Yes, Carol Burnett is still alive. The legendary comedian, actress, and singer continues to write chapters in her historic entertainment career, maintaining an active presence in the industry well into her nineties.
For decades, millions have tuned in to watch her groundbreaking sketch comedy and beloved television specials. When fans search to see if she's still with us, they're usually looking to confirm her current well-being and celebrate the immense footprint she left on American pop culture. This article explores her enduring status, her ongoing creative output, and the foundation of a legacy that reshaped television comedy.
The Trailblazing Career of Carol Burnett
Long before streaming platforms and niche cable channels fragmented the media landscape, Carol Burnett commanded a unified national audience. Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1933, she carved out a path in musical theater and television through sheer grit and unmatched physical comedy.
Her big break arrived on Broadway in the musical Once Upon a Mattress, but television cemented her status as a household name. After a successful stint on The Garry Moore Show, she took a massive gamble. She negotiated a unique contract with CBS that granted her own weekly variety hour.
The Carol Burnett Show Phenomenon
The Carol Burnett Show debuted in 1967 and ran for 11 seasons, racking up 25 Emmy Awards. The program blended musical numbers, movie parodies, and recurring sketch characters that remain cultural touchstones today.
- The Tarzan Yell: Burnett famously opened her live studio interactions with an ear-splitting, flawless Tarzan yell requested by a fan in her very first episode, turning it into a lifelong trademark.
- The Ensemble Dynamic: She shared the screen with comedy heavyweights like Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner. Her inability to keep a straight face during sketches—especially when Conway improvised—became part of the show's chaotic charm.
- The Closing Song: Every episode ended with her signature tune, "I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together," followed by her physical gesture of tugging her earlobe, a private signal to her grandmother that she loved her.
Modern Projects and Continued Recognition
Burnett hasn't rested on her archival footage. She remains a visible and active performer, proving that sharp comedic timing doesn't expire.
In recent years, she appeared in the Apple TV+ period comedy series Palm Royale, earning critical praise and an Emmy nomination for her work. Networks also frequently celebrate her career through prime-time television specials, such as Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, which brought together contemporary stars to honor her influence.
Her trophy room holds virtually every major accolade the entertainment industry offers, including multiple Emmys, Golden Globes, a special Tony Award, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association even established the Carol Burnett Award to honor career achievement in television, fittingly making Burnett the inaugural recipient in 2019.
Read more about her historic accolades on the Television Academy Bios or explore her extensive filmography via TV Insider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Carol Burnett?
She was born on April 26, 1933, making her 93 years old.
What was the ear-tugging gesture about?
At the end of every episode of her variety show, Burnett tugged her left earlobe. She originally started doing this as a silent hello to her grandmother back home, letting her know she was thinking of her on live national television.
Is The Carol Burnett Show available to stream?
Yes, selected episodes and curated collections of her classic CBS variety series are periodically available across various major streaming platforms and digital storefronts, though rights agreements often shift.
Did she win a Grammy Award?
Yes, she won a Grammy Award in 1963 for Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall, a recording of her historic stage special alongside fellow icon Julie Andrews.
What inspired her to get into comedy?
Growing up during the Great Depression in Hollywood, movies served as her primary escape. She spent hours watching classic film comedies at local theaters, memorizing routines and developing a deep love for performance arts long before studying theater arts at UCLA.
