LOS ANGELES -- A comedian famed for his routines about drugs and dirty words died Sunday night in Los Angeles.

George Carlin had a history of heart and drug dependency problems. He was admitted to the hospital around 9 p.m. Sunday, complaining of chest pains.

Carlin was known for his edgy and provocative material and was most well known for his routine called "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television."

A regulatory battle over the routine was ultimately taken to court in 1978.

Carlin was 71 years old.

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