The Ultimate Guide To Carol Burnett: Comedy Legend And Entertainment Icon

Carol Burnett was an American actress, comedian, singer, dancer, and writer. She is best known for her sketch comedy show, The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978 and won 25 Emmy Awards.

Burnett was born in San Antonio, Texas, on April 26, 1933. She began her career as a nightclub performer in the early 1950s. In 1959, she made her Broadway debut in the musical Once Upon a Mattress. She went on to star in several films, including The Front Page (1974), Annie (1982), and Noises Off (1992).

Burnett's television career began in the early 1960s. She had her own variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, from 1967 to 1978. The show was a huge success, winning 25 Emmy Awards and spawning several spin-offs. Burnett also starred in several other television shows, including Mama's Family (1983-1985) and Carol & Company (1990-1991).

In addition to her work in television and film, Burnett has also written several books, including This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection (1986) and Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story (2013).

Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett was an American actress, comedian, singer, dancer, and writer. She is best known for her sketch comedy show, The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978 and won 25 Emmy Awards.

• Comedian
• Actress
• Singer
• Dancer
• Writer
• Emmy Award winner

These key aspects highlight Carol Burnett's versatility and talent as an entertainer. She was able to make people laugh, cry, and think with her work. She was a true pioneer in the world of television comedy, and her legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.

1. Comedian

Carol Burnett was a groundbreaking comedian who broke barriers and paved the way for other women in the field. She was known for her sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level.

• Physical Comedy
  

  Burnett was a master of physical comedy, using her body and facial expressions to create hilarious moments. One of her most famous sketches involved her playing a cleaning lady who gets stuck in a revolving door.

• Observational Humor
  

  Burnett was also a gifted observational humorist, finding humor in everyday life. She often poked fun at herself and her own experiences, which made her relatable to audiences.

• Satire
  

  Burnett was not afraid to use her comedy to satirize current events and social issues. She often used her sketches to comment on the absurdity of the world around her.

• Improv
  

  Burnett was a master of improvisation, able to think on her feet and create hilarious moments out of thin air. She often relied on her castmates to help her create spontaneous and memorable sketches.

Carol Burnett's comedic genius left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. She was a true pioneer who helped to change the face of comedy.

2. Actress

Carol Burnett was a gifted actress with a wide range of skills. She was able to play both comedic and dramatic roles with equal ease, and she always brought a sense of warmth and humanity to her characters.

Burnett's acting career began in the early 1950s, when she appeared in several Off-Broadway productions. She made her Broadway debut in 1959 in the musical Once Upon a Mattress. She went on to star in several other Broadway shows, including Fade Out - Fade In (1964) and Plaza Suite (1968).

In addition to her work on stage, Burnett also starred in several films, including The Front Page (1974), Annie (1982), and Noises Off (1992). She also had her own television variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978. The show was a huge success, winning 25 Emmy Awards.

Burnett's acting skills were recognized with numerous awards, including six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. She was also inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1987.

3. Singer

Carol Burnett was a talented singer with a rich and expressive voice. She often performed musical numbers on her variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, and she also released several albums. Her singing was characterized by its warmth, humor, and versatility.

• Broadway Musicals
  

  Burnett began her singing career on Broadway, where she starred in several musicals, including Once Upon a Mattress and Fade Out - Fade In. Her performances were praised for their comedic timing and vocal range.

• Television Variety Show
  

  On The Carol Burnett Show, Burnett performed a wide variety of musical numbers, from solos to duets to group numbers. She was known for her ability to sing in different styles, including pop, jazz, and Broadway.

• Albums
  

  Burnett released several albums throughout her career, including Carol Burnett Sings (1962), Carol Burnett's Favorite Things (1965), and Carol Burnett for Once in a Lifetime (1970). Her albums showcased her vocal versatility and her ability to connect with audiences through her music.

• Film
  

  Burnett also sang in several films, including The Front Page (1974), Annie (1982), and Noises Off (1992). Her film performances demonstrated her ability to use her voice to create memorable characters.

Carol Burnett's singing was an important part of her career. She was a gifted vocalist with a wide range of skills. Her singing brought joy to audiences around the world and helped to make her one of the most beloved entertainers of all time.

4. Dancer

Carol Burnett was a talented dancer who often incorporated dance into her comedy sketches and musical numbers. She was known for her graceful movements and her ability to use dance to convey a wide range of emotions.

Burnett began dancing at a young age, and she studied ballet, tap, and jazz. She performed in several dance productions before she began her career in television. On The Carol Burnett Show, she often performed dance numbers with her castmates, and she also choreographed several of the show's sketches.

Burnett's dancing skills were an important part of her comedic persona. She was able to use dance to create physical comedy, and she often used her dancing to satirize current events and social issues. For example, in one sketch, she played a ballerina who was trying to dance in a windstorm. The sketch was a hilarious send-up of the ballet world, and it also showcased Burnett's impressive dancing skills.

Carol Burnett was a pioneer in the world of television comedy. She was one of the first female comedians to have her own variety show, and she used her show to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes. Her dancing was an important part of her comedic persona, and it helped her to create some of the most memorable moments in television history.

5. Writer

Carol Burnett was a prolific writer who wrote numerous sketches, songs, and books throughout her career. She was known for her sharp wit, her ability to create memorable characters, and her knack for finding humor in everyday life.

Burnett began writing in the early 1950s, when she was working as a nightclub performer. She wrote many of her own sketches and songs for her act, and she also wrote for other comedians, including Bob Newhart and Jonathan Winters.

In 1967, Burnett created her own variety show, The Carol Burnett Show. The show was a huge success, and it ran for 11 seasons. Burnett wrote many of the sketches for the show, and she also wrote several of the show's songs. The show's success helped to make Burnett one of the most popular comedians in the world.

In addition to her work on television, Burnett also wrote several books. Her books include This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection (1986), Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story (2013), and In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox (2016).

Burnett's writing was an important part of her career. She was a gifted writer who was able to create memorable characters, funny sketches, and heartwarming stories. Her writing helped to make her one of the most beloved entertainers of all time.

6. Emmy Award winner

Carol Burnett is a renowned Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian, singer, dancer, and writer. Her groundbreaking variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, won 25 Emmy Awards during its 11-season run from 1967 to 1978. Burnett herself has won six individual Emmy Awards for her work on the show, including three for Outstanding Variety Series and three for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.

The Emmy Awards are widely recognized as the highest honor in American television. Winning an Emmy is a testament to an individual's or show's excellence in creativity, performance, and production. Burnett's numerous Emmy wins are a reflection of her immense talent and the enduring popularity of The Carol Burnett Show.

The success of The Carol Burnett Show and Burnett's Emmy wins have had a significant impact on the television industry. The show's innovative format and Burnett's comedic genius paved the way for other successful variety shows, such as Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Burnett's Emmy wins have also inspired a new generation of comedians and writers to pursue careers in television.

In conclusion, Carol Burnett's Emmy Award wins are a testament to her extraordinary talent and the lasting impact of her work on the television industry. Her groundbreaking show and numerous Emmy wins continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

FAQs about Carol Burnett

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Carol Burnett, the renowned actress, comedian, singer, dancer, and writer.

Question 1: What is Carol Burnett best known for?

Carol Burnett is best known for her groundbreaking variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978 and won 25 Emmy Awards. The show featured a mix of comedy sketches, musical numbers, and guest stars, and helped to make Burnett one of the most popular comedians in the world.

Question 2: What are some of Carol Burnett's most famous comedy sketches?

Some of Carol Burnett's most famous comedy sketches include "The Family," "The Dentist," and "The Restaurant." These sketches showcased Burnett's sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to create memorable characters.

Question 3: Did Carol Burnett win any awards for her work?

Yes, Carol Burnett won numerous awards for her work, including six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. She was also inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1987.

Question 4: What is Carol Burnett's legacy?

Carol Burnett's legacy is as one of the most successful and influential comedians of all time. She broke down barriers for women in comedy and helped to change the face of television. Her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Question 5: Where can I watch The Carol Burnett Show?

The Carol Burnett Show is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount+.

These FAQs provide a brief overview of Carol Burnett's life and career. For more information, please visit her official website or read her autobiography, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection.

Transition to the next article section: Carol Burnett's Impact on Comedy

Conclusion

Carol Burnett is a true icon of American comedy. Her groundbreaking variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, helped to change the face of television and paved the way for other women in comedy. Burnett's sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to create memorable characters made her one of the most beloved comedians of all time.

Burnett's legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. Her work is a reminder that laughter can be a powerful force for good, and that it is possible to make people laugh while also making them think.