George Carlin: Never on Broadway
Steve on Broadway (SOB) has a very poignant column out today about George Carlin. It’s sweetly memorable with a personal touch, and he notes that unlike contemporaries like Robin Williams, Carlin never did a Broadway show. Kind of surprising, when you think about it, for such a big name.
However, a little research reveals a CNN interview which may explain why. Carlin never wanted to do the traditional “[insert name of comic] on Broadway!” schtick. Like many of his acts, he wanted a bigger picture to be there. “That’s not really a Broadway show. That’s kind of using Broadway as a prop. I want to do a six-month run and do a two-act show that has a theme to it, and I’ll do it.” One has to wonder if somewhere there are notes in his handwriting for just that kind of show, tying in the Seven Words with the Blue food and wrapping it all up in some succinct little epithet he delivers as he strolls off the stage.
I doubt he’d have regretted a minute of it, though. “Broadway isn’t a very big career move, you know. … There’s no money in it and it doesn’t mean anything to your career. It’s just a nice little jewel in the crown.” Perhaps those are the words of advice he would have given Katie Holmes on her debut, too.
Like everyone else, I have my own favorite Carlinism: “Imagine how dumb your average person is. Now, realize that at least half the rest of the people are even dumber.”
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