HBO documentary film GEORGE CARLIN’S AMERICAN DREAM debuts May 20
Emmy(R)-Award winners Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, two-part documentary explores Carlin’s tumultuous life and lasting legacy
The two-part HBO original documentary, GEORGE CARLIN’S AMERICAN DREAM, directed by Judd Apatow (HBO’s “Girls”, “The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling”) and Michael Bonfiglio (HBO’s “May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers “), will debut on HBO on back-to-back nights. Part 1 kicks off FRIDAY, MAY 20 (8:00-9:55 PM ET/PT) and Part 2 kicks off SATURDAY, MAY 21 at the same time. Both episodes will be available to stream on HBO Max starting Friday, May 20.
· Synopsis: AMERICAN DREAM BY GEORGE CARLIN chronicles the life and work of legendary comedian George Carlin. Dubbed the “dean of counterculture comedians,” Carlin’s career spanned half a century during which he headlined 14 HBO comedy specials and appeared on “The Tonight Show” more than 130 times. “, constantly evolving with the times and remaining strongly resonant until his death in 2008 and beyond. Carlin’s ability to zoom in on the ills of society has proven eerily prophetic, and much of his work today resonates with alarming – and still hilarious – clarity. The documentary examines a cultural chameleon who is remembered as one of the most influential comedians of all time.
The documentary charts Carlin’s rise to fame and provides an intimate window into his personal life, including his childhood in New York, his long struggle with drugs that damaged his health, his run-ins with the law, his romantic relationship with Brenda, his wife of 36 years, and his second marriage to Sally Wade. Intimate interviews with Carlin and Brenda’s daughter, Kelly Carlin, offer unique insight into her family history and her parents’ enduring love and partnership.
The documentary features a treasure trove of never-before-seen archival material, including archival film, photos, audio recordings, letters, diaries and interviews with Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Patton Oswalt, Stephen Colbert, Bill Burr, Bette Midler, W. Kamau Bell, Sam Jay, Judy Gold, Jon Stewart and others. Joining them in sharing their memories of Carlin are daughter Kelly Carlin, manager Jerry Hamza, second wife Sally Wade, her brother, the late Patrick Carlin, and others.
· Credits: HBO Documentary Films, Rise Films and Apatow Productions in association with Pulse Films present GEORGE CARLIN’S AMERICAN DREAM, directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio; edited by Joe Bechenkovsky; executive produced by Judd Apatow, Michael Bonfiglio, Teddy Leifer, Jerry Hamza and Kelly Carlin. For HBO: Coordinating Producer, Anna Klein; executive producers, Lisa Heller and Nancy Abraham.