A Comedy Legend Is Gone

As you may have heard by now, a legendary comedy icon has died. George Carlin, without a doubt the most edgy and controversial comic to live, died Sunday of heart failure at the age of 71.

George Carlin (1937-2008)
(picture courtesy People.com)

Say what you want about Carlin's humor -- this man was brilliant when it came to edgy comedy. His best known routine, "The Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" was so controversial, that it prompted a lawsuit after a New York radio station aired it in 1973. Carlin was also arrested several times for performing the monologue live.

The lawsuit was eventually heard by the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled 5-4 that the monologue was "indecent but not obscene." It was soon after the Court made its opinion that the Federal Communications Commission determined that such language should only be heard in late night -- a policy that still stands today.

Carlin paved the way for many comics today. Tributes are pouring in from comics throughout the world. As The Shadow mentioned -- say what you want about his comedy -- George Carlin was the master.

For those of you who may have never heard it, below is the "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" monologue. The Shadow will warn you that the material in this video is very explicit and is not suitable for minors. Use your judgment.



So long George -- we will miss you!