*File Photo*

*File Photo* * CARLIN DIES AT 71 Controversial comedian GEORGE CARLIN has died. He was 71. The star, known for his edgy and provocative stand up routines, died of heart failure at a Los Angeles hospital on Sunday (22Jun08). Carlin, who had a long history of heart problems and drug dependency, was admitted to the Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California earlier that day (22Jun08) and passed away in the evening. Carlin rose to fame in the 1960s with appearances on TV programmes including The Ed Sullivan Show. He went on to become a regular on U.S. TV and became the first ever host of NBC's famed Saturday Night Live show in 1975. Carlin also appeared in a variety of movie roles and is best known as Rufus from 1989's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Carlin leaves a daughter, Kelly, 45. (LR/WNWR/CL)
Geroge Carlin 1990
Credit: (Mandatory): WENN