The fact is that even among those who successfully make the transition to movies, which is where the big money is, film careers are fleeting things. I’ll return to Groucho, as an example. The Marx Bros. made 13 movies but none of them after A Day At The Races was worth a damn. Groucho’s “You Bet Your Life” was essentially a second career, but that was over in the 60s, too.

BTW, not to pick a fight, but I never got Sam Kinison and thought he was pretty much a one-trick-pony. Many people still feel that Dennis Leary owes his career to the fact that Bill Hicks died. Personally, I think Mitch Hedberg’s death is the greater loss. Steven Wright is probably doing the most intellectual stand-up today, but he seems stuck there. And Dave Chappelle is this decade’s heir to the Pryor - Murphy - Rock black comedian tradition, but with few exceptions I’ve found him only modestly funny. My son, however, thinks he’s hilarious. Go figure. Maybe it’s just age.

I see a parallel in music, at least when it comes to good songwriting. A lot of songwriters — Paul McCartney for instance — only have so many brilliant songs in them (though they can milk it while touring and playing their classics).

That’s why I have the highest respect for someone like Neil Young, who can more consistently produce great material over the years. But not everything he has done is great.

Young apropos of the point famously said it’s better to burn out than to fade away. At least with Hendrix, Morrison, Joplin, Cobain, Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, they died (or in the Beatles’ case quit) before they faded away. Likewise with Lennon who was writing strong material until he died at 40.

Imagine John Belushi doing his 4th failed sitcom.

Since we’re throwing out names I’ve got to bring up Bill Hicks, whose career ended far too soon, as well as another comedy-album-era veteran, Bob Newhart, and just to keep from being dated too far back I’ve got to throw in contemporaries Eddie Izzard, Steven Wright and Dave Chappelle who might someday belong in this upper echelon.

Without a doubt George Carlin matches up with any and all of these, and the world is a much less funny place without him… At least we know the afterlife just got a whole lot more entertaining…

D.A., I agree with virtually everything you write about Carlin (e.g., “equal opportunity misanthropy” — that’s a Carlinism), save for one thing: In the pantheon of comedians, he should be No. 1.

He lasted far longer and was far more prolific than any comedian I can think of. Most good comedians have one bit or schtick that you can remember. A handful of legends produced a handful of good bits. This guy had dozens of riffs that were insightful, funny, and memorable.

My favorite Carlin quote (and I use it all the time): “I leave symbols to the symbol-minded.”

I’ve heard a great deal of his recorded work since 1980. I always looked forward to the next installment.

I will miss him.

And I think you are absolutely correct about two things DA:

1. When Carlin’s leftism conflicted with his libertarian instincts, the former won out.

2. He is one of the top 10 ever.