George Carlin

George Carlin

Actor-comedian
Date of Birth: 12.05.1937
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Biography of George Carlin
  2. Early Life and Career
  3. Rise to Fame
  4. Personal Life and Legacy

Biography of George Carlin

George Carlin was an American comedian, actor, social critic, and writer. He was born on May 12, 1937, in New York City. Carlin is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time and is known for his dark humor and commentary on politics, psychology, religion, and various taboo subjects.

George Carlin

Early Life and Career

Carlin was the second son of Mary Beirne and Patrick Carlin. His parents were of Irish descent and Catholic. When Carlin was two months old, his mother left his alcoholic and abusive father, and she raised him and his older brother on her own. They lived in different places, eventually settling in Manhattan's West 121st Street, which Carlin and his friends called the "White Harlem." Carlin had a difficult relationship with his mother and often ran away from home.

George Carlin

After becoming an adult, Carlin joined the United States Air Force and received training as a radar technician at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. During this time, he also started working as a DJ for a radio station in Shreveport. In 1959, Carlin formed a comedy duo with Jack Burns and they debuted on the radio in Texas before moving to California the following year.

George Carlin

Rise to Fame

In the 1960s, Carlin established a successful career, performing on radio and in nightclubs. He became a frequent guest on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show." His routines became increasingly insightful and tackled more serious topics, leading to his growing popularity.

George Carlin

During the 1960s and 1970s, Carlin made several appearances in television series but found a permanent place on TV in the 1990s. He starred in shows like "The Incredible Adventures of Bill and Ted," "The George Carlin Show," and the children's program "Shining Time Station." He also appeared in movies such as "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back," "Scary Movie 3," and "Jersey Girl." Carlin provided the voice of Fillmore in "Cars" and the Wizard in "The Cinderella Story."

Personal Life and Legacy

Carlin married Brenda Hosbrook in 1961, whom he met while on tour. They had a daughter named Kelly. Brenda passed away from liver cancer in 1997. Carlin remarried Sally Wade the following year and remained with her until his death.

Carlin was known for his outspoken and unapologetic views. He was an atheist and frequently criticized the concept of God in interviews and performances. He also refused to vote, believing that elections were an illusion of choice. However, he publicly supported George McGovern in the 1972 presidential election.

On June 22, 2008, Carlin was admitted to a medical center in Santa Monica with chest pain. He passed away on the same day from heart failure at the age of 71. Carlin's body was cremated according to his wishes, and his ashes were scattered without any public or religious ceremony.

After his death, HBO, NBC, and radio stations Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio paid tribute to Carlin by airing marathons of his performances. His autobiography, "Last Words," co-written with Tony Hendra, was published a year and a half after his passing. The audiobook version was narrated by Carlin's brother, Patrick Carlin, and included interviews with his daughter Kelly and Tony Hendra.

© BIOGRAPHS