I've just been told by a source that George Carlin died this evening. This is indeed shocking. Last week, it was announced that on November 10th the veteran comic whose infamous "Filthy Words" routine reached all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court would be the 11th person inducted into the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ pantheon of humor and receive this year’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. (Past winners include Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin and Steve Martin.) Reuters now also has Carlin's death, reporting that he died at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica of heart failure at age 71. Hollywood has long loved Carlin as a gentle and considerate man. But what the funnyman courageously did to fight censorship over the airwaves on radio and television is the legacy he leaves behind for the entertainment and media biz.
RIP….he will be missed.
Comment by Carter — June 22, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
the airport safety lecture remains the best bit of all time. RIP, George.
Comment by MK — June 22, 2008 @ 10:20 pm
He was the Mort Sahl of today. The Lenny Bruce………
The best of the best.
He will be sorely missed.
Comment by Independant producer — June 22, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
Wouldn’t it be ironic that Carlin winds up in heaven and then gets to come back to tell us all about it? The Buddy Jesus, indeed.
RIP you cynical bastard.
Comment by Hank Hollyweird — June 22, 2008 @ 10:34 pm
You can’t say he was never less than brilliant, or never less than hilarious; his career was just too gloriously long and non-risk-averse for him never once to have fallen flat.
But he was never less than interesting, and at his best, which he mostly was, he was very funny indeed.
Oh, and the man single-handledly revolutionized stand-up comedy back in the ’70s.
Thank you and goodnight, buddy.
Comment by admiring colleague — June 22, 2008 @ 10:35 pm
Way to go, 24-hour news. CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News Channels aren’t even reporting it. Instead, they’re all showing their crap one-hour specials. I guess one of the most influential performers of all time isn’t worth breaking into their sensationalist tripe.
Comment by P.J. — June 22, 2008 @ 10:35 pm
*cries*
RIP George, you were one of a kind buddy.. We will miss you…
Comment by TV Fan — June 22, 2008 @ 10:55 pm
I am really going to miss George Carlin he’s the only comedian that I’ve ever wanted to see live.
Comment by brads blog — June 22, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
Met him on a flight and I had something he really wanted so he asked me for it and I handed it to him. He then asked for my phone number and told me he’d call me soon to get in touch to see if there was anything i wanted from him. I didn’t believe it for a second, but hey, he was George Carlin - so I gave him my number and said goodbye.
He called two days later.
There will be a moment, a tipping point perhaps, where all the great comedians are gone. This is very sad news, his departure.
Comment by Robert Not So Wise — June 22, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
Man, what a pisser! Carlin was absolutely influential for my generation. We learned the seven dirty words and recited the routine like a mantra. And his work never stopped, but just kept growing and evolving with the man. Not enough to say he will be missed — he was one of a kind.
Comment by Sandra — June 22, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
Carlin - THE MOST IMPORTANT social critics of all time was a comedian and entertainer. A true original the great GC taught so many about about so much. To quote the great one “I’m always relieved when someine is delivering a eulogy and I realize I am listening to it.” Well, pal - rest assured your loyal fans will give you a perfect send off. We loved you. Our thoughts are with your family, friends, and manager (Mr. Hamza) and longtime ICM agents (Mr. Levine and Mr. Bunin).
Comment by Missing the GREAT CARLIN — June 22, 2008 @ 11:20 pm
There were only 2 great stand ups– Pryor & Carlin.
Everyone else– imitators.
Thank you for opening & blowing my mind, Mr. Carlin.
Comment by e — June 22, 2008 @ 11:28 pm
Sorry to see you go. I always felt safer with you looking out for us. Thanks for having our backs for so long.
Comment by Malone — June 22, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
wow, seriously sad. i am of a younger generation and they say comedy has a shelf life but he is wonderful no matter what generation or background. a true culture hero. Very, very sad. Much love to his family and friends and all those grieving the loss of a fine man.
Comment by keven with an "e" — June 22, 2008 @ 11:37 pm
What a terrible month it’s been for deaths. Sydney Pollack, Tim Russert, Stan Winston and now George Carlin. This is truly sad.
Comment by This June Sucks — June 22, 2008 @ 11:38 pm
All standup comics around the country should wear black jeans and a long sleeve black shirt for the next week in honor of the great George Carlin.
Comment by Remember Him — June 22, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
Shit. Piss. Fuck.
Comment by anotherWGAmember — June 22, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
I grew up listening to my older brothers playing GC’s albums. Grew-up still loving him and lucky enough to see him live several times. I will miss him greatly and the world will be many smiles fewer without him.
Comment by Allan — June 22, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
I always liked his routines until a few years ago when he seemed bent on attacking religion, christianity in particular. He played off as though he did not believe in God or the concept of a Creator at all. Tonight George has met Him face to face, I hope all is well in his Creator’s eyes
Comment by LJM — June 22, 2008 @ 11:45 pm
George Carlin was the best comedian out there well one of the best and it is sad seeing him gone for good. i am so shocked i cant believe it. i wanted to see him live but of course my luck, i wont be able to now. man….. this guy cracked me up =/ RIP GC
Comment by OMFG — June 22, 2008 @ 11:50 pm
It would be right to honor him with a special award at the Emmy’s in a couple months. Who can we a fans call or write to? He changed my life and moved things in the right directrion.
RIP and maybe you and Tim can have an ultra special Meet the Press up in heaven. Tim of course will run the show and you will be interviewed.
God Bless.
Comment by Joseph — June 22, 2008 @ 11:52 pm
He will be greatly missed. One of the best and one of the last. In the words of George Carlin “I think it’s the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.”
One of the few out there willing to talk about issues no one else was daring to, and then through them in your face..
Comment by Joslyn — June 22, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
I may not have agreed with everything he said but I was always entertained.He made you laugh and think at the same time. One of the best social commentators of all time.
RIP you magnificent bastard.
Comment by Tony C — June 22, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
i got to see him one time. and ive looked every day online to see if he was coming anywhere close so i could see him again. once isnt enough but it will have to do i guess.he was the best i just hope he knew that
Comment by cory — June 23, 2008 @ 12:02 am
HIS JOKES WERE INFAMOUS…HIS SPECIALS PRICELESS….THE WRONGEST RIGHT PERSON EVER!!! RIP GEORGE CARLIN YOUR COMEDY WILL LIVE ON….
Comment by RIP TO YEARS OF LAUGHTER — June 23, 2008 @ 12:16 am
the first of my heroes now dead, i feel a loss probably for the first time in my life.
Rest in Peace George.
Comment by chriscordial — June 23, 2008 @ 12:17 am
RIP George
Carlin was definately one of the greatest comedians of all time and will be missed. My sympathies go out to his family, friends, and fans.
Comment by Patrick — June 23, 2008 @ 12:24 am
George Carlin Tribute
Light a Memorial Candle
America’s Beloved Funnyman
http://GeorgeCarlinTribute.com
Comment by George Carlin Fan — June 23, 2008 @ 12:34 am
He is my first hero…and I grew up synchronizing my anger, summoning conclusions to my adolescent thinking about America via his poetic pronouncements.
Tilting at ominous windmills for more than 50 years, once he began to combine social commentary with an irreverent comic timing, he found an enduring, inimitable American voice. He was to those who grew up after the Kennedy assasinations what Will Rogers was to a previous, more innocent generation.
I first heard Carlin perform in my 10th grade media class in 1972, (the teacher wanted to keep us restless students docile, I guess) and I can remember he kept me laughing so hard I cried. Carlin was irreverent and God knows we (I) needed someone like this to make sense of the depressed state of things.
When I heard he had died, I watched the video from his cable special ‘Life is Worth Losing’ produced in 2006. He appears to have aged (he was @ 69) and he stumbles a bit, and is less energetic. His addictive behaviors, as well as his heart problems, were public record. For more on this man’s life in his words, ..see http://www.carlin.com (timeline)
George refined the word ‘patriot’ though he would probably have disagreed with this statement; but you have to give him his due: you have to really listen to him and in the context of his times, and know that America meant something more to him than the ‘average’ American, in the time he grew up, patriot was a respected term, meaning dissenter.
And no entertainer could descend more extensively into the foibles of the American politic, cultural hypocrisy or delve into idioms of …stupidity
better than Carlin.
Although he skewered American culture on stage and on record, Carlin was a fierce defender of free speech and a friend of freedom; we were blessed to expereince his profound talent and will not know of his kind again soon.
There is a line from Barry Lopez’s short story ‘The Mappist,’ in which Corliss Benevideo, the protagonist and patriot, says,…”…I’ve nothing agaisnt human passion, human longing. What I oppose is blind devotion to progress, and the venality of material wealth. If we’re going to trade the priceless for the common, I want to know exactly what the terms are.”
George Carlin was a great American mind and social critic who found his following as a provacateur hipster in disguise. We grieve his loss.
Comment by Eric S. — June 23, 2008 @ 12:55 am
Miss you George. A great IRISH POET
Comment by just a thought — June 23, 2008 @ 1:01 am
George. You are the father of “Modern” comedy. So many comics owe you for the freedom they have today. You will be missed and never forgotten. And remember….It’s ok to prick your finger…but NEVER finger your prick!
Comment by Craig Mitchell — June 23, 2008 @ 1:03 am
miss ya George… I promise to remove you from my address book on the sixth day… sleep well… and make sure to tell god he doesn’t exist for us
Comment by Taukimada — June 23, 2008 @ 1:05 am
Sadly, this will be the first “Mark Twain Prize for American Humor” to be awarded posthumously.
And in looking over the list of previous honorees, how the FUCK do Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin, Billy Crystal and Lorne Michaels merit an award recognizing literate American humor before George “Words” Carlin?
Comment by Another comic — June 23, 2008 @ 1:10 am
RIP George. I never was able to see him live, just my luck, but I was always in front of the tv when his specials were on. No one has made me laugh like he did. I loved his views on life and his play with words. I will greatly miss him,the world will never be the same with out him. My heart goes out to his family and friend. Ill miss you George!!
Comment by rebel — June 23, 2008 @ 1:15 am
There will never be a greater comedian than George Carlin.
Comment by 40yearoldstitzer — June 23, 2008 @ 1:18 am
George Carlin was not only a great comedian, but a great man as well. I finally got a job where I thought I could save up enough money to go see one of his shows. I wish I could have made it. I am truly sad to see him go. George if you can see this from where you are at. Rest in peace, and I will catch that show in a couple of decades.
Comment by Shaun Behrens — June 23, 2008 @ 1:44 am
Jesus, George Carlin, Stan Winston, Sydney Pollack, all in the last month. There are a great number of rotten bastards in Hollywood (and elsewhere) who deserve horrible deaths instead of these pros. Rest in peace, guys.
Comment by Jack Burton — June 23, 2008 @ 1:54 am
Sir George Carlin my respects to you and your family you will be missed!
Comment by Marlowe — June 23, 2008 @ 4:09 am
He Was Here Just A Minute Ago — (his words)
Very few people I can say I respect and enjoy sharing the planet with // George Carlin was truly one of those without question.
I related to him in many ways //
Comment by Jerryb9105 — June 23, 2008 @ 4:13 am
He was a groundbreaking comedian and satirist, and definitely one of a kind.
RIP George.
Comment by Furious D — June 23, 2008 @ 4:24 am
Whenever I felt down I would pick up one of his books and open to whichever page I got by chance and there would always be something that cracked me up. One of a kind he was very important to me and I will really miss him.
All of the comments made on the site are touching and I have tear drops dropping on my desk as I write this.
Comment by lew — June 23, 2008 @ 4:29 am
wow , died at 71 he must have pissed off some God , nah i think he’s in heaven pulling pranks on Jesus, Rest in Peace , You were great ,
Comment by dave from tampa — June 23, 2008 @ 4:45 am
his rant on religion goes down as the most honest, insightful and spot on factual take down of the entire institution. This is a huge loss.
Comment by Poppypitbull — June 23, 2008 @ 4:52 am
He is and will always be one of the greatest, and will live on in his legacy. George was a great influence for me, and brought forth such inspiration. He’s greatly loved and as much will be missed. We love you GC, R.I.P.
Comment by Sean M. — June 23, 2008 @ 4:57 am
A motherfucking king, shit.
Comment by Lasse — June 23, 2008 @ 5:03 am
shit ,p iss,f uck,c unt,c ocksucker,mother f ucker,t its,f art,t urd,t wat…..george is gone. what a loss, r.i.p…buddy
Comment by tom — June 23, 2008 @ 5:25 am
I’ll come to see your show live on the other side someday, keep going on, buddy.
Greeting from Norway
Lill
Comment by Lill — June 23, 2008 @ 5:32 am
So long George Carlin. Farewell. You’ve lived your life so well. May your legacy endure in the history of humanity.
http://www.webhostingreality.com
Comment by Website Hosts — June 23, 2008 @ 6:06 am
Goodbye George. You will be forever remembered and missed.
Comment by Clayton — June 23, 2008 @ 6:32 am
If it is at all possible to love somebody that you never met just for what they said and did then it had to be George Carlin. He was quite possibly the most amazing social commentator and straight out class clown of his time. In all likelihood an atheist through to the end he’ll still have the afterlife that he would have wanted to live on in the memories of millions.
He’ll be missed.
I’ll always wonder if he died laughing at Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen! Coz I’m pretty sure Gordon uses all seven words during the first five minutes.
Comment by MGB — June 23, 2008 @ 6:38 am
REST IN PEACE GEORGE
Comment by gmc — June 23, 2008 @ 6:55 am
My sympathy goes out to George Carlin’s family.
Thanks for the many laughs George.
Your openness and comedy will live on.
Comment by Gail Kranendonk — June 23, 2008 @ 7:00 am
Like every creative giant he told the truth.
Comment by Willem — June 23, 2008 @ 7:02 am
Saw Carlin LIVE once.
The crowd laughed so loud and long
that I kept going shhh shhh
’cause I didn’t want to miss one word.
He’s the Best.
Comment by Tom Ligon — June 23, 2008 @ 7:03 am
His was not a dirty word revealed. His was a career. He made us laugh, think, ponder, and wonder. The living word was his oyster. He made them come alive and be free. He hated this….and that…. and the other thing!!You have to hate them all it’s a set. He made me happy. A man I could listen for ever. He belongs to the universe. If there is one. I wonder if he is thinking….have I left anything unsaid? Can someone else pick up his mantle? I wonder what his last words we…………….
Good night George
Comment by James — June 23, 2008 @ 7:21 am
It was a dream of mine to see him live…deeply saddened today. Rest in Peace George you will be missed
Comment by Becca — June 23, 2008 @ 7:24 am
I don’t use the word “genius” a lot, because I respect words and their power. I will use it here… because he respected words and their power even more.
Comment by cst — June 23, 2008 @ 7:26 am
So sorry to hear this.
Glad i got to see him in concert.
My prayers go out to his family and friends.
such a loss to us all.
Good bye George.
The loss is beyond measure. I hope someone
gives him one of those BIG irish sendoffs.
I think he’d like that.
Comes as no surprise that he was honored by the Kennedy Center.
He will be sorely missed.Such a tradgedy..his light gone from this world.
Thankfully, he left us words and ideas to guide us.
Comment by Denise — June 23, 2008 @ 7:27 am
About 11 years ago, my twin brother and I wnt to a George Carlin book signing in Dallas, TX. He had just released “Brain Droppings” and we picked up a copy for him to autograph, along with our vinyl copy of “Occupation Fool”. Mr. Carlin insisted on talking with everyone in line, and when his manager told him he shouldn’t lest he miss his plane, Carlin simply replied, “I wanna talk to them…if I miss my flight we’ll get another fucking plane!!”
When my twin brother and I approached Carlin, he asked, “What are you guys…long lost cousins?” My brother said that we were twins and Carlin replied, “No shit. How rude were ya to mom? Were you an hour apart? A week? A month?” I said to him, “No, we were nice to mom…we were only five minutes apart.” Carlin winked and said, “Ya still didn’t cut her a break.”
He was personable, down to earth, and definately fan oriented. I have always cherished the moment I met George Carlin and now that he’s gone I will cherish it even more.
Comment by Terry Colquitt — June 23, 2008 @ 7:52 am
i have been a fan for aslong as i can remember . durring road trips it was more fun to pop in a george carlin tape(yes i remember what they are) or a cd and listen to him while driving. probably not the safest thing to do, but hey “what the hell” ,it’s better than talking on the phone . right?
my true regret is that i never got to see the genious george live. i have see a lot of his HBO specials. but didn’t realize he had mad 14 though.
i heard about it as i was driving home last night.i promptly found the notice on yahoo.news. at 12:30 am it wasn’t even on msn.com as a major story. i forwarded the artical to all of my friends.
my deepest condolences to his family and friends ,and his extended friends (the millions of us).
george you will truely be missed. thank you for the laughs!!!!!!!!!
Comment by mike s. — June 23, 2008 @ 7:56 am
Looks like someone else (?) needs his humor now…
Ironic.
Airport Security, soccer moms, war, germs…funny. His small role in Price of Tides- classic.
Rest in Peace sweet, funny man. Thanks for the laughter.
I hope he hooks up with Gilda Radner now
Comment by Stephanie M — June 23, 2008 @ 8:04 am
He only said religion was bullshit! not god…..which orginized religion is for the masses that can not think for themselves….
Comment by Lunat1k — June 23, 2008 @ 8:06 am
I saw him a few years ago and I never laughted so hard in my life. Goodbye George
Comment by Andrew Costa — June 23, 2008 @ 8:19 am
Beware, all hypocrites, morons and bozos
Carlin’s gonna drill you with his verbal mojo
Fizzle your brains like limes in SoCo
Demote you from the Ritz–now you stayin’ at the Hojo
‘Cause Carlin’s more pointed than a marlin’s nose
Tripping up fakers with his stand-up prose
The route of fresh perspective he always chose
The farmer of great comedy, the deepest seeds he sows
RIP my favorite comedian — entertainer if you will
Your wisdom inspires me like Moses on the hill
Between you and me, that story’s pickled like a dill
A packaged thrill, a line left out on the window sill
Let me wrap it up ‘fore I trip my own tongue
Great moments I had with you — many more than one
Life’s most important lesson I pulled from your puns
Never take yourself too seriously, for there ends the fun.
RIP George Carlin
B-Dog
Comment by Bryan R. — June 23, 2008 @ 8:46 am
“He played off as though he did not believe in God or the concept of a Creator at all.”
That’s because he didn’t. Spare us your superstitious mumbo jumbo, LJM.
Comment by El Bicho — June 23, 2008 @ 8:52 am
For the last 12 years or so, I have idolized George’s mind and fearless antics when it comes to stage performance. No ONE EVER, even close, not even Richard Pryor was even on the same planet as this man when it comes to satryical humor. I can’t fathom that your are indeed gone.
RIP George…………..We’ll meet on the other side!!
Comment by Jeremy — June 23, 2008 @ 9:07 am
Now he knows God is not dead.
Comment by Cathy P. — June 23, 2008 @ 9:08 am
One of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. The greatest comedian will be very, very missed.
Comment by Mooney — June 23, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Oh beautiful, for smoggy skies, insecticided grain
For strip-mined mountain’s majesty above the asphalt plain.
America, America, man sheds his waste on thee
And hides the pines with billboard signs, from sea to oily sea!
—George Carlin
I loved him…What a loss…the nation lost its sharpest critic…and best comedian…and you know there was a sweet heart underneath all that growling.
Comment by MH — June 23, 2008 @ 10:11 am
My buddies and I graduated from high school in the early ’seventies and spent countless hours quoting FM & AM and CLASS CLOWN back and forth to each other to kill the time. Carlin had no comparison and he will be missed.
Comment by Craig Duckett — June 23, 2008 @ 10:17 am
One of the keys to the degeneration of western culture is gone. The damage is done. Now we have to live in the ruins. Carlin’s humor (which was amazing) was used for negative, not a positive influence. I know that’s not a “correct” opinion but the truth almost always hurts those who don’t care about it. Shalom.
Comment by LM — June 23, 2008 @ 10:18 am
Another tribute to Carlin: http://www.236.com/blog/w/jamie_kilstein/crossing_the_line_7285.php
He will be missed.
Comment by Alyssa — June 23, 2008 @ 10:22 am
Pryor and Carlin were two of the greats.
Just fucking awesome. Sad.
Of course the MSM will not cover it because he was never on Meet The Press
Comment by Jack Jett — June 23, 2008 @ 10:34 am
See ya around you old fuck.
Comment by The other George — June 23, 2008 @ 11:00 am
“Now he knows God is not dead.”
Cathy P like has be said to other in this thread.. spare us you superstitious blah blah blah.
George… We will miss you more than I think you would have believed.
Could someone go up on the roof and get that frisbee?
Comment by Roy — June 23, 2008 @ 11:02 am
GC was the Godfather of standup comedy. He was a brilliant and kind man. I never got the chance to see him live but I’ve always watched him whenever he had an HBO special or whatever.
See ya later George!
Comment by Shawn — June 23, 2008 @ 11:03 am
time to celebrate a life that left behind more beauty than it came in with.
Comment by billy — June 23, 2008 @ 11:04 am
Iwas lucky to see George Live in Great Falls.MT about 2006. Born in the mid 50’s Igrew up on George,from John Carson (The Tonight Show) and on and on. Best Wishes to Mrs. Carlin and family,George is sill making you laugh also I’m sure. Foreever George Carlin.
Comment by Richard Blount — June 23, 2008 @ 11:05 am
So long George. You will be missed.
My tribute to you
Comment by rpezman24 — June 23, 2008 @ 11:14 am
about 3 weeks ago Mr. Carlin and a reporter came into the novel cafe in santa monica and sat behind me as i was writing. i wear headphones while i write to block out noise, but turned the music off and for the next hour was treated to an incredible lesson in comedy, charm and wisdom. I wanted to turn around and do the ole wayne and garth “we’re not worthy” bow, but managed to control myself.
i learned more in that hour of eavesdropping than i did in all the hours spent reading and watching interviews with other “comedy professionals”. what a treat.
however the thing that struck me about him the most was how humble gentle, genuine and warm he was. so rare in this town. i am glad i was able to witness (eavesdrop) on it!!
Comment by deedee — June 23, 2008 @ 11:14 am
The world just got a lot less funny, George you made us all crack up to the core and learn something about ourselves, we’re all full of BS…
Comment by chris castle — June 23, 2008 @ 11:34 am
oh shit…
yes you said it
I got to piss…
that one I will miss
fuck you…
yea that one too
cunt…
that was a stunt
there was cocksucker
and motherfucker
tits,fart,turd and twat
you broke ground and didnt care
when you spoke we became aware
of the worlds hypocrisy and sin
we love as we you loved you then
and you will never be forgotten
Comment by Laura — June 23, 2008 @ 11:36 am
WHY GOD WHY ?????????????????????????
Damn it MAN!!!!!!!!
Comment by jeri — June 23, 2008 @ 11:42 am
You put words to things we all felt but might now have known how to express ourselves. You made us laugh, you made us think, you made us question authority.
“It just is. And so are we. Atleast for a little while”
Thanks for being there George.
Comment by Jeremy — June 23, 2008 @ 11:43 am
The world just got a lot less funny, George you made us laugh to the core and realize something about ourselves, we’re all full BS…
Comment by chris castle — June 23, 2008 @ 11:44 am
C-A-R
L-I-N
fuck the kings of comedy
george be original sin
straight up. no filter. busting loads with no skin
in the swim for forty years
and the folks’ll never tire
sleep on his logic
can’t do it cuz’ - he set the bed on fire
if you want to get your start in the comedy game
do like all the others - take a bite from his name
keep the shit beyond control, onto you they will blame
george is to eternal, like corey is to haim.
Comment by AK Fresh — June 23, 2008 @ 11:50 am
I am saddened by his death. We have lost someone who gave a damn and there aren’t many left with his honesty. I had the priviledge of seeing one of his performances in the late 70s in Denver CO.
Comment by P — June 23, 2008 @ 11:59 am
“One of the keys to the degeneration of western culture is gone. The damage is done. Now we have to live in the ruins.”
GEORGE CARLIN was the key to the degeneration of western culture? Are you a total fucking idiot? I guess reporting a suicide bombing is equivalent to BEING a suicide bomber, too?
Comment by Melissa — June 23, 2008 @ 12:04 pm
stand up comedy
people no longer laughing
George Carlin is dead
Comment by GregW66 — June 23, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
I saw him last week in Las Vegas and he was on top of his game. He was the kind of comedian that made you think and not enough of them do that these days.
To quote his own words…He isn’t in heaven looking down smiling he is just dead…and we will miss him dearly!
Comment by Maura — June 23, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
I saw George Carlin live at the Meyerhoff. He is one funny fucker. The friend I went with actually had the balls to say the other guy was funnier than him. I said these exact words:
“That other guy is just up there to be funny. George Carlin actually makes you think, that’s the funny part, and you’re just too stupid to get it.”
She then told it to everyone like it was her idea, without the too stupid part. Some people didn’t deserve him, but the rest of us will hold his memory dearly and try to keep him living on.
R.I.P. My good man, and try to send my condolences to your family for me.
Comment by Jennifer — June 23, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
George was one of a kind, and the best social commentator in the past 30 years. If Tim Russert interviews him in heaven (and they are BOTH up there, much to George’s surprise), God will be in stitches…..and nodding His head in agreement with 90% of George’s comments.
Thank God for You Tube and DVD’s, so the world will continue to see how brilliant he was in person.
God bless you, George, and rest in peace, buddy.
Comment by Gerry — June 23, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
Its a shame that one of the best comedians out there who isn’t afraid to show some ballz had to leave us. it will be a sad and gloomy week this week >_<
Comment by pixie — June 23, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
I never really looked at political issues until after I first saw his stand - up show. I Loved GC from then on. I am from the youger generation that latched on to his comic genius and couldn’t get enough. His humor is timeless. I was lucky enough to see him once live and I Laughed my ass off. Thank you GC for your enlightenment and the laughs. You will truely be missed. RIP
Comment by "Bev" — June 23, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Could be meat, could be cake…Maybe it’s meat-cake!
Sure, he was great at tackling God, the Universe and politics. But even better were his riffs on everday life, like cleaning out the fridge or finding a place for your “stuff”. Seinfeld, Dennis Miller, Steven Wright…they all owe a dept to George. Wish I has my Frisbee back.
Comment by Jazz — June 23, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
to all those who missed out on the life of the funniest man in the world, be glad he is on video and audio, for he was one of the “greatest of all time”. it will be hard to find someone with the same intelligence as george carlin himself. i may be only 30 yrs.old but it is a lifetime of knowledge he has left imprinted in my mind. this man should never, i mean NEVER be forgotten. i never saw his live shows, ohh boy did i want to. R.I.P george
Comment by clyde dudley — June 23, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
George Carlin you are my HERO. You made me laugh 1000’s of times and I saw you live twice. You were awesome. You brought truth to our world that we live in good or bad. Thanks for your comic master pieces and I hope to see you in heaven. God Bless You.
Comment by Michael — June 23, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Like the great song writers of our my generation George chronicled my life and times with his brillant observations. He made me look at the insanity of it all and most importantly he helped me to not take myself so seriously. If there is such as thing as poetic comedy then he is the greatest of them all. I am deeply saddened.
Comment by Pauline Mcvey — June 23, 2008 @ 3:04 pm
“Carlin’s humor (which was amazing) was used for negative, not a positive influence.”
It was positive for many, including its revelation of hypocrisy in the many endeavors of man, including religion. It’s not the fault of others that your ignorance doesn’t allow you to see that.
Comment by El Bicho — June 23, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
GC will be greatly missed. his monumental contributions to the greater happiness of society will forever be set in stone, and he will never be forgotten
Comment by nate patrick — June 23, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
You made me laugh untill Ii cried, Now I only Cry for you, RIP George I will Miss you greatly.
Comment by DAn — June 23, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
The world has lost an Iconic Comedian…GC will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to the family
Comment by Barbie — June 23, 2008 @ 4:26 pm
The comedy world will never be the same,Sorely missed by many .R.I.P.
Comment by Cregg — June 23, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
Wow. I guess “God” doesnt like laughter…. Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, and now George Carlin. Looks like we’re stuck with Carrot top for entertainment folks…..RIP George
Comment by Jon — June 23, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
One of the most brilliant comics ever. I can’t express how much I will miss his dark humor. Fuck, this sucks.
Comment by j — June 23, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
I just heard the sad news of a great comedic mind that is gone. He was comic prophet. A genius mind. Tell it like it is. One of the best that has ever bin. Farwell George Carlin you made me laugh my entire life.
Comment by cheri — June 23, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
George Carlin was more than a comedian. He was a genius who made you think and question everything in life. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Comment by Helen — June 23, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
George, you gave us hope when there seemed to be none, you lifted our spirits when all around the fires were burning, you lit our way through the dark morass of this madness we call civilization (there’s an oxymoron I’m sure you could appreciate). You brought tears to our eyes with your wit and humour, now tears to our eyes with your passing. This world will be a much poorer place without you.
On your calendar on my desk for your day of rest you wrote:Saturday/Sunday 21/22 June
“I like these Jokes!
Cowhand: An occupational disability common among dairy farmers.
Woodpecker: A seventeeth-century prosthetic device.
Leatherette: A short sadomasochist.”
Thank you George for helping me use at least another 1% of my gray matter to view the world as it is, not as the bullshit and disrespect we regard it with.
Our kind regards and deepest sympathy to your family and friends.
Love is infinite in every direction, and you knew that better than most….
From the wilds of the Northern sector of NA, where we all live in igloos, drink good beer and search for the ultimate hoser…. KH
Comment by Ottostok — June 23, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
This sucks. He was the funniest guy ever, HANDS DOWN! I am going to miss those routines, nobody will ever come close to being the icon he is! He is hangin with his Uncle Dave, and my Uncle Dave, your Uncle Dave and EVERYBODY’S UNCLE DAVE! HA HA!! HE’S DA MAN, AND I’M THE &%&%ing HONKEY!!!! TO END HE WILL BE MISSED! WE LOVE YA GEORGE!
Comment by Carlin Rulz — June 23, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
Forecast for tonight…dark ;-{ Miss ya George and thanks! Warm wishes to his family and friends.
Comment by Bridget — June 23, 2008 @ 6:16 pm
My daughters and i will miss you so much, you was and will be the best comedian in the world. much love for his family.. we have lost a great man..There will never be someone who can fill his shoes…
much love we will miss you
Comment by april waters — June 23, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
RIP George, in your honor I am going to bend my arms at the elbows and not masturbate tonight.
Ross
Comment by Ross Perot — June 23, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
As a former high school teacher, I loved to tell my students about GC’s love of the English language. I used to do my light hearted comparison of evaluation methods
There was the quiz (spoken very lightly), or a test (spoken sternly), or an EXAM (bellowed).
Comment by laughwhenyou can — June 23, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
No Melissa, he was ONE of the keys. Please be accurate. How was he a key you hiss? Nothing less than the Supreme Court of the United States made him so.
El Bicho, few used their art better to rip the bandage off the bloody wound of hypocrisy. The exposure of hypocrisy was never the issue. The “ignorance” you so lightly pronounce was of the effect on the future his work eventually sanctioned. I don’t expect you to understand. Haters only see one side. Theirs. Shalom
Comment by LM — June 23, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
I got to see him live a few years ago.
It was hilarious. but now it seems so much more than just a show.
He left a legacy.
Good for him.
I mourn very little for a man who lived so fully.
Although I will miss his humor.
Comment by Me — June 23, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
This is for you George, god bless, I know God is up there laughing his ass off with Elvis, Nixon, John Lennon and JFK. FUCK, CUNT, PISS, SHIT, COCKSUCKER, MOTHERFUCKER, TITS, TWAT, FART, TURD
Comment by Duffett — June 23, 2008 @ 8:11 pm
George’s humor pulled many people through difficult times, myself included. I offer my condolences to his family and hope that he will have a lot of new material for me to hear when I meet him upstairs. RIP
Comment by Jeff Mehler — June 23, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Uncle Goeoge,
I know i havent seen u in awhile but that does not mean i didnt brag and think about u often!
Comment by Maggie — June 23, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
no question the best there ever was. will be missed a very brillint man…how do you get to carnagie hall
thanks for all the laughs
Comment by james davis — June 23, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
God-Fucking-Damn!!! Thinking and Laughing all the way to the grave……soon just stardust, but George Carlin’s vibes will have the stars and planets laughing forever.
Thank you, my friend, for the bastion and bastard that you have been for us all these years. You play on words, and comments on our world, have made life somehow better.
So many times you made us laugh until we cried. Now, you make us cry, until we laugh together again.
Love, my brother, and Thanks.
PEACE…
Comment by “ Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker, Motherfucker, Tits. ” — June 23, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
Mr. Carlin is a legend, no matter what kind of crappy day you had 5 minutes of his stuff & you’d forget all about it…we’ll miss you, George…Godspeed
Comment by KS — June 23, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
RIP
Comment by Martin — June 23, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
He changed my way of thinking , A true original
and he was from New york to. You will be Fuckin missed by all. Thank you for telling the Truth.Fuck the truth.and fuck you
May you be with the Hum
Comment by Ben — June 23, 2008 @ 11:02 pm
Actually, LM, the ignorance I referred to was yours. I don’t waste my time hating people with such poor reading comprehension either, so you are batting 1.000. Stop while you are behind.
Comment by El Bicho — June 23, 2008 @ 11:07 pm
No Melissa, he was ONE of the keys. Please be accurate. How was he a key you hiss? Nothing less than the Supreme Court of the United States made him so.
El Bicho, few used their art better to rip the bandage off the bloody wound of hypocrisy. The exposure of hypocrisy was never the issue. The “ignorance” you so lightly pronounce was of the effect on the future his work eventually sanctioned. I don’t expect you to understand. Haters only see one side. Theirs. Shalom
Comment by LM — June 23, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
Dude, are you drunk?
Let’s be clear, the key to the so called degeneration of civilization is the idiotic ramblings of tight assed sanctimonious slags like you attempting to censor everything you think threatens your primitive fear mongering religious dogma. If you find yourself threatened by intelligent, thought provoking questioning of this country’s ridiculous status quo, as Mr. Carlin’s genius POSITIVELY, aptly did, I suggest you cover yourself w/ your berka (yeah, I know you’re Jewish by your salutation, that’s part of the point!)& shove the rest of it up your stupid arse!
Comment by Anonymous — June 23, 2008 @ 11:08 pm
Probably the greatest comedian of all time. No one compiled the body of work that George Carlin did. No one!
Comment by RM — June 24, 2008 @ 12:03 am
I was saddened by the news. His comedy routines on religion was, what my sister said “brutal”, while others don’t necessarily agree with his views on some religion. We both liked him. George had a keen insight on how society was always changing and could use his unique brand of humor to make us all laugh, while we sometimes unconsciously contemplated some of the truth in the statements he made. I kept up with most of his concerts when HBO broadcast them. George was no different than any other American getting old, he had his viewpoints and stuck by them (excuse the pun) religiously. I would like to think God has a place for him, maybe standing alongside of St. Peter at the gate working security checkpoint personnel like at an airport. Or doing a show or two in a lounge during a “heaven or hell layover”. Or assign him a conductor’s job like he did on the portrayal of Mister Conductor on “Shining Time Station,” children’s show on PBS. By what I see on his website, God probaby has a place for him because he uses Him for so much material, God will probably use some copyright infringement clause and hold him for non-payment, sort of like what the IRS does when you don’t pay back taxes. I’m sure he might get a good laugh on my thoughts about him… maybe use my material in “Carlin, Live at the Pearly Gates” concert.
I really should have pushed to go and see him when I had several chances, once when I was in Columbia, MO… and now looking at the concert listings, he was due to be at Baldwin Auditorium, 7:30PM 10/25/2008 in Kirksville, MO… What could have been, is not to be, it should remind us all when He (God) calls, there is no email, text message, or voice-mail. Just be thankful for the time you have here.
Too bad he has to be awarded the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor posthumous.
After doing some research, I ponder who’ll get more press time, Tim Russert or George? Only time will tell and his dialog on death and celebrity is quite an oxymoron.
Some people thought he was dirty… when the facts reflect back to what my sister is quoted as “brutal” and I’ll ammend that quote with “honest”.
Thanks and save me a spot in the front row when I get there.
Comment by Blaine — June 24, 2008 @ 1:55 am
George Carlin’s transition from a state of physical existence has resulted in multiple incidents of involuntary ocular hydro secretion to occur among a significant number of individuals adherent to his amusatory verbal demonstrations.
Refrain from labour in tranquility, Mr. Carlin.
Comment by Kamal Alyousef — June 24, 2008 @ 2:17 am
Unlike his adherents, God loves a joke–just look at the President. And if he loves a joke, he must love a joker. So, while George is mourned here, if there is a heaven, there’s probably rejoicing at getting someone to ruffle the feathers on the angels’ wings and keep St. Peter looking over his shoulder. Well done, my man. You called ‘em as you saw ‘em, without altering course to make life easier for those whom the truth makes uncomfortable.
Comment by Richard — June 24, 2008 @ 3:33 am
George Carlin was my hero and I loved him. When I was 14 I had a set of best of George Carlin CD’s that inspired me to keep thinking and speaking the truth as I knew it. At an age when I felt alone and unacceptable, his courage to deconstruct the taboos that intimidate us all into conformity and compliance reassured me. I wasn’t the only kid who could see when the emperor was naked. Being unacceptable was ok. In the back of my mind, after all these years, that re-assurance is still with me, like a wink and a nod from a face in the crowd saying, go on, pick up that mike and speak.
As the country became more deeply hypnotized by the propaganda of consumer advertising and right-wing ideology became more entrenched, I felt safer knowing you were out there; a candle in the dark. And I really worried about you two years ago when you released Life isn’t worth Living. Sure, we all shared your utter frustration, but I could tell it was wearing you down. You alone could not continue the burden of exercising free speech and free thought for an entire society and generation of youth who would not participate. And now you are at rest. You’ve earned it.
Thank you George Carlin for the strength that you gave me, and for having the courage to go first. The wake of greatness that follows you will be forever filled with jesters, wanderers, tricksters and fools who won’t be afraid to express themselves. Truth will have its final stand, yet.
Comment by Setsuna777 — June 24, 2008 @ 7:15 am
I am sick over the passing of this guy. There is no one that comes close to George Carlin and never will be. Not that I wish death on anyone but of all people, why did it have to be him? Love you to death George, RIP-all your fans in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Comment by Chris — June 24, 2008 @ 8:22 am
Nothing left to say except I love you George, you will be forever missed. You have been such a big part of my life. You’ll never be forgotten.
Rest in peace dear friend!
Condolences to the entire Carlin family.
Give’em hell up there brother!
Comment by Tony in Phoenix — June 24, 2008 @ 10:09 am
Wasn’t he here just a minute ago?
Comment by Dan Price — June 24, 2008 @ 11:36 am
When debating with my friends about religion and politics, without questioning myself, I instantly quote Carlin. To first make them laugh and secondly, to make them think. I am a proud member of the philosophy genre called Carlinism, and I will greatly miss his genius he’s given to the world. Thank you George!!!
Comment by Brandon — June 24, 2008 @ 11:49 am
I liked him in Jersey Girl. Even though I didn’t know him especially well, regarding his contributions to entertainment, I will miss him because of his portrayal of the dad to Ben Affleck’s character which showed Carlin had ability besides just stand up comedy.
His death serves to remind us that Nobody gets off the train alive.
Comment by kay — June 24, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
He was great. My parents let me watch him when I was 13. Ever since then I have loved him. Both of us being Taurus,we took no bull****. R.I.P and thanks for making me laugh. God Bless
Comment by Tammy — June 24, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
The departing of George is such a huge loss.
A rare TRUE Americana icon who told the truth as it is through laughter.
A symbol of total honesty that the masses so desperately need to hang on to.
A real smart man throughout.
A great one in all the literal sense of the word.
Indeed irreplacable
God bless his soul
Comment by asteve — June 24, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
George was my hero, who saved me from REligion, and into spirituality!!! He taught me to laugh at myself and others. He was honest and funny, the most attractive qualities of all! Love ya George…and will miss you everyday….Mary Goldman, a Catholic Girl gone wild, living in Bible County USA!!
Comment by Mary Goldman — June 24, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
George Carlin is the voice in my head when I need him most - standing in line at the movies, while making my 2 kids keep a straight face while asking for 3 senoir citizen tickets for BATMAN. George is now a GOD, relegion in BS, from now on I’m saying. George Bless You & Thank GEORGE. RIP George
Comment by angela — June 24, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
George Carlin was the first truly profane artist I had ever heard, but yet wasn’t shocked by. The “Seven Dirty Words” was classic (even my mother didn’t forbid me to hear it…), but the continuation of the routine was even more astounding - the bit about Roberto Clemente was more shocking to me because I was a fan and he had just died tragically several years before the routine came out, but yet still not offensive. Carlin’s early runs on Catholocism and then the later years when he spoke the truth about EVERYTHING. Truly a one of a kind, one of a generation and will be saluted often - and deservedly so. RIP, Hippy Dippy Hair Poem Man!
Comment by KimBob — June 24, 2008 @ 7:34 pm
As a recent addition to the fan base of George I, like many others were saddened by his death. He will be missed by all. The 7 dirty words and airport saftey lectures were my favourite skits by him and will continue to listen to them for many years to come.
RIP George!! We will miss you
Comment by Andy — June 25, 2008 @ 2:32 am
George Carlin was undoubtedly one of the best comedians of our century and his comic spirit will surely live on forever… We miss you George! I actually came across a really cool website doing a tribute on George— you can listen to ten of his funniest comedy bits for FREE! Just go to Lexy.com and click on the George Carlin tribute link. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Comment by Jean Smith — June 25, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
Long ago, late 70’s, I was in college in Iowa. I was put in charge booking talent for one of the biggest weekends of the year. Our performer, who shall remain nameless, canceled and we were in a bind. Someone suggested George Carlin. I made a few calls and found out how to contact him. I thought there was no way a big name performer like him would help us on such short notice. To my surprise, Carlin himself answered my call and agreed to do a show for us. The show was amazing and the student organization made more on his show than any other in the history of the college. George Carlin saved my butt and did a great thing for my school. I am forever grateful.
RIP
Comment by Rob — June 25, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
I just heard Carlin’s 10 Commandments riff on the lexy.com service mentioned above. Hysterical beyond belief. 7 words, airport security — the man offered a much needed perspective on our world.
Indeed, RIP George.
Comment by RufusTFirefly — June 25, 2008 @ 11:54 pm
I can’t believe he’s gone, man. He was one of the funniest, most intelligent, and endearing comedians to ever walk the face of the planet. I was a devoted fan for 26 years, ever since Carlin at Carnegie debuted on HBO back in 1982. I was all of 13 years old, but I was old enough to appreciate what he had to say. I still do to this day because he challenged us to think outside the box, to always question authority and find the answers for ourselves. RIP Georgie, you will be missed by many!!
Comment by Meg Flasco — June 26, 2008 @ 2:38 pm