Looking every bit the age-defying star she is, Carol Burnett recently joined her longtime friend and collaborator Julie Andrews in celebrating AFI's Lifetime Achievement Award. The two first met in 1960, and from the moment they crossed paths, a bond was forged that has stood the test of time. "It was as if we’d always known each other," Carol recalls fondly. The connection was instant, and their friendship remains as vibrant today as it was six decades ago.
A Friendship Forged in Laughter and Legacy
Carol Burnett has always been more than just a comedian; she’s been a beacon of warmth and relatability. Her groundbreaking television series, The Carol Burnett Show, cemented her place in the hearts of millions. As Kenny Solms, co-creator of the show and author of the memoir Bits, puts it, "She’s the kind of person everyone knows and loves—your best friend from high school or the neighbor who’s always ready with a smile. She’s as American as apple pie." For decades, Carol has been a constant in the lives of her fans, her humor and grace making her a cherished member of countless families across the country.
A Life Shaped by Strength and Adversity
Carol’s life story is nothing short of inspirational. Born into poverty, she grew up with divorced, alcoholic parents in Hollywood. Despite these challenges, she found solace in the movies, often attending up to eight films a week with her beloved grandmother, Mabel. Yet, this escape wasn’t without its hardships. Carol recalls a childhood where her mother, Ina, struggled with alcoholism and grandiose dreams of becoming a famous Hollywood journalist. "We had one doozy of an argument after another about our lack of money and Mama’s ‘pipe dreams,’” Carol once wrote in her memoir In Such Good Company. Tragically, both her parents succumbed to alcoholism, but Carol emerged from their struggles with a resilience that would define her career and personal life.
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Breaking Through Barriers
In 1954, a pivotal moment changed Carol’s life forever. During a performance at UCLA, an audience member approached her, intrigued by her aspirations. She confided her dream to move to New York and audition for musical comedies, but admitted she lacked the means to do so. That encounter led to an anonymous $1,000 loan, which propelled her to the Big Apple. By 1959, Carol was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in Once Upon a Mattress. Her career skyrocketed from there, landing her a spot on The Garry Moore Show and eventually her own variety show, which aired from 1967 to 1978.
Throughout her career, Carol balanced her professional success with her role as a devoted mother to her three daughters: Carrie, Jody, and Erin. Despite the challenges of maintaining a family while managing a demanding career, Carol made it a priority to be present in her children’s lives. "She wanted to keep her home life balanced," notes Solms. "She would have dinner every night at home, except for Friday nights when filming demanded her attention."
