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George Carlin, 1937-2008

Posted: Monday, June 23, 2008 8:17 AM by Dan Fleschner
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George Carlin passed away of heart failure on Sunday at age 71, and the obituaries and rememberances are pouring in -- including one from NBC News correspondent John Larson. WATCH VIDEO

Everyone always mentions Carlin's "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" routine, and it certainly was a big deal and groundbreaking.

But his real legacy was as an innovator and role model to a generation of comedians that rose to prominence in the 1970s and afterward.

As Richard Zoglin writes in his 2008 book, Comedy at the Edge, Carlin played a crucial role in shepherding stand-up comedy from Borscht Belt schtick to topical material and social commentary, a legacy that continues every night, when "The Daily Show" airs.

When he ditched his suit, tie and clean-cut image in 1970, he started a revolution that took Lenny Bruce's edgier, biting comedy to a broader audience (he would appear on "The Tonight Show" 130 times).

Carlin's forays into the "corporate entertainment structure," as he called it -- Hollywood, essentially -- were not as successful. I remember watching "The George Carlin Show," which aired in 1994-95, and it was terrible (but co-starred Alex Rocco, who played Mo Greene in The Godfather).

Although few -- if any -- obituaries will mention it, I'll always think of him as Rufus in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. But maybe I'm the only one.

I'll also make sure to walk into a gift shop today and demand to know where my gift is, then muse on the differences between baseball and football. And yes, I'll probably swear a lot, too.

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My absolutely favorite comedian is gone.  Bless him and his routines.

Fran McDonough, Dunedin, FL (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 12:19 PM)

I will always remember him as The Conductor.  You know, it's funny how someone you never met could become such a big part of your life...Carlin was that for me.  I loved him as The Conductor on Shining Time Station, he was a gentle and sweet soul when around children, that stuck with me and as an adult now (I recently celebrated my 26th birthday) I was an even bigger fan of his comedy and wit.  Not many people affected me like he did.  His social commentary was something that will be missed like the deserts miss rain.  Right now, I am trying not to cry my eyes out, but I am beginning to fail at even that.  Strange, the passing of a "celebrity" rarely affects me like this, When George Harrison passed away it was the same feeling, like part of me went with him.  I say to the entire Carlin family, George will be missed terribly and you have my deepest and most profound condolences in your time of grief, but know that you are not alone, there are millions of us, his fans, that are reeling and grieving right along with you.

Jessica Williams (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 12:38 PM)

With all due respect to the deceased, I find it strange that Kathie Lee Gifford was singing the praises of George Carlin.
This lady thats always expousing whats good and right.
George Carlin was not a role model. He was a foul mouthed pothead.
A pioneer? If being foul mouthed is a pioneer then he was beat to the punch by the likes of Redd Foxx and many others.
An icon,brave and a genius? Since when is being a potty mouth a genius?  He offended two thirds of the listening audience.
 Thank you very much.

Frank Tucker, Union City,Tenn (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 1:11 PM)

I for one, am devastated by the passing of George Carlin. He was the same age/generation as my parents, and I grew up listening to his records and looking out for his appearances on TV (and HBO). A brilliant man, a talented comic and an affable actor, Carlin was the best. I always thought he would have made a great college professor... any subject. He had the knowledge and the intelligence to communicate multiple meanings and various points of view. Always fresh, nothing borrowed or paraphrased, George Carlin's humor was all his own, and like it or not, he had the right to say every G-ddamned word of it. Good night Mr. C. You will be missed.

Allison D., New York NY (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 1:30 PM)

In case you didn't hear...George Carlin died at age 71 yesterday.


He was a very memorable guy and appreciated by many of my generation. Whether or not you were a fan, or liked his other material, I think you will like his "How to Stay Young" talk..... He will be missed by many and was getting ready to receive the 2008 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, given by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts next week.


HOW TO STAY YOUNG  - George Carlin



1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him.



2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.



3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil's workshop."  And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.



4. Enjoy the simple things.



5. Laugh often, long and loud.  Laugh until you gasp for breath.



6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.



7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.



8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.



9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.



10. Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity.



AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:



Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away

Linda, Florissant, Missouri (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 1:50 PM)

There may no longer be a great comedian alive anymore. There are many good ones. But with the loss of Pryor this decade, Bruce from way back when, and now Carlin...there are no more great comedians. Some will argue that Cosby nay hold the mantle now, but he may be looked on as comedian/actor. Regardless, the world is less funny today than it was yesterday.

Spence, Pella, IA (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 2:13 PM)

The late George Carlin is a great loss.We,who watch his atand ups and like them are very sad. May God rest his soul

Miray, Bierut,Lebanon (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 2:15 PM)

He was also the voice behind the Thomas the Tank Engine programs. He will be missed.

Jennifer in Missouri (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 3:34 PM)

Oh my God!  What a tragedy.  What a great loss to the world of entertainment.  I'm going to miss him greatly.  My deepest condolences to his family.  He was truly one of a kind.  I loved him.

Gene Viola, San Antonio, TX (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 4:01 PM)

george had that keen acerbic linked to a sharp mind and a great sense of comedy.  We will miss him as he was one of a kind

lee naumcheff, santa maria, ca (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 5:49 PM)

   I enjoyed George Carlin's comedy routines over many years, having seen him on tv many times. I thought he was very creative in his comedy skits. I am sorry to hear of his passing; I will miss him.

Phil Easter, Baltimore,Md. (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 6:52 PM)

George's voice on the Thomas the Tank Videos was perfect.  Many people didn't know that he made a wonderful kids series!  He will be missed!  

Michele, Corpus Christi, TX (Sent Monday, June 23, 2008 10:41 PM)



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