This was on Kevin Smith's website
The View Askewniverse
George Carlin, quite possibly the most influential, memorable stand-up comedians of all-time, has passed away.
I recall getting HBO as a kid, when the channel was still in its infancy, excited to finally have uncut movies at home. What I’d soon learn is that HBO wasn’t just about movies, though — Their “One Night Stand” and similar programming were among the first to bring the art of stand-up comedy to the masses. Keep in mind, this is years before the concept of “Comedy Central” was thought up. So whose would be the first stand-up routine I’d ever see? None other than George Carlin. I believe it was the “stuff” routine that got me hooked, though his most famous, the “Seven Dirty Words”, also rose to fame in that era, and remains cited and quoted even today. I became a stand-up junkie, and Carlin was a big reason.
Carlin became a member of the View Askew family back in 1998 during the filming of Dogma — 10 years ago. Following his role as Cardinal Glick, one of the largest of his film career, he re-appeared for a hilarious cameo in “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back”. While he went on to do voice work in a few movies afterward, his final big screen live appearance was in 2004’s “Jersey Girl”, where he played Bart Trinke, father to Ben Affleck’s character, in another substantial role.
It’s hard to imagine that we’ll ever see another comedian as brilliant and groundbreaking as George Carlin in our time, quite possibly ever again. What he did transcended just taking the stage and spouting one-liners. His routines managed to be topical, poignant, insightful, controversial, and absolutely hilarious — all at the same time. The man was a pioneer and a genius, a master of his trade, and will be missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him or his work. Our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and fans of this legendary talent. Rest in peace, George. You will be missed.
Thanks to all who wrote in with the scoop and condolences, the list is way too long to list you all. The talkbacks are a great place to express your thoughts on this brilliant man.
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