The world has lost a comedy LEGEND… George Carlin (1937-2008).
Carlin’s jokes constantly breached the accepted boundaries of comedy and language, particularly with his routine on the “Seven Words” — all of which are taboo on broadcast TV and radio to this day. When he uttered all seven at a show in Milwaukee in 1972, he was arrested on charges of disturbing the peace, freed on $150 bail and exonerated when a Wisconsin judge dismissed the case, saying it was indecent but citing free speech and the lack of any disturbance.
When the words were later played on a New York radio station, they resulted in a 1978 Supreme Court ruling upholding the government’s authority to sanction stations for broadcasting offensive language during hours when children might be listening.
“So my name is a footnote in American legal history, which I’m perversely kind of proud of,” he told The Associated Press earlier this year.
I remember being about 8 years old and my mom and dad decided to let us watch a George Carlin tape (old school, I know). They threatened us with our lives if we repeated anything we heard on that tape. I didn’t get most of it (then) but giggled at the naughty words. I started to really get him in High School, and my mom and I would watch his HBO specials together. He was hilarious, and he was right almost 100% of the time. I’ll miss him. Party on in Heaven, dude.
Don’t forget his role as Rufus… the all-knowing guide to the Wyld Stallions. (San Dimas High School football rules!)
George Carlin,
I remember his comedy so distinctly yet the face never came to mind… As i start to remember him it comes to my mind that he was such a great man. He observed our society well, and made the point to tell us everything he saw in the world that was wrong…
Its kinda funny, people that influenced are lives the most are passing on… Carlin is one example… If there was not him i think we would not have great observational and oversight comics today…
I am hoping where ever you are George, That your watching over us going “Dumbasses!” You wont be forgotten….