That '70s shtick changed our sense of humor

Arts and Culture

Comedians in new book.

"Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America" describes how a generation of comedians remade the nation's sense of humor, starting with George Carlin: Seven words you can't say on TV. Famous quote: "There are no bad words."

April 29, 1954: JERRY SEINFELD doesn't need anyone to get him birthday gifts. Nothing should be fine, especially since he created a show based on that idea. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Steve Martin: One-liner -- "I was born a poor black child" -- became his first movie, "The Jerk." Famous quote: "I'm Steve Martin and I'll be out here in a minute."

Richard Pryor: Black man stopped by white cop: "I am reaching into my pock-et for my li-cense." Famous quote: After pouring cognac over himself and lighting it, "When you're on fire and runnin' down the street, people get out of your way."

Robin Williams: Ernest Angry, TV faith healer. Famous quote: "Is anyone here on drugs?"

Andy Kaufman: Lip-syncing "Mighty Mouse" cartoon theme. Famous quote: "Tenk you veddy much."

Albert Brooks: Wise-cracking mime: "Take my wife -- si vous plait!" Famous quote: "I don't experience basic human emotions. It's not my thing."

Robert Klein: Late-night infomercial for Juergen's myasthenia, "a dreaded disease in which the nose mysteriously slides off." Famous quote: "I want an orderly nuclear holocaust."

1/8

"Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America" describes how a generation of comedians remade the nation's sense of humor, starting with George Carlin: Seven words you can't say on TV. Famous quote: "There are no bad words."

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson found stage and home in Atlanta

PHOTOS: Day 5 of spring training for the Braves

Metro Atlanta students write valentines to veterans

GHSA Championship, Dance, Akins Ford Arena, Athens

Alerts

PHOTOS: Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson found stage and home in Atlanta

PHOTOS: Day 5 of spring training for the Braves

Metro Atlanta students write valentines to veterans

PHOTOS: Georgia teams dance way to state championships