George Carlin, the great comedian known for his “7 words you can’t say on television”, died of heart failure at 71.

George Carlin had been admitted to Saint John’s Center in Santa Monica, California earlier yesterday with chest pain, and died early Sunday evening.

Carlin’s comedy was very edgy, lots of profanity, and covered drugs, sex, and politics. He rose to fame in the 1960’s and became one of the best-known performers.

George Carlin was probably most famous for his routine on “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television,” and became later involved in a court case against a radio station that broadcast the segment.

Carlin suffered from a life-long battle with substance abuse and alcohol, and made no attempt to hide this fact. He discussed this at great length to audiences everywhere and on his HBO specials.

Carlin also acted in such movies as Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and The Prince of Tides.

He has also written several books such as Brain Droppings, Napalm & Silly Putty and his latest When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?

George Carlin is survived by his wife Sally Wade and daughter Kelly Carlin McCall.george-carlin