Early Life & Family
Carol Burnett was born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, USA. She had a difficult childhood, as both of her parents struggled with alcoholism. After her parents divorced, she was raised by her grandmother, Mabel White, in a modest Los Angeles apartment. Despite financial struggles, Burnett developed a love for performing and attended Hollywood High School before enrolling at UCLA, where she initially studied journalism but later switched to theater.
A kind benefactor anonymously gifted her a $50 loan to move to New York City, which jump-started her career in entertainment.
Career Highlights
Broadway & Early TV Success (1950s–1960s)
Burnett began her career in New York theater, appearing in the hit Broadway musical Once Upon a Mattress (1959), earning a Tony Award nomination.
During the late 1950s, she gained national attention on TV:
- Became a regular performer on The Garry Moore Show (1959–1962)
- Starred in the CBS special Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall (1962) with Julie Andrews
- Made guest appearances on The Twilight Zone and The Lucy Show
The Carol Burnett Show (1967–1978, 1991, 2001, 2017)
In 1967, Burnett launched The Carol Burnett Show on CBS, which became one of the most beloved variety/sketch comedy shows in TV history. The show featured iconic sketches, musical numbers, and guest stars, with an unforgettable cast, including:
- Harvey Korman
- Tim Conway
- Vicki Lawrence
- Lyle Waggoner
Famous sketches included:
- “The Family” (which later inspired Mama’s Family)
- “Went With the Wind!” (a Gone with the Wind parody)
- Her legendary “ear tug” gesture, a signal to her grandmother
The show ran for 11 seasons, won 25 Emmy Awards, and cemented Burnett as one of the greatest comedians of all time.
Post-Show Career & Acting Roles (1980s–Present)
After The Carol Burnett Show, she took on dramatic and comedic roles in TV and film, proving her versatility:
- Annie (1982) – Played the cruel Miss Hannigan
- Friendly Fire (1979) – A serious dramatic role
- Mama’s Family (1983–1990) – Based on her sketch character
- Mad About You (1996–1999) – Emmy-winning guest role
- Glee (2010) – Played Sue Sylvester’s mother
- Palm Royale (2024) – A comedy-drama series on Apple TV+
She also reunited with her former cast members for TV specials celebrating her career, including Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love (2023).
Awards & Recognition
- 6 Emmy Awards – Across multiple decades
- Golden Globe Awards – 5 wins
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005) – Awarded by President George W. Bush
- Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2013)
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2015)
- Carol Burnett Award (2020) – The Golden Globes created a special award in her honor for outstanding contributions to television
Personal Life & Legacy
Carol Burnett was married three times and had three daughters. Her daughter Carrie Hamilton, an actress and writer, tragically passed away from cancer in 2002. Burnett has been open about her personal struggles, including overcoming hardship and loss.
Beyond her comedy, Burnett is admired for her resilience, warmth, and ability to connect with audiences. She paved the way for women in comedy, inspiring generations of performers like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kristen Wiig.
She remains active in Hollywood, continuing to appear in projects well into her 90s.
Legacy & Influence
Carol Burnett is celebrated as one of the greatest comedians of all time, known for her physical comedy, improvisation, and ability to balance humor with heart. Her influence on sketch comedy, television, and female comedians is undeniable.
