FIRST PUBLISHED: June 23, 2008 12:56 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: June 23, 2008 5:08 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Following the death of comic icon George Carlin on Sunday, those who knew him best and modeled their own careers in his shadow, react to the loss of a legend…

“If there was ever a comedian who was a voice of their generation it was George Carlin. Before George comedians aspired to put on nice suits and perform in Las Vegas. George rebelled against that life. His comedy took on privilege and elitism, even railing against the game of golf. He never lost that fire. May he continue to inspire young people never to accept the status quo.” – Jay Leno

*****

“George Carlin was the most prolific comedy writer ever. He never stopped producing and writing comedy, and his genius and creativity will never be matched. The world of comedy has lost a true pioneer who influenced everyone who followed him. Personally, he was an inspiration, and I thank him for what he meant to me and my career.” - Ray Romano

*****

“You never forget the people who were there at the beginning. George Carlin helped give Saturday Night Live its start as our first host. He was gracious, fearless, and most important of all, funny.” – Lorne Michaels

*****

“In a profession where some look for the easy laugh and cheap shot, George not only made us laugh, but his humor made us think. He was a positive addition to this world and we will miss him.” – Ellen DeGeneres

*****

“George Carlin was America’s universal comedian. He transcended generations. His comedy brightened the days of so many. Beneath his occasional darkness there was a sweet light.” – Robert Klein

*****

“He was a genius and I will miss him dearly.” – Jack Burns, who was the other half of a comedy duo with Carlin in the early 1960s.

*****

“A hugely influential force in stand-up comedy. He had an amazing mind, and his humor was brave, and always challenging us to look at ourselves and question our belief systems, while being incredibly entertaining. He was one of the greats.” – Ben Stiller

*****

“Nobody was funnier than George Carlin. I spent half my childhood in my room listening to his records experiencing pure joy. And he was as kind as he was funny.” – Judd Apatow

Copyright 2009 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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