American comedian, actor, and author George Carlin were considered a major cultural force and a comic genius. In the 1960s, when Carlin first entered the spotlight, he became known for his controversial brand of comedy. He maintained a career in humor throughout his life, performing and producing to a growing fan base and cementing his place in comedy history. What was George Carlin net worth like when he passed away?
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George Carlin net worth
American comedian, actor, and social commentator George Carlin had a $10 million net worth when he passed away.
Early in his career, he made $4,000 a year. However, his regular monthly salary was $32,000, and his weekly wage was $8,000.
George Carlin has made an estimated $24 million over his career.
Expenses directly linked to running the company are estimated to have eaten up around $2 million. Carlin lived in California and New York and earned considerable sums during high tax years, so the remaining $22 million would have been taxed at 59%. His estimated career earnings are $9.02 million, after taxes of $12.98 million.
The Beginnings
On May 12, 1937, he was born in New York City, and on June 22, 2008, he passed away in Santa Monica, California. He met Irish advertising manager Patrick Carlin and American-Irish secretary Mary Beary at The Sun. Carlin abandoned his Roman Catholic upbringing.
His parents split up when he was only two months old because his dad had an alcohol problem.
His elder brother Patrick Jr. and his mother brought him up. Carlin joined the Air Force at 18 and received training as a radar technician. He also experimented with becoming a radio DJ for the KJOE radio station in Shreveport, Louisiana, with a variable degree of success.
Professional Origins
When Carlin was old enough, he enlisted in the Air Force and became a radar technician. His first foray into show business was as a disc jockey for local Shreveport radio station KJOE, where he met with mixed success.
In 1959, when both were working as radio disc jockeys, he teamed up with comedian Jack Burns. After settling in Hollywood, California, the duo developed The Wright Brothers’ morning program after submitting an audition video to KDAY. They worked together for two years before parting ways to pursue separate professions while remaining close friends.
Carlin’s signature combination of satire, social criticism, and linguistic accuracy only emerged in the late 1960s. His debut comedy album, “Take-Offs and Put-Ons,” was published in 1967 and included skits and stand-up performances.
Success
George adopted the character that would bring him fame in the 1970s by altering his appearance and daily habits. As a result, Carlin’s career took off, becoming a household name and a lightning rod for debate among comedy fans. His famous albums of comedy, such as “FM & AM” (1972), “Class Clown” (1972), and “Occupation: Foole” (1973), displayed his sarcastic sense of humor and boldness in confronting conventional wisdom.
His performances on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” were highlights of their respective seasons, and he was a frequent guest on other programs.
George presented the inaugural “Saturday Night Live” on October 11, 1975.
From the late ’80s, Carlin’s act mostly critiqued various aspects of contemporary American culture. In addition, he often made satirical remarks on the excesses of American society and remarked on current political events in the United States.
Less than four months before his death, he taped his last HBO special, “It’s Bad for Ya.”
Seven Dirty Words
Carlin’s “Seven Dirty Words” performance, first performed in Milwaukee in 1972, is widely regarded as a watershed moment in the comedian’s career. As it featured seven obscenities banned on broadcast television, the performance sparked a national debate on profanity and free speech. In addition, Carlin’s routine resulted in his detention for disorderly behavior.
It paved the way for a Supreme Court lawsuit that would eventually expand protections for free speech on the radio. In the landmark case Federal Communications Commission v. Pacifica Foundation, the court ruled that the FCC had the authority to prohibit offensive content from being broadcast over the airwaves.
Career in Film
Carlin also had a successful cinema career, with roles in many films. To name just a few of his cinematic credits, he had roles in Car Wash (1976), Outrageous Fortune (1987), and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989). In the Pixar film “Cars,” he lent his voice to the character of Fillmore (2006). Despite his success in the movies, Carlin never stopped doing stand-up comedy, and he did so up to the day he passed away.
Creator and Author
George Carlin’s writing and producing careers brought him additional income in addition to his stand-up comedy, television, and film roles. He wrote and directed many TV documentaries and specials. His debut production was the 1978 television documentary On Location: George Carlin in Phoenix.
In addition, he has written other novels that have sold over a million copies throughout the globe.
Honors and Accomplishments of George Carlin
George Carlin was hailed as one of the greatest comedians ever and received much critical praise for his work. Over his career, he was honored with a slew of prizes and accolades, including:
- In 1973, 1994, 1996, 2001, and 2009, Carlin won five Grammys for Best Comedy Album.
- Just before his untimely death in 2008, Carlin was honored with the Mark Twain Award for American Comedy.
- The Kennedy Center posthumously gave Carlin the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2009.
- Carlin received many American Comedy Awards, including the “Funniest Male Stand-Up Comedian” title in 1990 and the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2001.
- Carlin received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987 for his achievements and services to the motion picture and television industries.
- In recognition of his contributions to the comedy world, Carlin entered the National Comedy Hall of Fame in 1992.
- “Best Stand-Up Comedy Special” and “Best Comedy Special” CableACE Awards went to Carlin’s HBO programs.
Carlin has made an apparent effect on the world of comedy and popular culture at large, and his legacy lives on in the work of comedians who are inspired and influenced by him.
Private Matters
Carlin met his future wife, Brenda Hosbrook, in Dayton, Ohio, in August of 1960, while on tour with Burns and Carlin. They were married in 1961 at her parents’ house in Dayton. Kelly was born to her parents on June 15, 1963. The pair renewed their wedding vows in Sin City in 1971.
Carlin’s wife, Brenda, died of liver cancer the day before his 60th birthday in 1997. A year after his wife’s death, he met comic writer Sally Wade and they wed in a little ceremony. Until his death in 2008, they had been married for ten years.
FAQs
What was George Carlin’s tax debt to the IRS?
George Carlin, who just passed away, had a $3 million tax obligation that he paid off over nearly two decades.
Did George Carlin appear in Cars 2?
It seems early on that Hudson has passed away. Lloyd Sherr voices the role of Fillmore, the VW vehicle initially performed by George Carlin (who passed away in 2008).
Final thoughts
Despite his fame and net worth, George Carlin always retained his art and trade. His legacy in the comedy industry lives long after his passing since he continued to act and develop humor right up to the day he died. His wealth is evidence of his influence in the comedy and entertainment industries, and his legacy stands as a reminder of the power of humor to inspire and provoke.
