Standup comedy didn’t die with Carlin

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Wayne Federman is a longtime comic, actor and author who has appeared on “The Tonight Show” several times as well as “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and many others. He marveled at how Carlin was able to gain attention for the “Seven Words You Can’t Say On Television” routine and at the same time tickle audiences with squeaky clean observational bits.

Federman said Carlin’s influence lives in the work of people like Maher, Rock, Black, Dennis Miller, Greg Proops, David Cross and others. And he believes the comedic soil left in the wake of Carlin’s passing is more fertile than ever.

“Comedic social commentary has never been more popular,” he said. “In fact, it’s mainstream — delivered by ‘The Daily Show,’ ‘Saturday Night Live,’ ‘South Park,’ ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ and ‘The Colbert Report.’

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“People are paying attention. In fact, a whole new generation gets its news from ‘The Daily Show.’ Also, Penn and Teller’s ‘Bull----’ and all of Michael Moore’s movies use no-holds-barred humor to both satirize and inform.”

If there is one common thread that connects Carlin with the cream of today’s comedy crop, it’s a love for the job.

“George was on the road all the time,” said HBO's Geller, who added that just prior to his death she had been in discussions with Carlin to host a show for comedians. “That’s a true comic. He really worked at his craft. He loved the process of getting the routine together. His work ethic and drive and honesty were absolutely the biggest parts of his legacy.

“He set the bar. He loved being the king. Because so many comedians feel he did set the bar, they keep trying to do better and better.”

Michael Ventre is a frequent contributor to msnbc.com. He lives in Los Angeles.

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