On April 26, the legendary Carol Burnett celebrates her 90th birthday, and it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe and admiration and for her remarkable career and enduring legacy.
With her razor-sharp wit, infectious laughter, and boundless energy, Burnett has captivated audiences for generations and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Best known for her groundbreaking variety show, “The Carol Burnett Show,” which aired for 11 seasons on CBS, Burnett showcased her comedic range with a cast of memorable characters, including the irascible “Mama” and the zany “Eunice,” alongside comedic legends like Harvey Korman and Tim Conway. The show’s popularity earned Burnett numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.
Beyond her television work, Burnett has also appeared in a variety of films and Broadway productions, including “Annie” and “Moon Over Buffalo.”
Her contributions to the entertainment industry have been widely recognized, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honor, and induction into the Television Hall of Fame.
Burnett’s legacy as a trailblazing performer has influenced countless comedians who have followed in her footsteps, and her catchphrases and signature gestures have become iconic symbols of her humor and warmth. From her ear tug, which she used to signal her grandmother, to her famous closing song, “I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together,” Burnett has become synonymous with the golden age of television and remains a beloved figure in American popular culture.
Join us for a delightful stroll down memory lane with a slideshow featuring vintage photos that highlight the illustrious career of the incomparable Carol Burnett.
Carol Burnett: The Early Years
Carol Burnett and her sister listen to records on the floor of Burnett’s apartment in 1955.
First Broadway play
1959: Burnet’s first off Broadway play, the musical “Once Upon a Mattress” work earned her a Best Actress Tony nomination.
Here she is moves moves a prop mattress through the stage door of the Alvin Theater, along with Mary Rodgers who wrote the score for the musical.
Burnett & “The Garry Moore Show”
In 1958, Burnett becomes a regular on “The Garry Moore Show,” which will earn her first Emmy Award (Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program) in 1962.
Carol Burnett in Once Upon a Mattress
Carol Burnett as Princess Winnifred in the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress, taken from the fairly tale of the Princess and the Pea.
Carol Burnett at home
Carol Burnett clowning in her New York apartment, May 1963.
Trending on Cheapism
Carol Burnett and Yves Montand
Carol Burnett and French singer Yves Montand at the preparations for the celebration of President Kennedy’s inauguration anniversary.
Carol Burnett on the set of the film ‘Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed’
Carol Burnett seated in a folding director’s chair on the set of the film ‘Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed’ directed by Daniel Mann.
Burnett in “The Entertainers”
1965: Promotional still of American actors and comedians Carol Burnett (left) and Bob Newhart (right) posing for their television variety series ‘The Entertainers,’ which premiered in 1964.
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Carol Burnett & Julie Andrews
Carol Burnett and British singer and actor Julie Andrews (left) review the musical score for their television variety special “Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall.”
‘Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall’
Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews perform on-stage in Old Western outfits (including holsters and furry chaps) in a promotional still from their television variety special ‘Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall,’ New York City.
Burnett And Hamilton At The Emmys
Carol Burnett and her husband, TV producer and actor Joe Hamilton (1929 – 1991), at the 18th Emmy Awards, Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, 22nd May 1966.
On ‘The Jonathan Winters Show’
Carol Burnett clowning with Jonathan Winters in 1968.
‘The Carol Burnett Show’
Carol as the maid on “The Carol Burnett Show.”
Carol Burnett & Robert Goulet
Carol Burnett with American singer and actor Robert Goulet (1933 – 2007), one of her guest stars on the TV variety show, ‘The Carol Burnett Show’, circa 1969.
Rita Hayworth and Carol Burnett
Rita Hayworth, left, with Carol Burnett on “The Carol Burnett Show” in 1971, her first television appearance.
Carol Burnet in the ’70s
Promotional photo of Carol Burnet for “The Carol Burnet Show.”
Carol Burnett at Movieland Wax Museum
Burnett attends unveiling of likeness statue of herself and added her foot and hand prints during ceremony at Movieland Wax Museum, March 13, 1984 in Buena Park, California.
Carol Burnett In ‘Pete ‘N’ Tillie’
Carol Burnett and Walter Matthau in a scene from the film ‘Pete ‘N’ Tillie’, 1972.
Carol Burnett times two
Carol Burnett poses with her likeness during an unveiling ceremony at the Movieland Wax Museum, Buena Park, California, March 13, 1984.
Carol and Lucille
October 1975: American actors and comedians Lucille Ball (1911 – 1989) (left) and Carol Burnett pose together at a tribute to actor and comedian Danny Thomas at the Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, California.
That elastic face
She could do almost anything with that face of hers.
Carol Burnett & Cher
Cher and Carol Burnett attends an event in circa 1975 in Los Angeles, California.
Carol Burnett performs a comedy skit at a fundraiser in a private Beverly Hills residence
Carol Burnett performs a comedy skit at a fundraiser in a private Beverly Hills residence.
Carol Waves
Burnett disembarking a plane in the early 1960s.
Entertainer of the Year
Carol Burnett attend the Friars Tribute to Carol Burnett as Entertainer of the Year at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on May 11, 1973.
Carol Burnet at the Wax museum
Burnett adding her foot and hand prints during ceremony at Movieland Wax Museum, March 13, 1984 in Buena Park, California.
Carol Burnett & daughters
Daughter Jody Burnett Host, Carol Burnett and daughter Carrie Burnett pose for a portrait circa 1985 in Los Angeles, California.
Carol Burnett & Tony Bennet
Tony Bennett and Carol Burnett perform during a CBS special circa 1994 .
Carol Burnet & Julie Andrews in 2022
Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett attend the AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Julie Andrews at Dolby Theatre on June 09, 2022 in Hollywood, California.
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Carol Burnett: 90 Years Of Laughter + Love” Birthday Special
Carol Burnett arrives at the NBC’s “Carol Burnett: 90 Years Of Laughter + Love” Birthday Special at Avalon Hollywood & Bardot on March 02, 2023 in Los Angeles, California
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