Comedian George Carlin is Viral More Than a Decade After His Death; Here's His Legacy and Net Worth

In 2017, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him second on its list of the 50 best stand-up comedians of all time.

PUBLISHED JAN 7, 2024

Cover Image Source: George Carlin arrives at the 15th American Comedy Awards | Getty Images | Photo by Kevin Winter

Name	George Carlin
Net Worth	$10 Million
Sources of Income	Acting, production, writing
Date of Birth	March 12, 1937
Date of Death	June 22, 2008
Age	71 years
Gender	Male
Nationality	American
Profession	Actor, comedian, producer, screenwriter

What was George Carlin’s net worth?

The American comedian, actor, and producer, recently going viral for his takes on global politics and society, George Carlin is celebrated for his witty yet whimsical performances and had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2008. He appeared in several comedy shows and films, including "Outrageous Fortune," "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," and "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey."

George Carlin attends "Jersey Girl" New York Premiere | Getty Images | Photo by James Devaney

What were George Carlin’s sources of income?

Carlin's comedy career, which began in 1959 when he partnered with Jack Burns, was his main source of income. Their success at Fort Worth's "The Cellar" brought them to California, where they landed a morning show, "The Wright Brothers," on KDAY in Hollywood. After two years, they parted ways to pursue individual careers. In the 1960s, Carlin started performing in television variety shows and even appeared on "The Tonight Show." Later, he transformed both his appearance and comedic style.

He signed up with Little David Records, releasing the album "FM & AM," marking his transition from mainstream to counterculture comedy. He bagged major roles in films like "Outrageous Fortune" and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure." He continued to evolve as a performer, and by the 1990s, he was involved in various projects, from TV sitcoms to narrating children's shows.

George Denis Patrick Carlin performs a standup routine at the Cheyenne Civic Center on June 1, 1992 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Carlin was born in New York City in 1937 and went from class clown to standout American comedian. His shtick was described as counterculture and there is no doubt that American culture and politics were favorite targets of Carlin’s satire. In 2017 Rolling Stone magazine ranked him second behind Richard Pryor among the 50 best stand-up comedians of all-time. Following his death in 2008 at the age of 71, George Carlin was posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.|Getty Images|Photo by Mark Junge — George Denis Patrick Carlin performs a stand-up routine at the Cheyenne Civic Center | Getty Images | Photo by Mark Junge

Despite a hiatus in regular stand-up performances due to health issues, Carlin returned to the stage in 1981. His HBO specials, including "Carlin at Carnegie," became a hit. He even received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 15th Annual American Comedy Awards in 2001. A prolific stand-up comedian, he ventured into acting with roles in films like "The Prince of Tides" and "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey."

Carlin's hardcover book "Brain Droppings" became a best-seller, reflecting his success across various media. His HBO special "Life Is Worth Losing" addressed dark themes. Carlin's impact on comedy, language, and social commentary endures, making him a revered figure in the world of stand-up.

George Carlin and Sally Wade at the 15th Annual American Comedy Awards held at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, Ca., Sunday, April 22, 2001. The show will be airing on Comedy Central, Wednesday, April 25, 8 P.M. (ET/PT).|Getty Images|Photo by Kevin Winter — George Carlin and Sally Wade at the 15th Annual American Comedy Awards | Getty Images | Photo by Kevin Winter

Instagram	315,000 Followers
Twitter	72,500 Followers
Facebook	31000 Followers
Youtube	337,000 Subscribers

Norm Crosby, George Carlin and Jerry Lewis during The Comedy Festival - The Founders of Comedy with Larry King - Performance at Flamingo Showroom at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.|Getty Images|Photo by Jeff Kravitz — Norm Crosby, George Carlin, and Jerry Lewis during The Comedy Festival | Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Kravitz

Personal life

Carlin met his first wife, Brenda Hosbrook, when he was on a tour with Jack Burns. The two got married in 1961 at his parents' home in Dayton, Ohio. The couple welcomed their daughter Kelly Marie in 1963. Unfortunately, in 1997, Brenda succumbed to liver cancer. Later, the comedian met Sally Wade and described the meeting as 'love at first sight.' In 1998, he married her.

Carlin had a history of heart problems. He had multiple heart attacks and operations. Unfortunately, on June 22, 2008, at the age of 71, he passed away due to heart failure in Santa Monica, California. As per his wishes, his body was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in front of New York City nightclubs and over Spofford Lake in New Hampshire.