Comedian, Counter-Culture Figure George Carlin Dies at 71

[Count Adolfo]

George could make me laugh without even saying a word.  That's a gift.
We lost an amazing talent.  I hope he's "killin' them" on the other side.

[fluffy tail]

George could make you laugh and think at the same time.

Rest in peace. Your word and wisdom will be missed.

[renfairephotog]

HBO and 'Saturday Night Live' to Air George Carlin Tributes
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
           
Earlier this week the world lost one of its sharpest comedic talents when George Carlin passed away at the age of 71. Known for his political and black humor, his taboo routines led to international fame, as did his many TV appearances, film roles, best-selling books and Grammy winning comedy albums.

To honor the legendary and groundbreaking comic, two networks that have been with him during his many years of performing will be airing tributes this week. HBO, which aired 14 specials showcasing George Carlin's unedited routines, along with NBC's Saturday Night Live will show off the performer in his prime to help his many fans commemorate his long and eventful life.


Tonight and tomorrow night, HBO will be running marathons of 11 of their George Carlin specials. The specials range from 1977 to as recent as this year and include such classic routines as "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television," a routine that was at the time so controversial that it and another monologue eventually led to a groundbreaking Supreme Court case that defined how free our speech can be when aired on television.

The schedule for the specials is as follows:

Wednesday, June 25

8pm: "George Carlin at USC" (1977)
9pm: "George Carlin: Again!" (1978)
11pm: "Carlin at Carnegie Hall" (1982)
12am: "Carlin on Campus" (1984)
1am: "Playin' with Your Head" (1986)

Thursday, June 26

8pm: "What Am I Doing in New Jersey?" (1988)
9pm: "Doin' It Again" (1990)
10pm: "Jammin' in New York" (1992)
11pm: "Back in Town" (1996)
12:05am: "You Are All Diseased" (1999)
1am: "It's Bad for Ya" (2008)

In 1975, George Carlin hosted the very first episode of Saturday Night Live, and so it is only fitting that this landmark episode will be shown again the Saturday after his unfortunate passing. Airing this Saturday, June 28, at 11:30pm, the show will begin with another classic George Carlin monologue.  The episode will also features musical guests Janis Ian and Billy Preston, as well as a performance by comedian Andy Kaufman.

Without George Carlin, Saturday Night Live executive producer Lorne Michaels doesn't know if the series would have had as much momentum.

"You never forget the people who were there at the beginning," he is reported as saying in TV Guide. "George Carlin helped give Saturday Night Live its start as our first host. He was gracious, fearless, and most important of all, funny."

- Jeff Sampson, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: TV Guide, HBO

[Molden]

I cut my "adult" comedy teeth at the tender age of 11 when a buddy lent me his AM/FM Album... I remember being on the floor holding my gut, laughing until I couldn't breathe when I heard his birth control shtick.

He talked about the availability of drugs at the pharmacy, and how, soon birth control pills would be right up there with the 2 cent mints. ...and how, men would never have to fear this call..."It's a scary call, if you're fertile at all...

*rrrringgg*
he picks up "Hello"
she responds "Hello. This Jane. We met at a party about 6-8 weeks ago and you said I was a real good sport?"
he: "Ohhh Jane! Hi Jane...how are you?"
she: "PREGNANT! And I'm going to jump out the window!"
he: "Sayyyy you ARE a good sport aren't you Jane?!?"

The man was just wrong and I loved being invited to think the things no one dare think.

I'll always admire his ability to be True to himself above all things and dare to stay the course.

Rest Well George.

*DEFINITELY watching SNL*

[Sir Ironhead]