http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...
He was 71. Apparently, it was an existing heart condition and he was in the hospital most of the day where he passed away.
Say what you will of his comedy (I, personally, had other favorites...I think I'm a bit too young to have identified with him the way many do), but he was one of those rare personalities that really wasn't going to listen to any bullshit from anyone.
On that count, he was truly rare and will be missed. You don't often run across people who simply won't let you lie to them.
QUICK UPDATE: A little sampling of Carlin's voice in one recent ridiculous episode of right wing "social conservatism."
Enjoy: http://youtube.com/...
In the comments, someone refers to Carlin as brutally honest, and that's what he was.
It wasn't just some calculated list of opinions and targets to appeal to some demographic (hey, it's perfectly easy to make one group or another laugh and give standing ovations if you tell them exactly what they want to hear), but rather sometimes painful barbs at hypocrisy that often targeted the other guy, but sometimes you.
I always appreciate the friends I can't bullshit. Those are the best kind. But that's in private life. It's very rare that a person who really makes their bread and butter off of the good will of "their public" will demonstrate that quality and for that, George Carlin will certainly be missed.
Last Update: George Carlin on War. I'd recommend listening to this one. http://youtube.com/...