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6/23: George Carlin remembrance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last fall, I saw George Carlin was coming to the Fox Theatre and decided to pursue an interview. He also had an HBO special coming up and via his publicist, I had no problem procuring time to talk to him by phone.
I have to say he was nothing but a pleasure to talk to. He was considerate, quotable and just plain fun to interact with. And he sounded content even when he was being Carlinesque cynical.
When he couldn’t think up the name of a particular author, he called me back later to ensure I got it. Not many C-level comics would bother doing that, much less a legend like Carlin.
Here’s the story I wrote last fall:
George Carlin is a cynic. That’s obvious from his comedy routines dating back to the Vietnam era. But he’s an oddly happy cynic.
“I discovered I didn’t care about the outcome on this planet or this country. A lot of comedians and social critics are rooting for a certain outcome or result. I don’t. I just enjoy watching the destruction, ” Carlin said during a recent phone interview to promote his Fox Theatre appearance tonight.
Carlin’s biting commentaries on culture and language have entertained multiple generations. His rant from the early ’70s about the seven words you can never say on television has become folklore and still resonates as people wrangle over the issue of obscenity decades later.
He has taped 13 HBO specials and is set to do his 14th early next year. He’s working on his fourth book. Despite some heart problems earlier this decade, he said he feels good and, at 70, he keeps on touring with an indefatigable spirit.
“I still like people to know what I’m thinking, ” he said. “I do this for me, not for them. I enjoy getting these thoughts off my chest in my own unique way.”
Then again, Carlin is gratified he still has an audience, including plenty of younger people who weren’t around when he began his career.
“People say I’ve changed their whole outlook on things in more profound ways than comedy normally affects them. Things like, ‘My father and I weren’t getting along, but we watched your show and now we’re buddies again.’ I don’t aim for that sort of thing, but it’s gratifying and makes me feel worthy.”
Carlin said he has no real hobbies, no need to ride motorcycles or cook gourmet meals. (“My hobby is being alive, ” he notes.) He doesn’t blog about his thoughts on his Web site, which hasn’t been updated in years. He doesn’t hobnob with other celebrities, much less other stand-up comics.
“I love watching people destroy themselves in public, ” Carlin said. “That’s kind of fun. But I don’t participate in show business. I just do my stuff. I’m a combination artist and entertainer. The artist does the writing. The entertainer performs. They live happily together and have a good time.”
And though Carlin keeps up with the news and mines it for material, his routines don’t play off the headlines a la Jay Leno.
“It’s too easy, ” he said. “I don’t like targets that are easy. I do mention people along the way to make a point.
“I mention George Bush a couple of times in my current show. It’s not about him specifically, but he comes in for a little abuse on the side.”
Take Michael Vick. Carlin sighed and called the star quarterback’s dogfighting travails a “side attraction in the big circus of America. That’s not the kind of thing I generally talk about. But I did write about how I feel about humans vs. animals.
“I agree with the writer Patricia Highsmith. She said a friend told her if she saw a baby human and a baby kitten crying in the street, she’d feed the baby kitten. I agree with that. That’s what I would do: Put animals ahead of human beings.”
In fact, Americans, in his mind, prefer to focus on the sideshows and ignore the big picture.
“People have lost interest in governing themselves, ” he observed, “for the sake of gizmos and toys. They sold out for Jet Skis and cellphones and Salad Shooters and leaf blowers.
“It’s just a shame. It will be the ruin of this country. But it’s fun to watch.”
Comments
By JTD
June 23, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
I think this is like 5 posts without any mention of the regular guys!?!? what is going on Rodney!?
Maybe you should call them and see what Larry, Eric and Southside Steve think about Carlin? put some quotes in here by them? and don’t forget to get a quote from Bert.
Maybe Dagmar has some thoughts about Carlin too?
By Abigail
June 23, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
I saw Carlin perform in October at the Fox and all I can say is that was brilliant! He and his type of humor will be sorely missed. It’s a sad day for the comedy world and those of us who genuinely enjoyed him.
By War EAgle
June 23, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Saw Carlin in Vegas-best line ever when he first walked out; :”You ever notice that the women who are against abortion, are women you would not want to F* in the first place?” Crowd was in the aisles laughing!
By Gina
June 23, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
I’ve always been a bit cynical when it comes to stand up comedians, but I loved George. He never failed to disappoint. He will be missed.
By Deirdre
June 24, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Thanks for repeating the piece, Rodney. There was just something about George.
He could be offensive but it was never personal and he was an equal opportunity offender….everybody got skewered at some point.
His reflections on American society were both devastating and affectionate.
He was hilarious and philosophical all at the same time…not an easy feat.
Brilliant man who will be sorely missed.