Full Coverage: Just In: George Carlin Has Died

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George Carlin's Daughter Talks About Her Dad

A sad loss ...

"The Insider" breaks the news that comedian George Carlin has died from heart failure. The man who made famous the "seven words you can never say on television" passed away at 5:55 p.m. Sunday at Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica, his longtime publicist said. He was 71.

Monday morning, his daughter Kelly Carlin McCall had the following to say about her dad: "Most people know George Carlin as an icon of comedy and an advocate of free speech. I just know him as Dad ... And what a dad he was. He taught me the value of speaking the truth in a world that doesn't always want to hear it and gave me the gift of laughter. He was loved and revered by so many and will be missed beyond words -- but never forgotten. Our family wishes to thank everyone who has sent love and support our way. Your kind words and thoughts are bringing much comfort to us during such a difficult time."

His wife, Sally Wade, also spoke out about the loss of her "soul mate." "George Carlin was and always will be the greatest love of my life. We had meeting of the minds, heart and spirit. It was a big love. He was my soul mate and always will be. Tomorrow is our tenth anniversary, and it was the best ten years of my life. It's quite a shock right now, but I wish to express my sincere thanks and prayers to all who have reached out during this very difficult time. It is deeply appreciated."

Carlin, who has had several heart attacks and a history of cardiac issues, went into the hospital Sunday afternoon after complaining of heart problems. 

HBO, which submitted the funny man's last special, "It's Bad for Ya" for Emmy consideration this year, issued the following statement: "Because HBO has had such a long and close relationship with George Carlin, his passing is like losing one of our own. George had been a part of HBO almost since its beginning, performing his first concert for us in 1977, and his 14th special just earlier this year. No performer was more important to helping our network define itself in its early years. And no performer was more committed to the ideal of freedom of speech, a principle he embodied for the 50 years he performed with his trademark wit. We will miss his humor and his righteous comic anger, and we will simply miss him."

Carlin has more than 20 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, numerous TV and movie roles, and three best-selling books to his credit. Last year, he celebrated his 50th year in show business.

He is survived by his wife, Sally Wade; daughter, Kelly Carlin McCall; and older brother, Patrick Carlin.

Published 6/23/08 by the Insider

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Comments (22)

  • I grew up with George and his comedy, he will be truly missed. I love ya George, and when your in heaven try not to piss God off.
    anonymous anonymous 6/23/08 Reply
     
  • Aw man - I used to listen to his albums with my friends. Loved him. Rest in peace.
    Victorius348 280 Victorius348 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • RIP. :(
    LeylaLey 149 LeylaLey 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • this is truly sad - George was a comedy icon.
    babyjuli1 164 babyjuli1 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • :( Sorry to hear this news - RIP
    anonymous anonymous 6/23/08 Reply
     
  • How sad. May he rest in peace.
    anonymous anonymous 6/23/08 Reply
     
  • R.I.P, George....may you find peace in the hands of our Lord for all eternity.
    scorpiofemale 91 scorpiofemale 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • I can't believe this happened. Im gonna miss this guy forever.
    hell he use to be that mystical conductor on thomas the tank engine.

    I'd rather Chuck Norris die...see more
    anonymous anonymous 6/23/08 Reply
     
  • GC established a standard against which an entire generation of comedians were compared. His comedy was smart satire with an edge that few of his contemporaries have been able to acheive. RIP
    anonymous 7 clucas7729 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • This is an extremely heartbreaking loss...God bless his family in this painful time...May he rest in peace...Love ya George!!!
    anonymous anonymous 6/23/08 Reply
     
  • So sad, RIP buddy
    itsmypencil 162 itsmypencil 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • i used to watch him on thomas the tank engine all the time! i'll miss you conductor!
    DusknDawn00 803 DusknDawn00 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • TODAY I HAD HEARD THAT GEORGE CARLIN HAD PASSED AWAY ON THE RADIO! IT WAS SO EARLY I JUST THOUGHT THE NEWS ANNOUNCER WAS JUST TALKING ABOUT HIM? I CAN'T BELIEVE HE DIED SUNDAY NIGHT? GEE HE WAS THE BEST COMEDIANS! I LOVED HIM IN "CAR WASH AND MANY OTHER SHOWS AND HIS STAGE SHOW!! WE WILL MISS HIS COMEDY AND MY DAD LOVED COMEDY ALSO. HOPE HE GETS TO MEET MY DAD AND ALSO, RICHARD PRYOR AND OTHERS! GREAT MAN!
    anonymous anonymous 6/23/08 Reply
     
  • Well I had the honor of seeing George live in Ottawa, Canada in 2002, i believe it was. My friends and i got tickets 9 rows from the stage, so we where right there. Now to set the story up right, i shave my head bald, by choice. Now about half way through his act, he walks over to the corner of the stage, makes direct eye contact with me and starts one of his famous rant of "things that piss me off". He points right at me and says "you know what pisses me off, white guys who shave their heads on purpose, do what i do, let it happen naturally as*&^%$#.

    RIP
    George
    JeffR 7 JeffR 6/23/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • Wow!..........I will share with my friends on "BillionaireRomance.COM".........It's a hot place for quality singles to find love, romance, friendship, fun and more
    anonymous anonymous 6/24/08 Reply
     
  • He will be missed greatly. He was a very smart, kind , taled and funny man. God bless him.
    anonymous anonymous 6/24/08 Reply
     
  • need to get a message to kelly from her father.
    anonymous anonymous 6/24/08 Reply
     
  • While I didn't agree with everything he said, I always enjoyed the way he said it...we miss you already, George!
    vpowell40 5 vpowell40 6/26/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • George Carlin was like a human encyclopedia. one walking talking book. he certainly did a lot of research on any subject.
    a lot of religious folk were upset with him because of what he believes, but thinking about that, if they were so upset with George
    then why the heck would they even bother watching any of his shows if it upset them so much? Good for you George for educating humanity as well as entertaining us. And if there is a heaven and you are there i am sure God will say ( well there goes the neighborhood)
    anonymous anonymous 6/29/08 Reply
     
  • I so loved George, one of my dreams was to go see him in concert someday. Now that dreams gone. :(

    Rest in Peace Mr. Carlin
    MissyF 107 MissyF 8/21/08   Message Add to Friends Reply
     
  • Jenny.how r my little babies.pls tel dem i love dem cos i love deir mum.am 20.i like ur musics and movies.i wish u'l inspire me.i always tel myself do u think u can b like sis j.lo.i hope u dnt mind.just wanna b frnds.pls reply it means alot 2 me.thanx
    anonymous anonymous 10/4/08 Reply
     
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