Seinfeld: Death Was a Laughing Matter for Carlin

Nine days ago death was just another thing to joke about for George Carlin, writes Jerry Seinfeld in the New York Times. The comics were talking about the deaths of Tim Russert and Bo Diddley, and Carlin said, “I feel safe for a while. There will probably be a break before they come after the next one.”

Carlin “downright invented modern American stand-up,” Seinfeld writes. “Every comedian does a little George.” Countless comics have had bits ruined because “Carlin already did it,” and when Carlin “did it” it was done. “He was like a train hobo with a chicken bone. When he was done there was nothing left for anybody.” And Jerry despairs that, when he dies, his last thought will be “Carlin already did it.” (More obituary stories.)