George Carlin: Groundbreaking Stand-Up Comic Dies at 71

George Carlin was an American stand-up comedian, actor and author. Born on May 12, 1937, in New York City, he started as a disc jockey before teaming up with Jack Burns.

His 1972 routine "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" led to a Supreme Court case on broadcast indecency. He won five Grammy Awards, wrote best-selling books such as Brain Droppings and appeared in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Dogma. He was the first host of Saturday Night Live in 1975.

Carlin received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, awarded after his death. He died of heart failure at a Santa Monica hospital on June 22, 2008, at age 71.

Achievements: Five Grammy Awards, Mark Twain Prize (2008).

Birth: May 12, 1937 - New York City.

Profession: Comedian.

Interesting Facts: He hosted the very first episode of Saturday Night Live.