One Enduring Brand

Last week at a pre-Oscar party, I had a delightful treat: a chat with Jack Carter, comedian extraordinaire.

After listening to what he’s been up to lately (and, I admit it, being completely charmed), it struck me that he embodies the definition of an enduring brand.

Jack remains relevant. He turns 89 this year and kept up a lively conversation on his current projects—The Ren and Stimpy Show and The Family Guy. When travel to do live shows became a bit much, he found himself a new TV audience—from Parks and Recreation to Desperate Housewives to Nickelodeon’s iCarly. He has a nose (and probably a very good agent) for what’s current and fits his brand.

And, he is consistent. Whether making hay on the Ed Sullivan Show, hosting a Friar’s Club roast or hanging with his old pals Jack Benny, George Burns and Fred Allen in their heyday, he remained the brash, Brooklyn comic. When a nasty accident limited his mobility two years ago, he turned to animation where a whole new generation of fans could lock into his feisty, tell-it-like-it-is personality.

Jack Carter is always in motion. I met him at a week-night party in a private home (thank you Ron). It wasn’t easy for him to navigate the tight corners and tiled floors of a 1920’s house, but he did without complaint. On the contrary, the man was clearly enjoying himself. What’s more compelling than someone truly reveling in the present moment?

Jack Carter endures. Because he remains relevant, consistent and active: a role model for the rest of us.