George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008) was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor, author and the former long American 1990's narrator of Britt Allcroft's Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends and the former voice of Fillmore from Disney/Pixar's Cars who won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums. On The Simpsons, he voiced the character Munchie in the episode "D'oh-in' in the Wind." He was also referenced in Homie the Clown, where he called Krusty the Clown on the third line to issue a lawsuit against the latter, accusing him of plagiarizing Carlin's comedy skit Seven Words You Can't Say on TV, with Krusty insisting the content was completely different. He then accused him of being a thief, with Krusty signing off angrily before asking for his accountant to supply Carlin $10,000 as an out-of-court settlement, as well as an additional $10,000 to Steve Martin after being notified of the latter calling for another lawsuit due to Krusty using his "Well, excuuuuse me!!!" catchphrase when hanging up on Carlin. He also was known for his role as Rufus in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. In episode 15 of Season 9, "The Last Temptation of Krust", Krusty the Clown dresses up similarly to George Carlin with his iconic black shirt and ponytail. His cynical social commentary is also echoed by Krusty's stage performance in this episode, mirroring Carlin's brand of humor.

Carlin passed away on June 22, 2008 due to heart failure, aged 71, leaving old and new Thomas the Tank Engine and George Carlin fans depressed by the news.

Trivia[]

• He became a stand up comedian in 1960.

External links[]

• George Carlin at the Internet Movie Database
• George Carlin at Wikipedia
• Official Website