George Denis Patrick Carlin was an American stand-up comedian, actor, author, and social critic. Regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians of all time, he was dubbed "the dean of counterculture comedians". He was known for his dark comedy and reflections on politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and taboo subjects.
Carlin in 1975
Carlin (standing) with singer Buddy Greco in 1967
Carlin performing on UK's This Is Tom Jones in 1969
Carlin in the 1970s
Stand-up comedy is a type of comedy performance directed to a live audience in which the performer stands on a stage and delivers humorous and satirical monologues, with occasional physical acts. The performance is usually a rhetorical sketch with rehearsed scripts, but many performers also employ varying degrees of live crowd interaction as part of their routine. Stand-up comedy consists of one-liners, stories, observations, or shticks that may incorporate props, music, impressions, magic tricks, or ventriloquism.
George Carlin performing in 2008
Bill Bailey performing in 2007
Joan Rivers performing in 2009
Tiffany Haddish performing in 2013