He'll have the last word

He'll forever be remembered for those seven words -- if you don't believe us, just check around today to see how many times that bit is crammed into headlines announcing the death of iconoclastic comedian George Carlin. He was 71.

Carlin, who looked at words with a professorial eye, spent his career rattling cages and skewering sacred cows, with the "7 Words You Can't Say on Television" becoming the routine that earned him the most attention (and a trip to the pokey!)

But there was much more to him (political firebrand, keen social observer), and Gawker has compiled standout moments from seven great Carlin performances. Watching them makes us appreciate a unique brand of comedy that influenced many talents who came after him.

And speaking of the breadth of his career, Carlin was a writer, actor, Comedy Hall of Fame member, multi-Grammy winner for comedy albums, a double Cable ACE winner for his standup shows, a multiple Emmy and Daytime Emmy nominee (for comedy specials and his role as Mr. Conductor on the kid series "Shining Time Station.") See? The guy had range.

He was set to get the 2008 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in November.

We're sorry to see him go, but glad to know that his work lives on. And just today, we bet the "7 Words" will get more play that they have in the last several years. That would probably make Carlin chuckle.

-- See what other THR.com bloggers have to say about Carlin's passing: Past Deadline and Reel Pop --

Comments

[joey nader]

One word for Mr. Carlin...Genius. I am truly saddened as one of funniest / smartest comedians of our time has gone to the big main room in the sky. If you get a chance buy his book, 'When will Jesus bring the pork chops?" Hilarious. Keep 'em laughing upstairs George & yes it's still a two drink minimum.