Comedian and modern-day philosopher George Carlin died 22 June 2008. He had had a history of heart trouble, and was admitted to St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, in the afternoon complaining of chest pain; he died in the evening. Born 12 May 1937 in New York City, who may be longest remembered for his “Seven Words You Can Never Say On TV.” When he performed the bit in Milwaukee in 1972, he was arrested on charge of disturbing the peace. When the words were played on New York City’s WBAI in 1978, the case went all the way to the Supreme Court (and to this day, there are photocopied lists of those seven words taped to every wall within shouting distance of a microphone at the station) [see correction, below]. On Tuesday, it was announced that he would be receiving the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor later this year.
Carlin was the first guest host of Saturday Night Live in 1975, and produced 23 comedy albums and 14 HBO specials. He won four Grammy Awards for best spoken comedy album, and was nominated for five Emmy Awards. Carlin also wrote three books: Napalm & Silly Putty, When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?, and Brain Droppings.
In addition to his comedy, Carlin was an actor, and made several genre appearances. Some of this include: Cars (2006), Tarzan II (2005), Scary Movie 3 (2003), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Dogma (1999), Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), and Justin Case (1988).
Carlin’s own web site is www.georgecarlin.com, though at this writing, it doesn’t yet have news of his death.
Carlin’s first wife, Brenda, died in 1997. He is survived by wife Sally Wade; daughter Kelly Carlin McCall; son-in-law Bob McCall; brother Patrick Carlin; and sister-in-law Marlene Carlin.
[Edited 24 June 2008: Jim Freund, host of WBAI’s weekly science fiction talk radio program Hour of the Wolf, writes that “The broadcast of ‘The Seven Words…’ was in 1973, not 1978. The Supreme Court decision was in 1978. It was found that the broadcast was not ‘obscene’, but on the other hand was ‘indecent’. Accordingly, WBAI was not fined but did have to cover its court costs which amounted to over two million dollars.
“Trivia: The first test case was based on a broadcast of Hour of the Wolf which featured a recording of Harlan Ellison reading ‘Shatterday’, (written the day before and recorded in Leo and Diane Dillon’s class at the School of Visual Arts.) The case was dropped by the government on review with the determination that young people should not be listening un-monitored by guardians before 6AM.”
Thanks for the correction and amplification, Jim.]