Groundbreaking Comic George Carlin Dead at 71

When people usually make lists of the top stand up comedians in the last half century, a name that often winds up near the top is George Carlin. In the 70's, George Carlin was a comedian who was embraced by counter culture communities and regular comedy fans alike, regularly pushing the limits of acceptable language and taboo topics. This reputation was cemented by one of the most famous comedy routines of all time, George Carlin's "Seven Dirty Words You Can't Say On Television" bit. However, George Carlin has no more words, dirty or otherwise, to say after his death from heart failure last night at 71.

Carlin's career achievements include 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, four Grammys,130 Tonight Show appearances and becoming the first ever host of Saturday Night Live. In addition, Carlin has his own place in legal history, as the Supreme Court ruled in 1978 that radios could sanction radio stations for playing the "Seven Dirty Words" bit during hours where children could listen. Nevertheless, Carlin carried on his brand of social commentary and rants against the perceptions of obscenity, indecency and religion for decades.

Carlin joined the Air Force in 1954 but received numerous punishments and court-martials. There he began to work as a disc jockey, working at a variety of radio stations and other temporary jobs. Finally in 1960, he began his standup career on the nightclub stage, forming a comedic team with fellow standup Jack Burns.

When the two first appeared on The Tonight Show, he got his first break. During their partnership, Carlin was far more conservative and buttoned down than what he would later become. But his outlook on comedy and life changed after he heard the comedy acts of original shock comic Lenny Bruce. After Carlin broke up with Burns in 1962, he began to develop his signature look and views over the rest of the decade.

Carlin also found time to appear in films like Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, The Prince of Tides, Dogma, Jersey Girl and Cars. He was also the occasional narrator of the children's program Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends.

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