George Carlin

Date of Birth: May 12, 1937

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: June 22, 2008

Biography

George Denis Patrick Carlin was an American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and social critic. He was known for his dark comedy and reflections on politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and various taboo subjects. Carlin was born in Manhattan, New York City, and his comedic career spanned five decades, beginning in the 1960s. He was a frequent performer and guest host on “The Tonight Show” during the three-decade Johnny Carson era, and starred in 14 HBO comedy specials. Carlin is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians of all time. His “Seven Dirty Words” comedy routine was central to the 1978 U.S. Supreme Court case “F.C.C. v. Pacifica Foundation,” in which a 5–4 decision affirmed the government’s power to regulate indecent material on the public airwaves. Carlin’s comedic style evolved from the observational, “everyman” style of his early career to a more satirical, cynical, and often controversial approach, earning him both acclaim and criticism.

5 Interesting Facts about George Carlin

1. George Carlin was arrested seven times for his provocative and controversial comedy routines.

2. He won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums.

3. Carlin was posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2008.

4. He was an Air Force radar technician before he became a comedian.

5. Carlin had a heart condition and had multiple heart attacks throughout his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Carlin

1. “The planet is fine. The people are fucked.”

2. “Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.”

3. “I think it’s the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.”

4. “Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.”

5. “Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death in 2008, George Carlin had an estimated net worth of $10 million.

Children

George Carlin had one daughter, Kelly Carlin, born on June 15, 1963, with his first wife, Brenda Hosbrook. Kelly Carlin is a writer, actress, producer, and radio host.