Friends, Colleagues Remember George Carlin

By Access HollywoodJune 23, 2008, 2:08 pm PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Following the death of comic icon George Carlin on Sunday, those who knew him best and modeled their own careers in his shadow, react to the loss of a legend…

"If there was ever a comedian who was a voice of their generation it was George Carlin. Before George comedians aspired to put on nice suits and perform in Las Vegas. George rebelled against that life. His comedy took on privilege and elitism, even railing against the game of golf. He never lost that fire. May he continue to inspire young people never to accept the status quo." - Jay Leno

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*****

"George Carlin was the most prolific comedy writer ever. He never stopped producing and writing comedy, and his genius and creativity will never be matched. The world of comedy has lost a true pioneer who influenced everyone who followed him. Personally, he was an inspiration, and I thank him for what he meant to me and my career." - Ray Romano

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*****

"You never forget the people who were there at the beginning. George Carlin helped give Saturday Night Live its start as our first host. He was gracious, fearless, and most important of all, funny." - Lorne Michaels

[ George Carlin - Check Out the Photos ]

*****

"In a profession where some look for the easy laugh and cheap shot, George not only made us laugh, but his humor made us think. He was a positive addition to this world and we will miss him." - Ellen DeGeneres

*****

"George Carlin was America's universal comedian. He transcended generations. His comedy brightened the days of so many. Beneath his occasional darkness there was a sweet light." - Robert Klein

*****

"He was a genius and I will miss him dearly." - Jack Burns, who was the other half of a comedy duo with Carlin in the early 1960s.

*****

"A hugely influential force in stand-up comedy. He had an amazing mind, and his humor was brave, and always challenging us to look at ourselves and question our belief systems, while being incredibly entertaining. He was one of the greats." - Ben Stiller

*****

"Nobody was funnier than George Carlin. I spent half my childhood in my room listening to his records experiencing pure joy. And he was as kind as he was funny." - Judd Apatow

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comments

  • Susan D
    George Carlin was the first comedian who inspired me as a writer – he made me realize that comedy wasn’t always slapstick, or something that “everyone” thought was funny, in order to have relevance. This was very profound for me. For the first time, as a teenager, while he was doing the college circuit, I began to think of satire as a very important truth-telling device.
    report abuseposted June 25, 2008, 2:51 pm PDT
  • ladydigsu2003
    i always enjoyed watching george carlin as a young teen and into adulthood! he was so funny and i never missed any of his shows! i was saddened to hear the news of his death. it pratically took my breath away. he was a great comedian and will be missed.
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 4:44 pm PDT
  • ladyofdragonrose2000
    I grew up listening to George Carlin, back in the day when the original Saturday Night Live's were actually funny. His sense of humor, politcal musings will be sorely missed. I think right about now George and the big guy are having a nice long talk, and Im sure he will let him in the gate, right along Sam Kinison. Rest In Peace George, The world is better because of you....
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 4:25 pm PDT
  • onetexasmom
    he has a son and a daughter. His first wife passed in 1997. He is survived by his second wife.
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 4:03 pm PDT
  • A NOVEL
    i would like to see more tributes to george carlin; also pictures of his wife and only child, When are the funeral services.? He was wonderful and I would like to know more about this talended man's personal life.
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 3:18 pm PDT
  • kinkysessions55
    George Carlin was truly a great comedian, my day has been much darker since I learned of his departure. I pray his family has strength and peace during this sad time, I hope they know how many people are mourning with them. From now on,instead of GOD's Harley kickin' over, when it thunders, it'll be GOD and the the Angels laughing at George's sense of humor and hi
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 3:06 pm PDT
  • Katie
    George Carlin will continue to inspire people to think about the ridiculousness of life. He was great and he will be very missed in this world.
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 2:31 pm PDT
  • regretful patient
    He will be missed. He was so right about everything. No comedian will ever have the effrontery he had when expressing his views.
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 12:45 pm PDT
  • regretful patient
    He will be missed. He was so right about everything. No comedian will ever have the effrontery he had when expressing his views.
    report abuseposted June 23, 2008, 12:45 pm PDT

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