Legendary stand-up comedian George Carlin died on June 22, 2008, in Santa Monica, California, from heart failure. He was 71 years old. The comedian had a history of heart problems. Carlin's death came only a few days after he was selected by the Kennedy Center to receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy.

Carlin, a counter-culture figure who had stirred controversy with his famous "Seven Dirty Words" routine, influenced a number of contemporary comedians, including Denis Leary, Bill Maher, Stephen Wright and Lewis Black.SunJournal.com: At age 70, George Carlin still calls it like he sees it (May 26, 2008)

Comedy Central ranked him at #2, behind only Richard Pryor, on their 2004 list of the Greatest All-Time Comedians. Carlin's 14th and final HBO special, It's Bad for Ya, aired on March 1, 2008.