George Carlin - A huge loss to comedy and Humankind in general

As most of you know, George Carlin died a couple of weeks ago. I never really thought I'd live to see the day, despite the fact that he was 71 and I'm only 29. That may sound strange but it just seemed like he could live forever, seriously! I mean it was like nothing could stop him. No matter how fucked up humanity was, he was there to observe it. No matter how corrupt the government got, he was there to point it out, and no matter how dismal it all seemed, in the end he could make us laugh about it.

As an aspiring comic I definitely tried to take a page from the Book of Carlin. He was an inspiration to me because even though it seemed like he was pissed off all the time, he could make me laugh right in the middle of it. I've always kinda done the same thing with friends, family and coworkers although not anywhere near the same level as George. I was told by several of them that even when I seem so pissed off and even when it’s for a legitimate reason, I can always work a joke or two into my rantings and ravings. I can drone on about something for an hour and throw in shots that get laughs despite the fact that I am neither trying nor going for a laugh directly.

I can't really recall the first time I saw or even heard of George Carlin. I remember his stint on Shining Time Station as Mr. Conductor. A role he either took over for or from Ringo Starr (I'm not entirely sure), but, despite his comedy style being completely unsuitable for children, he did a great job -- or so I thought anyway. I also remember his short-lived show on FOX, The George Carlin Show, where he played a disgruntled cabbie who pretty much shared the grim world view of Carlin himself. In true FOX fashion they cancelled the show, probably because they were pressured by some dark and shadowy figures in the government to "Shut that guy up." Carlin did tear 'The man' a new asshole every now and again, something which I will miss greatly. He also had two hilarious roles in the Kevin Smith movies Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back where he played a Cardinal and a Drifter respectively. Of course the most important role he ever played, in my opinion, was Rufus from the Bill and Ted movies. He played their time traveling guide from the future, but without the annoying little remote control that guy from Quantum Leap had. Just Carlin, a phone booth and some blind faith in two stoners from San Dimas to travel through time and save the world with their music, despite the fact they couldn't play a note... now that's good watching!

But most definitely it's his stand-up comedy that I will miss the most. I have seen several of his HBO specials and have one of them on my iPod for easy access listening. I intend to get more.

I was very shocked and saddened by his death. I will always regret that I never got to see him perform live, that I never got to meet him and shake his hand, but most of all that I never got to thank him personally for all that he had taught me, about both comedy and about people. He will be missed by everyone who likes to think for themselves and anyone who ever got so frustrated with the world that they just needed to laugh about it. We will miss you George Carlin, thank you for everything you taught us.