George Carlin, Dead At 71

George Carlin, passed away last night at the age of 71. He was an iconic comedian, rebel rouser, and resident smart ass.

I was too young to appreciate his seven words debacle, his stint as the first-ever SNL host, or his early stand-up. My introduction to George Carlin came in 1994 during the run of his short lived Fox sitcom, The George Carlin Show. It only had 12 episodes but it was raunchy and crass...especially since I was only 8.

A few years later I discovered that Carlin was the narrator and Mr. Conductor on one of my favorite shows, Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends. Who knew such an old rowdy guy could find a place among a whole new generation of fans?

He'll certainly be missed.


Photo: Associated Press