New York/Santa Monica, June 23 (DPA) The US stand-up comedian George Carlin has died aged 71 following a heart failure in Santa Monica, California, the Internet version of the New York Times quoted his publicist as saying. Born in New York, Carlin was considered one of the best and most creative comedians in the United States.

Noted for his irreverent social commentary, his black humour, Carlin’s notorious “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television” comedy routine was part of a radio censorship case that ended up in the US Supreme Court in 1978.

His television appearances were often released on albums and he won Grammy awards for “FM & AM” (1972) and “Jammin’ in New York” (1993).

He was recently named as the recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humour by the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington. The award would have been presented this November.

“In his lengthy career as a comedian, writer, and actor, George Carlin has not only made us laugh, but he makes us think,” said Stephen A Schwarzman, the Kennedy Centre chairman, adding, “his influence on the next generation of comics has been far-reaching.”

Carlin had long struggled with heart problems.