Carol Burnett, a beloved icon in singing, acting, and comedy, has been lighting up television screens for nearly 70 years. As she nears her 90th birthday in April 2023, she remains as vibrant as ever.
Born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Burnett later moved to Los Angeles, where she lived with her grandmother and attended Hollywood High. After high school, she studied at UCLA and discovered her passion for performing, which eventually led her to New York City. There, she landed her breakout role in Once Upon a Mattress and began appearing on The Garry Moore Show, where she won her first Emmy. This experience made her realize her love for television variety shows, which allowed her to explore different characters weekly.
Burnett’s signature show, The Carol Burnett Show, aired on CBS from 1967 to 1978 and was immensely popular, solidifying her status as a comedic legend. Her success extended to film and TV roles, including the memorable portrayal of Miss Hannigan in the 1982 movie Annie.
In an interview with People for her 90th birthday, Burnett reflected on her legacy and life. At the height of her career, she and her then-husband, TV producer Joe Hamilton, welcomed three children: Jody, Erin, and Carrie. While Burnett’s professional life was filled with accolades, her personal life had its share of challenges. Carrie battled addiction before her life was cut short by cancer in 2002, and Erin struggled with substance issues that Burnett supported her through.
Despite these hardships, Burnett found solace in spreading laughter and joy. When asked about her legacy, she shared that she hopes to be remembered for lifting people’s spirits, saying, “When they were sad or having a bad day, I would make them laugh and make them feel better about themselves.” She treasured the letters from fans who said her show was the one time their families came together to share laughter.
Burnett’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including seven Golden Globes, six Primetime Emmys, a Grammy, and a Tony Award, placing her one Oscar short of an EGOT. She has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Reflecting on her achievements, Burnett said, “I can’t put my brain around it. I have the mentality of a child of roughly 11 years old, and that blows my mind. It passed by in a flash.” With gratitude, she added, “But I’m pleased because I’ve got all my parts – my hips, my knees, and my brain – so I’m delighted about that.”