Many people have grown up lovingThomas the Tank Engineand the showShining Time Station. The show introduced a generation of children to the beloved series of characters through the animated stories and the short vignettes in between. Part of the charm of the series is the character of Mr. Conductor.
In the US version of the show, the character wasplayed by George Carlin. Known for his edgy humor, Carlin seemed a strange fit for the part. However, not only did he play the part for six years, but he was synonymous with the show. His involvement was nothing short of pitch-perfect. But what made it work and why Carlin in the first place?
Seven Dirty Words
George Carlin was an active comedian for most of his life until his death in 2008 at age 71. He was a man who started in the early ’60s doing impressions and wacky characters. Due to that specific time in comedy history, he wore short-cropped hair and button-down suits. It was a huge difference from the Carlin so many people remember. However, when he saw Lenny Bruce perform, he realized that he was out of touch with his generation and that he needed to recreate himself to be less of a character and more himself.
This epiphany led him to grow out his hair and start wearing t-shirts and jeans on stage. He even grew a beard.This “hippie” lookwas decried by many, but Carlin’s act was far from tame. He was famous for creating his monologue about the “seven words you can never say on television”. These words are still considered profane and cannot be printed here. However, this routine led to a boom in his career, creating observational comedy that made him a standout voice.
In the 1980s, the Canadian sketch showSCTVcreated a character based on Carlin, played by legendary actor Rick Moranis. The character poked fun at the fact that Carlin had essentially become a parody of himself. This moment is cited as the match that led to Carlin’s third wave of comedy where he became harder and far more political in his views. It begs the question, why would he risk his career to narrate a children’s TV show?
Training For A Phenomenon
Shining Time Stationaired on PBS in the United States from 1989 to 1996. It consisted of three seasons and multiple specials. The show focused on the inhabitants of a small train station and used the animated British showThomas the Tank Engineas its primary mode of storytelling. During the first season, the character of Mr. Conductor (a tiny man who lived in the station and told stories) was played by The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. However, when Starr chose to focus on his music career, the part was changed.Now, George Carlinwas playing a similar character, also named Mr. Conductor, whose story was that he was the original’s cousin.
Carlin not only appeared as the diminutive character but was also the narrator for all of the Thomas stories. It was an interesting role as he was primarily known for his edgy comedy. However, it was also a brilliant move on the part of both Carlin and the producers ofShining Time Stationbecause they were appealing to the children of Carlin’s original audience. It also meant that this new generation would grow up with him, trust his voice, and become a built-in audience for his continued comedy career.
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Shining Time Stationwon Carlin two Daytime Emmy nominations as Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series. It also gave him something else. Something that he told CBS This Morning when he started the gig in 1991:
“It gives me a chance to exercise that part of me which is still young.”
The comedian and actor was able to do something that not many people are able to do. He was given the chance to take his talents to an entirely new place. A place where he could find that inner child and use it to speak to an entirely new generation.
The Voice For a Generation
Regardless of Ringo Starr’s initial involvement, many people only remember George Carlin as “their” Mr. Conductor. His voice was so singular and his method of explanation carried from very pointed views on politics and culture to the whimsical world ofThomas & Friends. He was not afraid to wear silly costumes or act on a green screen. In fact, his ability to make funny faces and talk in silly voices made him an ideal candidate for the job.
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Shining Time Stationwas something of a phenomenon. It did immensely well with audiences and would have gone further had Carlin been able to juggle the show, his HBO specials, and his touring career. However, the producers decided that Carlin’s trustworthy character was pivotal to the show, and it would be nearly impossible to replace him.
In the end, Carlin was given many chances to show the world his range. From his earliest standup to his work in film, he created a persona of someone who could be crass while also actually caring about those around him.Shining Time Stationallowed him to be a role model and voice of good for an entire generation of children. It also gave parents a reason to sit andenjoy television with their children. Carlin was a bridge and was proud to be one.
