Carol Burnett, a name synonymous with laughter and timeless comedy, is truly an icon in the entertainment world. For an incredible 62 years, this remarkable woman has been lighting up our screens, and she's still going strong. Now, Hollywood is giving her the recognition she so richly deserves with a very special TV event. CBS is presenting the Carol Burnett 50th Anniversary Special, a tribute to her groundbreaking sketch comedy show, The Carol Burnett Show, which first aired 50 years ago. Get ready for an evening filled with joy as A-list stars like Jim Carrey, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Colbert, Harry Connick Jr., Jay Leno, Bernadette Peters, Maya Rudolph, Martin Short, and Carol herself celebrate her incredible half-century in television.
With the Carol Burnett 50th Anniversary Special just around the corner on Sunday, Dec. 3, it's the perfect time to revisit her extraordinary journey. Scroll down to learn more about this remarkable comedienne and her incredible life over the years!
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Carol's Journey: How Old Is She Now?
Born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Carol Burnett is now 84 years old. While her parents were part of the entertainment world—her mom worked as a studio publicity writer and her dad as a theater manager—Carol's early life wasn't easy. Due to their struggles with alcoholism, she and her younger half-sister Chrissie were raised by their grandmother, who played a pivotal role in shaping Carol's strong and resilient personality.
From Journalism to Comedy: How Did Carol Find Her Calling?
Carol initially enrolled at UCLA to study journalism, but her passion shifted when she discovered her love for playwriting. She changed her major to theater and English, and during her studies, she was required to take an acting course. That's where everything changed. Performing in comedies and musicals at school, Carol quickly made a name for herself. She left UCLA during her senior year to chase her dreams in New York City, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Carol's First Big Break: A Star is Born
Carol's early career was marked by success, including her role alongside Buddy Hackett in the sitcom Stanley in 1956. Although the series was short-lived, it was just the beginning. She honed her skills in NYC cabarets, clubs, and even on The Tonight Show with her clever sketches. Her big moment came in 1959 when she starred in the Broadway musical Once Upon a Mattress, earning a Tony Award for her performance. Around the same time, she joined The Garry Moore Show, which earned her an Emmy and solidified her place in the entertainment industry.
Love and Marriage: Carol's Personal Life
Carol's personal life has been as colorful as her career. She's been married three times, beginning with her college sweetheart, Don Saroyan, in December 1955. Their marriage lasted seven years before ending in divorce. She then found love with TV producer Joe Hamilton, who produced several of her projects. They married in May 1963 and had three children together before divorcing in 1984. Her third marriage, to Brian Miller—a principal drummer in and contractor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra—came in November 2001. Despite the age difference (23 years), the couple remains happily married today!
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Family Matters: Does Carol Have Children?
Carol and her ex-husband Joe Hamilton had three daughters: Carrie, born in 1963, Jody in 1967, and Erin in 1968. Tragically, Carrie, who followed in her mother's footsteps as an actress and singer, passed away in January 2002 at the age of 38 from lung and brain cancer. Her legacy lives on through her mother's continued work and dedication to the arts.
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The Carol Burnett Show: A Legendary Run
In 1967, Carol moved to LA and launched her self-titled CBS sketch series, inspired by the vaudeville tradition. The show became a platform for her to showcase her incredible talent for singing, dancing, and creating unforgettable characters. Joined by an all-star cast including Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner, The Carol Burnett Show became a household name, leaving an indelible mark on television history.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Awards and Recognition: Carol's Achievements
Carol's remarkable career has been celebrated with numerous awards. She's received five Golden Globes and three Primetime Emmys for The Carol Burnett Show, and she's been nominated countless times. Her talents have also been recognized for her roles in TV series like Mad About You and Law & Order: SVU, as well as her memorable performances in films like Annie. Her contributions to entertainment have left an enduring legacy.
Net Worth: The Success of a Legend
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Carol Burnett's net worth is estimated at $25 million. Her success in television, film, and stage has not only brought her wealth but also cemented her status as one of the most beloved figures in the entertainment industry.
