Better known for his career as a comedian, George Carlin was chosen by Britt Allcroft and Rick Sigglekow to become the first Storyteller specifically for the North American market.  As well as telling new and unreleased stories in the United States, George also dubbed over Ringo Starr’s previous output.

 

George is remembered fondly by American fans for providing a more diverse voice range, much as Michael Angelis did for the UK, and delivering these voices in an accent that they could relate to.  George left the series in 1995 to pay greater attention to his stand up comedy routine and pursue other projects in television and movies.  However, much like Ringo Starr, he remained fond of the series and highly complimentary of the work Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Rick Sigglekow put in to make Thomas a success.

 

Sadly, George left us at the age of 71 on the 22 June, 2008 due to heart failure. Both Britt Allcroft and Rick Siggelkow, for whom George contributed as storyteller to Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends and as Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station have wriiten lovely tributes to the man.