Many who saw or heard Carlin knew he was an expert at pushing the envelope and going way beyond that. In his lifetime, he passed many comedic milestones and opened up new territory. He questioned authority with a vengeance and he didn't do well in specific systems. Often, hearing him, I marveled at the oddness of human beings. He made me question things I'd taken for granted even as he offended so many others.
He was not universally loved but he was respected even by some who winced even as they heard him speak. He questioned taboos. He admittedly engaged in his share of drug use and it took a toll. Battling heart disease, he finally succumbed at age 71. It is a sad day for many who understood how Carlin embodied the testing of cultural assumptions and had one heck of a time doing it, often getting the audience along with him for the ride.
Some milestones in his life:
1. A He recorded a 12-minute monologue entitled "Filthy Words" before a live audience. Because he then said the words that weren't ever supposed to be said in public was used when he went before Justice Stevens in a case about words which are indecent but not necessarily obscene. You can read about that here: Supreme Court Case/ .
2. He was discharged from the Air Force - that leter can also be seen at the website.
3. He was always his own self and people often related to that. He had me laughing hysterically many times. Yes, he also offended many others.
4. Ironically, he has a career retrospective boxed set which I'd strongly urge fans to buy. I predict it'll fly out the door when news of his death becomes more widespread. You can see it here:
Carlin boxed set
5. He is being famous for being known as the guy who got 7 Dirty Words banned.
Most of all, he was an enigma. He wrote that he did not believe in hope but saw himself as a happy individual even as he didn't have much hope in the future of people or the world.
While i didn't always share his pessimism (and still don't) he is left an indelible imprint on my life, my history and my memories of the 60s and 70s. I hope people feel inclined to share their own take of Carlin.
By the way, he may have been living on borrowed time since 1982, when he wrote : 1982 that he had his second heart attack at Dodger Stadium during a Mets game. His pulse dropped bleow 20 beats a minute during that episode...and yet look how many more years he lived.
May he rest in peace now.
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Comments: 39
An excellent tribute, thanks. No one has or had the facility he did with words and their meanings.
He'll be sorely missed.
A funny guy and an original thinker. Both traits the world needs more of.
found something else to focus on besides vulgarity.
Thanks for posting to Gather Writing Essentials: Humor Monday. This article has been included with it's link in Humor Monday Update 6/23/08.
"Yes, it's true that I now lead Richard Pryor in heart attacks... But... He leads ME in SETTING YOUR FACE ON FIRE!"
And we were off on a laughing jag that didn't stop until he exited the stage...
Here's to you, George C., the voice that railed against the establishment machine... You will always have a special place in my heart....