George Carlin has died at the age of 71. The comedian, known for his provocative and bold comedic routines, was one of the highest paid comedians in the 1970's. Best described an an unpredictable performer, Carlin was the first-ever host of NBC's Saturday Night Live, debuting on October 11, 1975. His most famous act? You may recall a little something called the "Seven Dirty Words". I would put some of them here, but if I did, it would be game over for me. But most likely you're familiar with the routine...and the words.
In 1973, this monologue was broadcast on the Pacifica radio network and was declared indecent by the government's Federal Communications Commission. The case was ultimately upheld by the United States Supreme Court. George Carlin became known as the comedian who uttered the "seven dirty words that can't be said over the air."
Twenty five years after this incident, he still didn't understand what all the fuss was about. Here's how he explained the incident...and no, he didn't use any of "those" words.
"I've always said I enjoy using all the language. Human beings invented all of this language. When I was a little boy, I was told to look up to policemen and look up to sports stars, and look up to the military. And we all know how they speak. Apparently it hasn't corrupted them morally. So. I think these words are overrated for their power."
We may not have seen the comedian a whole lot lately, but we've heard his voice. Most recently, he provided the voice of Fillmore, a hippie-like VW bus character in the Disney/Pixar animated feature Cars.
Provocative, yet extremely popular. George Carlin will be missed.
