American stand-up comedian (1937–2008) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008) was an American actor, writer, comedian and writer. He was known for his dark comedy and jokes about politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and taboo.
George Carlin | |
---|---|
Born | George Denis Patrick Carlin May 12, 1937 New York City, New York, U.S. |
Died | June 22, 2008 71) Santa Monica, California, U.S. | (aged
Cause of death | Heart failure |
Occupation(s) | Actor, writer, comedian. |
Years active | 1956–2008 |
Known for | Narrator of Thomas and Friends Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station |
Spouse(s) | Brenda Hosbrook (m. 1961–1997; her death) Sally Wade (m. 1998–2008; his death) |
Children | 1 |
Carlin was born and raised in Manhattan, New York City. Carlin said that he started to appreciate effective use of the English language because of his mother, though they had a difficult relationship and he often ran away from home. He grew up on West 121st Street in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, which he and his friends called "White Harlem" because it "sounded a lot tougher than its real name".
His mother had a television, which was a rare and new technology at the time, and Carlin became a fan of the late-night talk show Broadway Open House during its short run.[1]
Carlin joined the U.S. Air Force and trained as a radar technician. During his time in the Air Force, he had been court-martialed three times and received many nonjudicial punishments and reprimands.[2]
The first of Carlin's 14 stand-up comedy specials for HBO was filmed in 1977. From the late 1980s, his performances were focused on sociocultural criticism of American society.
Carlin acted in movies including Jersey Girl, Dogma, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (and its sequel), Scary Movie 3, and Disney's Tarzan 2. He also narrated the children's television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends from 1984 to 1995 (Actor Alec Baldwin later took over the role in 1998), and Portrayed Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station.
He was known for his "seven dirty words" routine. The routine was about seven words people should not say in the media. (The list was ironically used by many radio stations, as a guide to what kind of language was not allowed.) Comedy Central called Carlin one of the greatest stand-up comedians.
Carlin married Brenda Hosbrook on June 3, 1961, together they have a daughter named Kelly.[source?] They remained married until her death in 1997, just a few day's before Carlin's 60th birthday.[source?] Carlin then married Sally Wade on June 24, 1998, the marriage lasted until Carlin's death in 2008.[source?]
Carlin had a history of heart problems. He had several heart attacks. He died of heart failure in Santa Monica, California at age 71.
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1968 | With Six You Get Eggroll | Herbie Fleck | |
1976 | Car Wash | Taxi driver | |
1979 | Americathon | Narrator | |
1987 | Outrageous Fortune | Frank Madras | |
1989 | Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure | Rufus | |
1990 | Working Tra$h | Ralph Sawatzky | |
1991 | Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey | Rufus | |
The Prince of Tides | Eddie Detreville | ||
1995 | Streets of Laredo | Billy Williams | |
1998 | Godzilla | Uncredited Party Guest | |
1999 | Dogma | Cardinal Ignatius Glick | |
2001 | Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back | Hitchhiker | |
2003 | Scary Movie 3 | Architect | |
2004 | Jersey Girl | Bart Trinké | |
2005 | Tarzan II | Zugor | Voice only |
The Aristocrats | Himself | ||
2006 | Cars | Fillmore | Voice only |
Mater and the Ghostlight | |||
2007 | Happily N'Ever After | Wizard |
Special | Year | Notes |
---|---|---|
On Location: George Carlin at USC | 1977 | |
George Carlin: Again! | 1978 | |
Carlin at Carnegie | 1982 | |
Carlin on Campus | 1984 | |
Playin' with Your Head | 1986 | |
What Am I Doing in New Jersey? | 1988 | |
Doin' It Again | 1990 | |
Jammin' in New York | 1992 | |
Back in Town | 1996 | |
George Carlin: 40 Years of Comedy | 1997 | |
You Are All Diseased | 1999 | |
Complaints and Grievances | 2001 | |
Life Is Worth Losing | 2005 | |
All My Stuff | 2007 |
A boxset of Carlin's first 12 stand-up specials |
It's Bad for Ya | 2008 |
Book | Year | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sometimes a Little Brain Damage Can Help | 1984 | ISBN 0-89471-271-3[3] |
Brain Droppings | 1997 | ISBN 0-7868-8321-9[4] |
Napalm and Silly Putty | 2001 | ISBN 0-7868-8758-3[5] |
When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops? | 2004 | ISBN 1-4013-0134-7[6] |
Three Times Carlin: An Orgy of George | 2006 | ISBN 978-1-4013-0243-6[7] A collection of the 3 previous titles. |
Watch My Language | 2009 | ISBN 0-7868-8838-5[8][9] Posthumous release (not yet released). |
Last Words | ISBN 1-4391-7295-1[10] Posthumous release. |
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