Super Man II Has Died

Super Man II Has Died

Kim Wolinski
“Dr. DeClutter” http://www.drdeclutter.com/

He didn’t fly through the air, though I suppose over the radio and TV waves he did – for over 30 years – right into our homes. He didn’t run faster than a speeding bullet, but his humor was very quick. And he didn’t have problems with kryptonite, only small groups of people due to being shy and feeling out of place.

Johnny Carson died this week, as you may of course know. Being a native Nebraskan, and University of Nebraska Alumnus, I always appreciated his helping keep a heartland state on the map. I sure miss him. But certainly beyond that, I will miss his kindness, gentle nature and laser quick humor blanketed in humility. Who’s going to forget those puppy eyes and that “ah-shucks” face after a joke? That’s Johnny Carson to the bone. Unique – human - a star. I can still watch clips of his shows and laugh like it was the first time – fresh and new – classic.

A man who saw what he wanted and kept his eye on the mark all his life. How many of us can say that? And, a person who as he climbed the ladder invited so many others to step up behind and beside him.

Did you know that Carson was also a very big philanthropist? At least to the UNL, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. As an NU alumnus, Johnny Carson just a few months ago donated $5.3 million to support UNL’s Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts’ Department of Theatre Arts. The gift supports the renovation and expansion of the Temple Building. The gift also creates an endowment to keep performance space equipped with the latest advances in lighting and sound technologies and assists students and programs in the department.

In recognition for this and past gifts, NU will rename the Department of Theatre Arts in Carson’s honor. Yes, Johnny has been giving for years with the stipulation that it be kept quiet. As he lived his life in all other ways, including in death he did not have a funeral for others to attend, he didn’t want fan-fair about his giving.

“I got my start in the Temple Building and have never forgotten the impact of my academic studies at the University of Nebraska on my life and career,” he said. Carson received his bachelor’s degree in radio and speech in 1949. His senior thesis, “How to Write Comedy for Radio,” was recorded on a reel-to-reel tape in the basement of the Temple Building.

So, I want to say thank you Johnny for being such a wonderful human being and for showing us all how to be successful and brilliant, while being funny, happy, creative, friendly, humble, giving and supportive to others in very big ways. You are a Super Man, Johnny!

©2005 Kim Wolinski, MSW
kim@drdeclutter.com