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George Carlin
Turning language, social conventions and political criticism into influential stand-up comedy.
Class Clown · Jammin’ in New York
- Born
- 12 May 1937
- Birthplace
- New York City, United States
- Died
- 22 June 2008
More people
George Carlin
George Carlin was an American comedian and writer known for close attention to language and confrontational social satire. His career extended from radio and television characters to long-form stand-up specials.
Early life
New York upbringing
Grew up in Morningside Heights with his mother and brother.
Language
Credited his mother with helping develop his attention to effective language.
Career
- 1959
Comedy partnership
Formed a duo with fellow radio presenter Jack Burns.
- 1960s
Television appearances
Developed characters and routines for variety and talk shows.
- 1975
Saturday Night Live
Hosted the programme’s first episode.
- 1977
HBO specials
Began a long sequence of televised stand-up performances.
Selected work
Class Clown
Included his routine examining seven words barred from broadcast.
Jammin’ in New York
Recorded one of his best-known later stand-up specials.
Brain Droppings
Published a bestselling collection of comic observations.
Beyond work
Family
His daughter Kelly became a writer and broadcaster.
Later partnership
Shared the last decade of his life with writer Sally Wade.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Mark Twain Prize tribute ↗Photo: Little David Records. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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