George Carlin Biography and Quotes

Famously known for

George Carlin is well known for his involvement with the American stand-up comedy during his time. On one occasion, a newspaper branded him as ‘the dean of counterculture comedians.’ His comics revolved around the English language, black comedy, politics, psychology, religion, and other taboo subjects.

Early Life

George, the stand-up comedian, was born in Manhattan, New York, on May 12, 1937. His father, Patrick John Carlin, worked at The Sun as a manager in the advertising section. His mother was Mary Carlin and worked as a secretary. George’s father was an alcoholic. George’s mother couldn’t keep up with the bad habit and this resulted in the two parting ways. George was two months old during the divorce. Since then, his mother took care of George together with his older brother. 

George attended Corpus Christi School and then went to The Bronx for his high school. At the age of 15 years, George was expelled from Cardinal Hayes High School, and he went to Harlem, where he attended Bishop Dubious High School. 

Personal life

The stand-up comedian met Brenda Hosbook while on tour in Dayton, Ohio. The two got married on June 3, 1961 and had a child Kelly, two years later. The couple stayed together until 1997 when Brenda died. After his wife’s death, Carlin married Sally Wade, who was a comedy writer based in Hollywood. The two married in 1998 and lived together until Carlin’s death in 2008. 

Career

Carlin’s career started when he joined the Air Force as a radar technician. During his career, Carlin started working as a disc jockey, and this saw him labeled the ‘unproductive airman’ by his seniors. He left the airforce in 1957 after appearing in court-martial several times. 

After two years, Carlin met Jack Burns, and together they formed a comedy team. In the ’60s, he had already made it appear on TVs on various shows and playing different characters. During his career, Carlin also cast in Away We Go, a comedy show that aired on CBS.

Death

The stand-up comedian had cardiovascular problems for over three decades. On June 22, 2008, the comedian died of heart failure ate Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica. 

Quotes by George Carlin

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