Yes, Carol Burnett is still alive. At 93 years old, the legendary comedian and television pioneer continues to make occasional television appearances, maintaining a vibrant presence in American pop culture decades after her iconic variety show defined a golden era of broadcasting.
Early Life and Path to Stardom
Born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Burnett spent much of her childhood raised by her grandmother in a small Hollywood apartment. Despite facing financial hardships during the Great Depression, she developed an early love for the cinema, often frequenting double features. She later attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she studied theatre arts and playwriting.
Her transition to New York City involved working odd jobs, including a stint as a hat-check girl, while she auditioned for theatrical roles. Her big break arrived on the stage, notably in the off-Broadway musical Once Upon a Mattress. Television producers quickly took notice of her expressive physical comedy, sharp timing, and clear singing voice, leading to regular television appearances alongside Garry Moore.
The Reign of The Carol Burnett Show
The defining chapter of her career arrived when CBS gave her creative control over a weekly variety hour. The Carol Burnett Show debuted in 1967 and ran for eleven successful seasons, producing 279 episodes. Alongside a talented ensemble cast featuring Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and later Tim Conway, Burnett created a television institution.
The program blended sketch comedy, musical numbers, and direct interactions with the studio audience. Memorable recurring segments included parodies of classic Hollywood films, the continuing misadventures of the frantic secretary Mrs. Wiggins, and "The Family" sketches that later inspired the spin-off series Mama's Family.
Burnett's signature closing ritual—tugging her left earlobe during the sign-off song—was a private message to her grandmother to let her know she was doing well. The series earned 25 Primetime Emmy Awards and cemented Burnett's status as a master of live performance. You can read more about her historic run through the Television Academy.
Career Evolution and Recent Roles
Rather than retiring after her variety show ended in 1978, Burnett diversified her portfolio across film, stage, and television. She starred in feature films such as Robert Altman's A Wedding, the film adaptation of Annie as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan, and The Four Seasons. On Broadway, she earned Tony Award nominations and starred in dramatic television films like Friendly Fire.
In recent years, Burnett has delighted audiences with surprise television turns. She appeared in the legal drama Better Call Saul, joined the cast of the Apple TV+ comedy series Palm Royale, and earned acclaim in guest roles on programs like Mad About You and Hacks. In 2023, NBC celebrated her milestone birthday with a television special titled Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love.
Awards and Cultural Honors
Over a career spanning seven decades, Burnett has accumulated virtually every major accolade the entertainment industry offers. Her shelf includes multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award for her spoken-word memoir In Such Good Company, and a special Tony Award.
In 2005, President George W. Bush presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Furthermore, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association established the Carol Burnett Award in 2019 to honor career achievement in television, making Burnett its very first recipient. Explore detailed archives of her honors at the Kennedy Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old is Carol Burnett? Carol Burnett was born on April 26, 1933, making her 93 years old.
- Why did Carol Burnett pull her ear at the end of her show? She tugged her left earlobe during every sign-off to signal hello to her grandmother back home, a promise she made early in her career.
- Was Carol Burnett ever on Broadway? Yes, she has performed in several theatrical productions, earning Tony Award nominations for her stage work in plays like Moon Over Buffalo and musicals.
- What was Carol Burnett's first major television breakthrough? While she gained early national attention on The Garry Moore Show in the late 1950s and early 1960s, her legacy was cemented by her own variety program which began in 1967.
