Recognised as one of America's great stand-ups, George Carlin was the 'King of
the Counterculture Comedians' and had a huge influence on the likes of Bill
Maher, Louis CK and Ricky Gervais. Born during the depression to a middle-class,
Irish-American family in New York City, Carlin's mother left his father and
raised George and his brother on her own in Harlem. The poor, multi-cultural
neighbourhood was full of wild, ragged characters who inspired Carlin's anarchic
independent streak and sparked dreams of a career in show business. After
leaving school he joined the air force as ...