks about is Saving the Planet. Pure geunius when it comes to his talents. George will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Right now God has one of our greatest comedians ever. May you Rest In Peace George. You will be greatly missed by everyone. This review written by cna97 a.k.a. Donna. Rest in Peace George May 12, 1937 - 6-22-2008.

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    10 Perfect
    He did great! hide show

    George Carlin did great! He narrated seasons 1-4 of "Thomas the Tank Engine" in the United States. I miss his narrating so much. I own most of the Thomas the Tank Engine movies and I hear his narrations from Seasons 1-4. He was the best narrator in Thomas the Tank Engine. The other narrators are cool too. The first movie that I watched and I heard his narration was "Thomas' Christmas Party". I also heard him from a Season 10 episode of "The Simpsons". He was so talented, he even has his own show! Now, need I really really say more?

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