" The Manhattan-born comedian, who always said his
often-cynical satire simply reflected his real-life disdain for mankind's
greed, stupidity and inconsideration, had a history of heart problems. He also
did a stint in rehab in 2003 for drug dependency. The TV network Comedy Central
in 2004 named him the second best standup comedian of all time, behind Richard
Pryor. Late last week the Kennedy Center announced he would receive its annual
Mark Twain prize for American humor this November. Carlin became one of the
most popular standup comedians in America in the 1960s and early 1970s through
programs like "The Ed Sullivan Show. He will be missed"