Carol Burnett: An Overview
Full Name: Carol Creighton Burnett
Born: April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Singer, Writer, Producer
Known For: The Carol Burnett Show, her pioneering work in sketch comedy, and her broad contributions to television and film.
Early Life
Carol Burnett was born to a troubled family. Her father, a movie theater manager, struggled with alcoholism, and her mother was a depressed woman who struggled to maintain a stable home environment. Burnett and her sister were raised by their grandmother in various locations, which fueled Burnett’s desire to escape into the world of entertainment.
Despite these hardships, Burnett was always drawn to performing. She moved to Los Angeles in 1951, attending UCLA and studying English and theater. She originally aspired to be a writer, but soon discovered her passion for performance.
Career Highlights
1. Breakthrough in Television and Broadway
Burnett’s career began in the early 1950s, performing on TV variety shows, and she quickly gained recognition for her comedic timing and versatility. She first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and then had small roles on shows like The Gary Moore Show, where her ability to perform in a variety of comedic styles—sketch comedy, slapstick, musical numbers—was showcased.
Her first major success came in 1962 when she joined The Garry Moore Show. It was here that she began to develop her unique comedic voice, blending physical comedy with sharp wit. This helped her land her own groundbreaking variety series, The Carol Burnett Show, which premiered in 1967 and ran for 11 seasons.
2. The Carol Burnett Show
The Carol Burnett Show became one of the most beloved variety shows of its era and cemented Burnett’s status as a comedy legend. The show was known for its unique mix of sketch comedy, musical numbers, and improvisation. Burnett’s brilliant sketches often parodied famous movies and television shows. Her hilarious characters, impeccable timing, and willingness to embrace slapstick and emotional range made her a household name.
Some of the most famous sketches from the show included parodies of Gone with the Wind, The Sound of Music, and Cinderella (where Burnett famously appeared in a gown made from drapes, a look that became iconic).
Burnett’s ability to switch between comedy and drama also set her apart, showcasing her remarkable range as a performer. She won multiple Emmys for her work on the show and became one of the most admired comedians in American television history.
3. Awards and Recognition
Burnett’s work earned her numerous accolades over the years, including several Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and a special Tony Award. In 2013, she received the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama, acknowledging her immense impact on entertainment.
4. Other Notable Work
Aside from her career on television, Burnett also acted in a variety of films and TV series, including Annie (1982), where she played the evil Miss Hannigan, and Noises Off (1992), a comedic film based on the Broadway play. She has also been featured in guest appearances on shows like Glee, The Office, and Mad About You. Her voice work in animated films like The Secret of NIMH (1982) is also notable.
5. Writing and Autobiography
Carol Burnett is also a writer. Her memoir, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection, was published in 2010 and became a bestseller. The book is a collection of humorous anecdotes from her career, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on her long career in show business.
Personal Life
Carol Burnett was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Don Saroyan, which ended in divorce in 1962. She later married television producer Joe Hamilton in 1963, with whom she had three daughters. Burnett and Hamilton divorced in 1984, after which she became involved in several philanthropic causes, particularly related to children and education.
Her daughter, Carrie Hamilton, a talented actress, tragically passed away from cancer in 2002, which was a devastating personal loss for Burnett. She has since been involved in charitable causes to honor her daughter’s memory.
Legacy and Influence
Carol Burnett is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential comedians in television history. She broke new ground as a female comedian in a male-dominated field, pioneering a format for variety and sketch comedy that continues to inspire comedians today.
Her work on The Carol Burnett Show had a lasting impact on sketch comedy and variety television, and she has influenced generations of comedians such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Ellen DeGeneres, and many others who have cited her as a role model. Burnett’s comedic sensibility—her ability to merge the absurd with the heartfelt—has been a touchstone for anyone in the world of comedy.
Burnett’s contributions to television were recognized with numerous honors, including being awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2020.
Fun Facts About Carol Burnett:
- Her iconic catchphrase, “I’m so glad we had this time together,” was used at the end of each Carol Burnett Show episode.
- Carol’s infamous “drapes” dress from a Gone with the Wind parody sketch is one of the most memorable moments in TV history.
- In 2017, she received a standing ovation at the Golden Globes when she was honored with a special award.
Conclusion
Carol Burnett’s career is a testament to the power of laughter, versatility, and resilience. With her unmatched talent and heartwarming, yet hilarious, approach to comedy, she helped redefine what a female comedian could be in an industry dominated by men. Her influence stretches beyond comedy, as she became a beloved cultural figure whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of entertainers.