George Miller

I did some research, and I could not verify a well-known Australian comedian named George Miller born 17 February 1950 and died 5 March 2003. The sources I found point to a different George Miller (American comedian, born 1941, died 2003) rather than an Australian.

Because of this ambiguity, here are two possible approaches:

Possibility A: George Miller, American Comedian (1941–2003)

If you meant George Miller the American stand-up comedian (George Wade Dornberger, born 28 June 1941; died 5 March 2003) , here is a biographical article:

George Miller – Life, Comedy & Legacy (American Stand-Up)

Explore the life and legacy of George Miller, a standout American stand-up comedian known for his intelligent humor, frequent appearances on late-night television, and his clean, sharp comedic style.

Introduction

George Miller (born George Wade Dornberger, 28 June 1941 – 5 March 2003) was a respected American stand-up comedian. Known for a “clean comic” style and incisive wit, he performed often on late-night shows and was regarded as a comedian’s comedian.

Early Life & Family

George Wade Dornberger was born on 28 June 1941 in Seattle, Washington. Details about his early family life are more limited, but he took the stage name George Miller for his performing career.

Youth, Education & Entry into Comedy

Miller first tried stand-up comedy at age 21. In the 1960s, he performed in local comedy clubs, honing a style that combined observational, topical commentary with clean delivery.

His first network television appearance came in 1976 on The Tonight Show. That appearance helped elevate him into national visibility.

Career & Achievements

Television Appearances & Recognition

• Miller appeared on Late Night with David Letterman and Late Show with David Letterman a total of 56 times over two decades — more than most comedians of his era.

• Known for his clean, well-constructed jokes and avoidance of vulgarity, he was often cited by peers and critics alike as a “comedian’s comedian.”

• He also guest-hosted for Joan Rivers on The Late Show with Clint Holmes (with him in a sidekick role) and appeared in various talk shows and specials.

Style & Signature

Miller’s style was characterized by:

• Clean humor: avoiding profanity, explicit content, or crude jokes — focusing instead on cleverness and intelligence

• Topical references / show business commentary: he often made jokes about the entertainment industry, current events, and the absurdities of life as a performer

• Precision and structure: his jokes were noted as “well constructed” rather than rambling musings.

Challenges & Later Years

Miller battled leukemia over a number of years. In early 2003, he died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles — the proximate cause being a blood clot in his brain, following complications from the disease.

David Letterman is reported to have supported Miller’s medical treatment financially, and even contributed to his funeral expenses.

Legacy & Influence

• Miller’s frequent appearances on late-night television, especially Letterman’s shows, made him familiar to a wide audience, though he remained more respected in comedy circles than as a household name.

• His commitment to clean comedy and cleverness has been cited as inspiration by some comedians who wish to avoid shock or vulgar styles.

• Over time, he became known as a reliable “comedian’s comic,” someone deeply admired by peers for craft rather than spectacle.

Personality & Strengths

Strengths & Talent

• Sharp intellect and wit: His jokes were not random gags, but often tied to observations, structure, and cleverness.

• Consistency under pressure: Performing many times on national TV, under bright lights, demands discipline and control.

• Professionalism and respect: He maintained a style that avoided shock value, relying on wordplay, timing, and audience insight.

• Humility: Despite significant television exposure, he remained rooted in the stand-up world, often seen interacting with and supporting fellow comedians.

Challenges & Vulnerability

• Health: His long struggle with leukemia undoubtedly took a physical and emotional toll.

• Recognition: Though known to late-night audiences, he never broke into superstar-level fame; many of his contributions remain appreciated primarily by dedicated comedy fans and peers.

• Balancing art and livelihood: As with many stand-ups, sustaining consistency, innovation, and financial stability in comedy demands resilience.

Famous Quotes & Reflections

While George Miller did not leave behind a trove of well-known quotes in popular quotation anthologies, a few lines attributed to him or collected in humorous quote databases include:

“Now I just drive.”
“George Miller Pool is a fascinating game, but there is always the added factor of the money that really makes it hot.”

These may reflect his dry wit or offbeat reflections, though they are less philosophically profound than some comedians’ signature lines.

Lessons to Draw from George Miller

1. Craft over shock
   His career reminds us that sustainable, intelligent humor can hold value even when novelty or shock often dominates.

2. Perseverance in adversity
   Even while battling illness, he maintained a presence in comedy and left a legacy of appearances and material.

3. Respect among peers as a metric
   Sometimes the deepest legacy is how you’re viewed by those who understand your craft best — in Miller’s case, fellow comedians admired him.

4. Television is a platform, not the whole stage
   He used late-night TV appearances to amplify his live stand-up identity, rather than replacing it.

Conclusion

If your intended “George Miller” was the American stand-up comic born 1941, then this article captures his life, style, and impact. If you were referring to another George Miller (perhaps Australian or with your stated dates), I couldn’t find reliable evidence matching those details.