50 Facts About Carol Burnett

Early Life and Influences

Carol Burnett's journey to becoming a comedy legend began with a challenging childhood and the influence of a significant family member.

1. Carol Burnett was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Joseph Allen Thomas and Louise Creighton Burnett. Her parents divorced when she was young, and both struggled with alcoholism.
2. Burnett was primarily raised by her grandmother, Mabel Eudora White, in a small studio apartment in Hollywood. This grandmother played a significant role in her life and was often signaled with a tug of her ear at the end of every episode of The Carol Burnett Show.

Education and Early Career

Burnett's path to stardom was paved with unique opportunities and a few unexpected turns.

3. Burnett studied journalism at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), but switched to playwriting after discovering her love for performing. She took an acting class, which led to her natural ability to make audiences laugh.
4. An anonymous benefactor bankrolled Burnett’s venture from California to New York to pursue her acting dreams. After a student performance at UCLA, a man approached her and offered her $1000 to help get her to New York City. All Burnett had to do in return was pay the loan back within five years without interest, pay the favor forward if she made it big, and never reveal the man’s name.
5. Burnett’s early career included appearances on children’s TV shows. One of her earliest gigs was playing a ventriloquist dummy’s love interest on a kids show, and later, she became the first celebrity guest star on Sesame Street in 1969.
6. Burnett starred in a sitcom called Stanley alongside comedian Buddy Hackett as his girlfriend. The show only lasted for half a season in 1956 before being yanked due to low ratings.

Breakthrough and Mentorship

Burnett's career took off with the help of some key figures and her own determination.

7. In the 1960s, Lucille Ball, who had helped mentor Burnett, offered to create and produce a sitcom specifically for her. However, Burnett had other career ambitions and turned down the offer.
8. Burnett only got her own variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, because of a clause in her contract with CBS that allowed her to embark on one. Network executives tried to convince her to take a sitcom deal instead, as they didn’t think a woman could maintain a successful variety show.

The Carol Burnett Show

This iconic show became a staple of American television, showcasing Burnett's comedic genius.

9. The Bob Mackie-designed Scarlett O’Hara dress made out of curtains — rod and all — from the famous “Went With the Wind” sketch on The Carol Burnett Show currently resides in the Smithsonian Museum.
10. Burnett met Vicki Lawrence, who she would later mentor, after Lawrence sent her a fan letter. The pair are the only two Carol Burnett Show cast members to appear on the entirety of the series.
11. Of all the legendary guest stars who graced the Carol Burnett Show stage over the years, there’s one who proved too elusive even for Burnett — Bette Davis.
12. Burnett believes bad weather is a good omen.
13. Burnett has won numerous Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Series in 1975, Outstanding Music-Variety Series in 1974, and Outstanding Variety Series – Musical in 1972.
14. She has also received several Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy in 1977 and 1978, and Best Actress in a Leading Role – Musical or Comedy Series or Television Movie in 1972.
15. In 2017, Burnett won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for her memoir This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection.
16. Burnett was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2003 for her contributions to the arts.
17. She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1985 for her significant contributions to television.
18. In 2005, Burnett received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
19. She was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for Humor in 2013 for her contributions to comedy.
20. In 2019, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association created The Carol Burnett Award, an honorary Golden Globe to celebrate outstanding contributions to television. Burnett was the first recipient.
21. Burnett was celebrated by her colleagues and fellow actors with the Life Achievement honors at the 2016 SAG Awards.

Broadway and Film Career

Burnett's talents extended beyond television, making significant impacts on Broadway and in film.

22. Burnett has had a successful Broadway career, appearing in shows like Once Upon a Mattress, Moon Over Buffalo, and Putting It Together.
23. She has also had a notable film career, starring in movies such as Annie, Noises Off, A Wedding, and Four Seasons.
24. Burnett has produced and starred in numerous television specials, teaming up with artists like Beverly Sills, Placido Domingo, Dolly Parton, and Julie Andrews.

Guest Appearances and Other Projects

Burnett's versatility allowed her to shine in various roles across different platforms.

25. She has made guest appearances on several television series, including Glee, Hot in Cleveland, Hawaii 5-0, and Law and Order: SVU.
26. Burnett has starred in television series like Fresno and Carol & Co., as well as the highly acclaimed made-for-television movies Friendly Fire and Life of the Party: The Story of Beatrice.
27. Burnett has written several best-selling memoirs, including One More Time, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection, and Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story. Her latest book, In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun In The Sandbox, received favorable reviews and won a Grammy for Spoken Word.
28. Burnett added playwright to her credits when she and her daughter, Carrie Hamilton, wrote Hollywood Arms. The play premiered at the Chicago Goodman Theatre in April 2002 and later on Broadway in October 2002.
29. Sadly, Carrie Hamilton passed away three months prior to the play’s premiere. Directed by Hal Prince, Hollywood Arms was a poignant tribute to their relationship and Burnett’s childhood experiences.

Awards and Honors

Burnett's contributions to entertainment have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards.

30. In addition to her numerous Emmy, Golden Globe, and Grammy Awards, Burnett has received the Horatio Alger Award, an Ace Award, the Peabody Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
31. The Carol Burnett Show was named one of “100 Best Television Shows of All Time” by TIME magazine in 2007. The show ran for 11 seasons, averaged 30 million viewers per week, and received 25 Emmy Awards, making it one of the most honored shows in television history.
32. During its run, The Carol Burnett Show was part of CBS’s unrivaled Saturday night lineup, which included All in the Family, MASH*, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The show was the cleanup hitter for this lineup, often ending the night with high ratings.
33. Despite initial doubts from network executives, The Carol Burnett Show became a huge success. It featured comedy sketches, musical numbers, weekly guest stars, and an opening segment where Burnett answered questions from the audience.
34. The show boasted a talented cast that included comedic actor Harvey Korman, handsome straight man Lyle Waggoner, singer Vicki Lawrence, and later comedian Tim Conway. These cast members contributed significantly to the show’s success and longevity.
35. The show featured a who’s-who of guest stars, from Sid Caesar to Joan Rivers. These appearances added to the show’s appeal and helped maintain its high ratings.
36. The Carol Burnett Show broke new ground in comedy, showcasing a female host in a variety show format. This was a significant milestone in the history of television comedy.
37. The show won several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Series in 1975, Outstanding Music-Variety Series in 1974, and Outstanding Variety Series – Musical in 1972. Burnett herself received five Golden Globe Awards as the best actress in television comedy for her work on the show.
38. Despite its success, the show’s ratings dipped in later seasons. The network experimented with different time slots, and original cast members left and were replaced. However, Burnett decided to end the series after the 11th season in 1978.

Post-Show Career

Even after her iconic show ended, Burnett continued to make her mark in entertainment.

39. After The Carol Burnett Show ended, Burnett appeared in more feature films, including Pete ‘n’ Tillie (1972), The Front Page (1974), The Four Seasons (1981), and Annie (1982).
40. Burnett won critical acclaim for her dramatic performances in television films like Friendly Fire (1979) and Life of the Party: The Story of Beatrice (1982).
41. In the 1980s, Burnett appeared regularly on the comedy series Mama’s Family, a spinoff of the family sketches on her variety show. She also starred in the comedy miniseries Fresno.
42. Burnett’s memoir, One More Time, became a national bestseller in 1986. This success was followed by another Emmy Award for her recurring role in the comedy Mad About You.
43. Burnett returned to Broadway in 1995, starring in the comedy Moon Over Buffalo. She again appeared on Broadway in 1998 with the revival of Putting It Together, a revue of songs by Stephen Sondheim.

Recent Projects and Legacy

Burnett's influence continues to be felt through her recent work and lasting legacy.

44. In recent years, Burnett has focused on several major projects. The first was the long-awaited release on DVD of the initial five seasons of The Carol Burnett Show. She has also continued to make guest appearances on popular programs like Glee and Law and Order: SVU.
45. Burnett’s personal life has been marked by significant events, including her 20-year marriage to Joe Hamilton, which ended in divorce in 1984. She has continued to be active in television while spending much of her time writing.
46. The City of Los Angeles named the intersection of Highland Ave. and Selma directly adjacent to Hollywood High School, Carol’s alma mater, Carol Burnett Square. CBS Studios dedicated “The Carol Burnett Artist Entrance” in her honor.
47. Burnett’s legacy extends beyond her own career. She has inspired countless comedians and actresses, including those who have followed in her footsteps on The Carol Burnett Show and other television programs.
48. Despite her retirement from regular television appearances, Burnett continues to contribute to the entertainment industry through her writing and occasional acting roles. Her most recent book, In Such Good Company, received favorable reviews and won a Grammy for Spoken Word.
49. Carol Burnett’s appeal is timeless. Her ability to make audiences laugh and her dedication to her craft have cemented her place as one of the greatest comedians of all time.
50. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of comedians and entertainers.

Carol Burnett's Enduring Legacy

Carol Burnett's impact on comedy and television is undeniable. From her humble beginnings in San Antonio to becoming a household name, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her groundbreaking work on The Carol Burnett Show set a new standard for variety shows, proving that a woman could lead and succeed in this genre. With numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and a Grammy, her talent and dedication have been recognized time and again. Beyond her professional achievements, Burnett's personal story of resilience and generosity adds depth to her legacy. Her influence continues to inspire comedians and entertainers, ensuring her place in the annals of entertainment history. Carol Burnett's timeless humor and pioneering spirit will forever be remembered and celebrated.