Is it me, or did the world just get a little less funny?
Comedian George Carlin has died at the age of 71. A brilliant stand-up and satirist, he was famous for pushing the limits of language and exposing the hypocrisies at the heart of modern life. He was also prolific; over his career, he produced 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials and three books. Just last week it was announced he would be the 11th recipient of the Mark Twain Award for American Humor.
While his ascerbic comedy is getting a lot of attention today, I’ll be remembering the man for his flexibility. No doubt, rage was a big part of his animus. But he could also be remarkably warm, as shown by his work as the diminuitive on Shining Time Station. I think his anger came from a deep love for people, and his deep frustration for their inability to get it together.
So, in honour of Mr. Carlin, here is his most famous bit, the iconic Seven Words You Can Never Say on TV:
You will be missed.
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