George Carlin: A legendary comedian leaves us
When my husband and I saw George Carlin at the Saroyan Theatre in January, I was struck by how physically frail he seemed -- but then he revved into his wonderfully lacerating and hilarious commentary. He was still angry, fired up and passionate about the state of life in America, his famous fast-paced riffs washing over us.
Now word comes that his heart gave out. He died Sunday at 71. How many comedians can say they left a legacy? He was one of the most influential funny men of his generation. And Carlin's most famous routine -- about seven words you can't say on television -- led to a 1978 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the government's authority to sanction stations for airing offensive language.
Above all, Carlin was an insightful, literate humorist. His use of word play was unparalleled, cutting through phrases with the precision of a surgeon. You know, I'm wrong about Carlin being a comedian. He was an artist.
I've posted a video of my favorite Carlin routine, the classic one in which he compares baseball and football. I hope you enjoy it.
Comments:
The world just got a bit less funny.
R.I.P. George. You will be missed.
Posted by: Michael at June 23, 2008 10:26 AM
To be honest, I'm not all that familiar with Carlin's stuff (other than his appearance as Cardinal Glick in "Dogma"), but even I can recognize what a huge deal this is.
Did anyone ever talk about George Carlin's voice? I know the stuff he said was noteworthy, but I just like the sound of his voice - it's so unique.
Posted by: Heather at June 23, 2008 10:31 AM
George carlin stole the show in Bill & Ted's Excellant Adventure.
Posted by: mdub420 at June 23, 2008 10:40 AM
A sad day. You will be missed.
Posted by: Theatre Ventoux at June 23, 2008 2:31 PM
Sad indeed.
Here's a nice eulogy I read from Kevin Smith. It's a good read:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/142975
Posted by: Mike Oz at June 23, 2008 4:56 PM
when I think about Carlin, and his material, what always gets to me is that it's based upon thinking.
-not many people bother to ponder and really 'think,' about stuff ---or 'why,' anymore.
It wasn't absurdist, --it was realist, --but by taking it to it's full conclusion?
It showed the absurdity of so many things.
He made it okay. He made it funny.
He also was a master at reflecting the times.
I mean, his most recent stuff is actually quite dark, -and he spoke of stuff that really had no happy outcome,
---but it was laughing,
-and how the most important thing was not to 'win,' or gain control, It was okay to fail, --just so long as you were not duped. (Which is true counter-culture.)
It took the sting out of cynicism, It made darkness not so dark because it was funny.
--and he allowed those who 'got it,' to have the last laugh, no matter what.
Without ever going 'manic,' George still 'went there,' and showed our real selves, regardless of the subject, every single time.
His was a true logic, ---because you could turn it inside out? and it just got truer, and funnier each time.
Posted by: wet towel at June 24, 2008 12:42 AM
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