Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett
Name	Carol Burnett
Caption	Burnett in 1976
Birth name	Carol Creighton Burnett
Birth date	26 April 1933
Birth place	San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, comedian, singer, writer
Years active	1955–present
Spouse	Don Saroyan (m. 1955; div. 1962), Joe Hamilton (m. 1963; div. 1984), Brian Miller (m. 2001)
Children	3, including Carrie Hamilton
Awards	Full list

Carol Burnett. Carol Creighton Burnett is an American actress, comedian, singer, and writer, widely regarded as a pioneering figure in television comedy. Her groundbreaking variety program, *The Carol Burnett Show*, which aired on CBS from 1967 to 1978, earned her numerous accolades and cemented her status as an entertainment icon. Known for her charisma, improvisational skill, and signature ear-tug, Burnett has received a Peabody Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards over a career spanning more than six decades.

Early life and education

Born in San Antonio, Texas, she was raised primarily by her grandmother in a one-room apartment near Hollywood. She attended Hollywood High School before enrolling at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), initially intending to study journalism. A required theater course shifted her focus, leading her to perform in college productions and graduate with a degree in theater arts and English in 1954. During her time at UCLA, she performed in a musical revue with fellow student and future performer Paul Lynde.

Career

Her professional break came after a spontaneous performance for a wealthy stranger in New York City, who provided a loan with the stipulation she pursue her dreams. She soon landed a starring role in the Off-Broadway musical *Once Upon a Mattress* in 1959, which transferred to Broadway. Burnett gained national exposure as a regular performer on the popular CBS variety show *The Garry Moore Show* from 1959 to 1962, where she honed her comedic timing. This led to her own television special, *Carol + 2*, and a landmark contract with CBS that included an option for a weekly variety program.

The Carol Burnett Show

Premiering in 1967, *The Carol Burnett Show* became a defining force in American television, renowned for its ensemble cast, including Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and later Tim Conway. The show blended sketch comedy, musical numbers, and guest stars like Jimmy Stewart, Rita Hayworth, and Betty White. Iconic recurring sketches included "The Family" (which spawned *Mama's Family*), "Went with the Wind!", and the audience Q&A segment that opened each episode. The program won 25 Primetime Emmy Awards and consistently ranked among the top-rated shows, influencing countless comedians and series that followed.

Later television and film work

Following the conclusion of her variety show, Burnett starred in several television movies, such as *Friendly Fire* and *Life of the Party: The Story of Beatrice*. She returned to series television with *Carol & Company* and made notable guest appearances on shows like *Mad About You* and *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*. Her film roles include *Pete 'n' Tillie*, *The Four Seasons*, and *Annie*. In the 21st century, she has guest-starred on popular series including *Glee* and *Better Call Saul*, and hosted the Netflix talk show *A Little Help with Carol Burnett*.

Personal life

She was married to Don Saroyan from 1955 to 1962. In 1963, she married television producer Joe Hamilton, with whom she had three daughters: Carrie Hamilton, Jody Hamilton, and Erin Hamilton. Her eldest daughter, actress and singer Carrie Hamilton, died of cancer in 2002. Burnett married drummer Brian Miller in 2001. A longtime resident of Santa Monica, California, she has been open about her childhood challenges and her close relationships with colleagues like Julie Andrews.

Awards and legacy

Her honors include six Golden Globe Awards, the 1962 Peabody Award for *The Garry Moore Show*, and seven Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2003, she received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 2005, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Burnett has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was the first woman to host a television variety sketch show, paving the way for performers like Ellen DeGeneres and Tina Fey. The Carol Burnett Award was established at the Golden Globes in 2019 to honor outstanding contributions to television.

Category:American comedians Category:American television actresses Category:American film actresses