A thought and a prayer for the most dynamic, optimistic and infectiously upbeat sewer worker in the world… Ed Norton.
I just purchased last week the newly released DVD set of the “Classic 39 Episodes” of the Honeymooners, and was reminded of how talented an actor Art Carney was.
Norton, in addition to his singing, dancing, piano playing, would probably have made a fine whistle player…
A great loss for us, a definite gain for the sewers in Paradise!
Truly he was a gifted actor and comedian.
He could certainly deliver a line, such as on an episode of “Alice,” where he was backing out of doing a commercial for “Mel’s Chili con Carney,” and he suggests that Mel Sharples rename it “Chili con Sharples.”
What is also amazing is the universality of his appeal: I am watching the whole series with my son, who is 14 and of course was completely unaware the Honeymooners ever existed, and Norton is his favorite character. I think this is because Art Carney combined acting ability with very deft physical skills (sometimes reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin).
He was truly an amazing actor. Knowing him as Ed Norton, it’s hard to imagine that Art originated the role of Felix Unger in the Neal Simon’s Odd Couple on Brodway.
Artists of that caliber are very few and far between. He will be missed!
Not to mention his 1974 Oscar winning performance in “Harry and Tonto” (that year’s competition was Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson…)
Thank you for posting this, pthouron… I agree – Mr Carney was a fine actor with incredible range. The legacy he left us is a true treasure, and I’m very glad to see that new generations are enjoying his work. Prayers and good thoughts are going out for his family and friends. He will be missed by all…
Michele
Great Actor always made me smile 
Good on yer Art you will have them in stiches in heaven 
The only art is Art Carney.
Always brought us great joy and was oft imitated. Someone I worked with years ago could actually recite the dialogue almost word for word of the entire 39 episodes…hey dere Ralphie boy! Ralph: “First address the ball.” Art: Hellooo ball
PhilO
An old friend (84 years old) recently told me that he had been out in public and a lady stared at him for a while and finally said, “You’re Art Carney, aren’t you?” She didn’t believe his denials so he finally signed autographs for her–that is his sense of humor. About a year later he was giving a piano concert and a member of the audience (an older lady) came up to him and said, in an accusatory tone, “You AREN’T Art Carney!” It was the same lady. They both had a wonderful laugh. True story.
The wonderful thing about such as he, they make you smile and laugh long after they’re gone..
PhilO
I came across a Honeymooners marathon on the box today and got so engrossed in it that I never even picked up the guitar next to me (I was supposed to be learning some Christmas music). Magic, sheer magic.
(Now does anyone have a fingerstyle arrangement for “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”?)
Hey Paul,
Here is one arrangement. You may need to download software.
Good Luckl!
Patrick
When Jackie Gleason and Art Carney were trying to learn how to play golf…
Jackie to Art…
“Adress the ball”
Art
"“Hello ball…”
He was one of, if not the greatest, comedic actors ever.
~Larry