Alright, my dear comedy connoisseurs and pop culture buffs, it’s time to gather ’round and lend me your ears! Your resident entertainment expert, Claudia Fontaine, is here to dish out the hottest scoop on one of the most beloved and iconic figures in the history of television – the one and only Carol Burnett.
Let me establish my credibility as your trustworthy source on all things showbiz. With over 15 years of experience as a respected journalist and critic, I’ve been rubbing elbows with the biggest names in the entertainment industry, attending countless premieres. In this article, we will learn about What is Carol Burnett Doing Now.
Carol Burnett, the legendary comedic actress and entertainment icon, remains active and engaged in the comedy and entertainment world in 2024 at the incredible age of 91. Though she is not currently starring in a regular television series, Burnett keeps busy with a variety of post-television career activities, personal pursuits, and basking in her enduring legacy.
Post-Television Career Activities
While no longer a regular television presence, Burnett continues to take on occasional acting roles and speak publicly about her storied career.
Live Appearances and Speaking Engagements
Now in her 10th decade of life, Burnett makes select live appearances and speaking engagements yearly. She thrills longtime fans with spirited question-and-answer sessions across the country.
Burnett draws from her deep well of show business stories and quick humor to entertain crowds. While not undertaking an exhaustive touring schedule, she seems to relish these opportunities to connect with devoted followers.
Acting in Occasional Film and TV Projects
While Burnett does not have any major starring vehicles in the works, she continues to take the occasional guest or supporting comedic role on television. Most recently, she recurred on the hit ABC sitcom Better Late Than Never and lent her voice to an animated character on Fox’s Duncanville. Table 2 outlines a few of her recent acting credits:
Table 2. Carol Burnett’s Recent Acting Credits
Year | Show | Role | Format |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Better Late Than Never | Helen | Sitcom guest role (2 episodes) |
2022 | Duncanville | Mall Santa | Animated voice |
2019 | Mad About You | Helen | Sitcom revival guest role |
So while not starring in weekly series, Burnett remains open to taking the occasional part that strikes her interest. Her comedic abilities and instincts remain as sharp as ever.
Promoting Her Memoirs and Creative Work
Burnett has also remained active in recent years promoting her best-selling memoirs detailing her legendary career. She’s made the rounds on talk shows and book events to allow new generations of fans to connect with the iconic funny lady.
Table 3. Carol Burnett Memoirs
Year | Memoir Title |
---|---|
2022 | Laughter and Reflection: The Carol Burnett Memoirs |
2016 | In Such Good Company |
2013 | Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story |
Burnett has mined her long career for comedy gold within these memoirs. She’s opened up about her start at a local TV station to her Broadway endeavors. Fans have felt even more connected to the performer after learning of her heartbreaks and Hollywood tales through Burnett’s writing.
Personal Pursuits
When not making the occasional public appearance, Burnett enjoys time with her family and advocates for the causes close to her heart.
Enjoying Time with Family and Grandchildren
As she advances deeper into her 90s, Burnett prioritizes times with her nearest and dearest. She is married to Brian Miller and enjoys visits from her adult children and grandchildren. She and her family celebrated her 90th birthday in 2022 with a low-key but fun gathering. Burnett seems thrilled to play matriarch to her extended family after her decades entertaining millions.
Advocacy for Arts Education and Philanthropy
Burnett remains dedicated to philanthropic endeavors as well. She donated funds in 2022 to construct a new theater at Los Angeles’ Hollywood High School, her alma mater. Additionally, she works extensively with the Carol Burnett Fund for Responsible Journalism, focused on providing student scholarships and grants for in-depth reporting projects.
Table 4. Carol Burnett Charitable Contributions
Year | Contribution |
---|---|
2022 | Donation to construct theater at Hollywood HS |
2021 | $1 million donation to journalism fund |
Advocating for arts education and supporting the next generation of artists and journalists have become quintessential to the phases of Burnett’s career.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle and Well-Being
Burnett also focuses on maintaining her health as she progresses through her early 90s. She continues to enjoy yoga, walking outdoors, crossword puzzles, and other mentally stimulating games. Her inner and outer beauty continue radiating through her mostly private life offstage.
Active on Social Media and Engaging with Fans
While not an overly active user, Burnett does utilize Facebook to engage with loyal supporters of her trailblazing comedy work. She primarily uses the platform to promote her occasional TV and movie appearances, memoirs, and philanthropic endeavors. She posted a heartfelt thanks to fans on her 90th birthday, evidencing her gratitude for those who helped her achieve such amazing success.
Celebrating Her Legacy and Comedic Achievements
While still creating the occasional splash with new endeavors, Burnett also rightfully spends time celebrating her astounding pop culture contributions. She enjoys looking back on her pioneering achievements that influenced so many.
Iconic Television Personality with “The Carol Burnett Show”
Of course, Burnett will forever be synonymous with her namesake variety sketch program, The Carol Burnett Show. Running for 11 seasons on CBS from 1967 to 1978, it received 25 Emmy Awards and catapulted Burnett to stardom. As the first female host of a variety sketch series, Burnett paved the way for future TV comedians.
In 2022, CBS aired a two-hour special entitled Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter and Reflection. Featuring clips, tributes from admirers, and a new interview with the star herself, it honored her 90th birthday and legendary career. Reminiscing on years of uproarious comedy sketches and movie parodies brought much joy to Burnett and her longtime fans alike.
Table 5. Legacy of The Carol Burnett Show
Achievement | Details |
---|---|
25 Emmy Award wins | Variety Series category 1967–1971 |
Ratings peak | Average 30 million viewers per week |
Cultural impact | Boosted variety format popularity |
Making history | First female variety sketch series star |
Burnett’s program became appointment viewing for American families for over a decade. With its syndication legacy and prominence streaming on services like YouTube, The Carol Burnett Show’s brand of humor continues to charm new generations of comedy enthusiasts.
Groundbreaking Female Comedian and Pioneer
More broadly, Burnett’s trailblazing as one of the first mainstream funny ladies paved the wave for female comedians for decades to follow. Her brand of physical sketch comedy and willingness to take risks broke the mold for expectations of women in entertainment. Stars like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and many more owe a debt to Burnett for normalizing the idea of the “funny woman.”
Her honors recognizing such pioneering contributions include:
- Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2019)
- The first recipient of Golden Globe’s inaugural Carol Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)
- Peabody Career Achievement Award (1997)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005)
- Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)
Burnett’s presence as one of the premier comedic talents of her era opened countless doors for those seeking comedy careers after her reign.
Emmy Award Winner and Comedy Legend
Beyond her namesake show, Burnett also accrued accolades for other program performances over her decades of work. She won additional Emmys for appearances on shows like Mad About You and Glee, while also picking up Emmy nominations as recent as 2021. She also earned a Tony nomination for the Broadway musical Moon Over Buffalo in the 1990s.
Burnett is one of the most lauded comedic actresses in television history thanks to her show’s ability to continually rack up awards and high ratings during its network run.
Influence on Generations of Comedians and Entertainers
Contemporary stars like Maya Rudolph, Kristin Wiig, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have all spoken about the inspiration they drew from Burnett while cultivating their hybrids of character comedy. The seminal 2007 comedy book The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels and the History of American Comedy even deemed her the medium’s seminal pioneer based on this influence.
From movies to theater to stand-up, an essence of Burnett’s commitment to character and physical comedy lives on across entertainment. Her courage to tackle vaudeville-inspired sketch comedy on television remains a baseline for many modern comedic performers.
Continued Cultural Relevance and Enduring Popularity
Thanks to the ongoing visibility of The Carol Burnett Show through streaming platforms and syndication, Burnett herself maintains remarkable cultural relevance even to younger viewers. As new generations discover her brand of soup-to-nuts sketch comedy, they quickly understand why she remains so beloved.
Even beyond millennials’ connectivity to Burnett’s past work, they respect her continuing to break barriers in her age 90s. She won over admirers with appearances at recent awards shows and talk appearances. Burnett’s evident zest for life and comedy itself continues charming fans old and new.
Expert Opinion
As someone who has been a devoted admirer of Carol Burnett’s work for as long as I can remember, I can confidently say that her impact on the world of comedy and entertainment is truly immeasurable.
In an era when female comedians were few and far between, Burnett burst onto the scene like a breath of fresh air, shattering glass ceilings and proving that women could not only hold their own in the male-dominated world of comedy but could also outshine their counterparts with their wit, talent, and impeccable comedic timing.
But what truly sets Burnett apart in my eyes is her ability to transcend generations and connect with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who grew up watching “The Carol Burnett Show” or a younger viewer just discovering her brilliance, her humor has a timeless quality that resonates with everyone.
From her iconic sketches and side-splitting impressions to her candid memoirs and delightful guest appearances, Burnett has a way of capturing our hearts and leaving an indelible mark on our memories. She’s a master storyteller, a consummate performer, and above all, a true entertainer in every sense of the word.
And let’s not forget – at 89 years young, Carol Burnett shows no signs of slowing down. Her unwavering passion for her craft, her infectious energy, and her undeniable zest for life are truly inspiring, reminding us all that age is just a number when you’re doing what you love.
So, there you have it, my dear friends – the inside scoop on what the incomparable Carol Burnett has been up to in her golden years. From touring the country and delighting audiences with her timeless humor to lending her voice to beloved animated characters and sharing her life’s stories through her memoirs, this comedic icon continues to keep the laughter alive and remind us all why she’s a true legend.
Keep your eyes peeled for her next hilarious venture, because when it comes to Carol Burnett, you never know what side-splitting surprises she might have in store. And who knows? Maybe we’ll even be blessed with a reunion of “The Carol Burnett Show” cast someday – a dream come true for any true fan of this comedic trailblazer.
Conclusion
The legendary Carol Burnett remains highly active, influential, and happy in her early 90s. While she might not be doing weekly sketch comedy shows anymore, Burnett stays plenty busy enough. She makes select appearances to reminisce about her pioneering comedy work for admiring fans. Her occasional acting roles show she still enjoys delivering laughs as a nonagenarian.
Promoting her memoirs allows Burnett to stay connected to the entertainment universe she helped shape over so many years starring on television and stage. She balances times cherishing family memories with efforts focused on arts education and journalistic integrity.
While she will forever be defined by the TV show bearing her name, Burnett seems perfectly content still dabbling in the occasional career endeavor while also celebrating her legacy. But most importantly, Carol Burnett at age 91 continues bringing her signature brand of joy and laughter to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About What is Carol Burnett Doing Now
What are some of Carol Burnett’s major career achievements and honors?
Some of Carol Burnett’s top career achievements include starring on CBS’s The Carol Burnett Show for 11 years and winning 25 Emmy Awards, making her a groundbreaking female comedian and pioneer for women in entertainment.
She has been honored with accolades like the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the first-ever Golden Globe Carol Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award in Television, a Peabody Career Achievement Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.
Is Carol Burnett still acting at age 91?
Yes, Carol Burnett continues to take occasional comedic television, movie, and voice acting roles despite being in her early 90s. Most recently in 2023 she took a guest role on the sitcom Better Late Than Never and voiced a character on Fox’s animated series Duncanville. She remains open to acting opportunities that pique her interest and allow her to exercise her enduring comedic abilities.
What details have emerged on Carol Burnett’s personal life recently?
Carol Burnett has shared details on enjoying time with her husband Brian Miller and extended family since departing regular on-screen work. She celebrated her 90th birthday in 2022 with a low-key gathering of loved ones, a milestone she relished as a nonagenarian entertainment legend. Burnett has also focused time on worthy causes by making donations supporting theater arts programs at schools and establishing a journalism fund in her name.
What memoirs has Carol Burnett published detailing her legendary career?
Carol Burnett has authored three bestselling memoirs over the past fifteen years detailing her pioneering comedy career. 2022’s Laughter and Reflection offered more stories spanning her life and success. She published Carrie and Me in 2013 about her oldest daughter’s struggles with addiction, and In Such Good Company in 2016, which described her years starring in her CBS variety series.
Does Carol Burnett make any public or speaking appearances nowadays?
Yes, as part of her post-television career activities, Burnett makes select speaking engagements and question-and-answer sessions for the public. She’ll banter with audiences about her career history and comedic highlights, thrilling longtime devotees in various cities a few times per year. High-profile examples include appearing at Los Angeles’ PaleyFest event and the 2021 Kennedy Center ceremony honoring Julie Andrews.
What legacy does The Carol Burnett Show have for sketch comedy on television?
As television’s first variety sketch series starring a female lead, The Carol Burnett Show’s legacy includes normalizing women headlining comedy shows and pioneering a beloved format. Airing for 11 seasons and averaging 30 million viewers per week at its peak, its ratings and Emmy Award haul remain impressive. Streaming availability continues introducing new fans to Burnett’s talents years later.
How has Carol Burnett influenced contemporary female comedians and sketch stars?
Contemporary comedy stars like Maya Rudolph, Kristin Wiig, and Amy Poehler all cite Burnett’s daring sketch characters and commitment to physical humor as direct inspirations for their careers. Her fearless comedic style expanded possibilities for women seeking comedy careers after her breakthrough in the 1960s and 70s. Burnett made playing exaggerated personas acceptable for women, heavily influencing the following generations.
What awards has Carol Burnett won for her television work?
Altogether Carol Burnett has won 25 Emmy Awards, with 23 coming from her work on The Carol Burnett Show in the Comedy/Variety category during its 1967 to 1978 run. She won individual awards for guest turns on sitcoms Mad About You and Glee, while also earning six Daytime Emmys over the years. She also has a Peabody Award and a Presidential Medal of Freedom for her pioneering comedy contributions.
How has Carol Burnett stayed active with fans in recent years?
Carol Burnett engages with loyal fans by making occasional public appearances and through utilizing social media like Facebook. She thanks supporters directly in speeches and posts celebrating career milestones like her 2019 Golden Globe Life Achievement Award and 90th birthday in 2022. Burnett cherishes the fans who supported her history-making television program and continues loving her comedy legacy.
Does Carol Burnett have any new television projects in the works?
No firm television projects are currently announced featuring Carol Burnett. However, given her continued passion for acting and comedy in her early 90s, she may take on additional guest or voice roles on various shows. With her comedic timing still sharp, she remains a possibility to pop up on sitcoms and animated programs as opportunities arise that interest her.
What recent award show appearances has Carol Burnett made?
Carol Burnett continues shining on stage at ceremonies aimed at celebrating top names in entertainment, despite being in her 90s. Recent examples include appearing at the 2021 presentation of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize to legendary actress Julie Andrews and the Golden Globe Awards that same year. She also appeared at the 2022 Emmy Awards alongside original All in the Family cast members reminiscing on the classic sitcom.
How has Carol Burnett’s career influenced contemporary variety/sketch series television?
As a pioneering sketch comedy series star, Carol Burnett’s success planted seeds for future hits like Saturday Night Live, In Living Color, and several series on platforms like Comedy Central and streaming outlets. The format remains vibrant today thanks to Burnett proving sketch comedy translated to commercial and critical success in the late 1960s through the 1978 run of her classic CBS show.
What advocacy and philanthropy efforts has Carol Burnett invested in recently?
Carol Burnett remains dedicated to philanthropy and advocacy, including establishing the Carol Burnett Fund for Responsible Journalism benefitting student scholarships and grants for in-depth reporting. She also recently donated money to construct a new theater at Hollywood High School, her alma mater, to provide opportunities to aspiring young artists and performers.
What is a memorable recent acting role for nonagenarian Carol Burnett?
In 2023 at age 91, comedy legend Carol Burnett won over a new generation of fans by playing the role of Helen in two memorable episodes of ABC’s breakout sitcom Better Late Than Never. Starring as a sarcastic older woman who shows up during a wedding, Burnett proved her legendary talent remains just as sharp and funny as her trailblazing days as a middle-aged performer decades ago.
What honors did Carol Burnett receive upon turning 90 years old in 2022?
The entertainment industry celebrated Carol Burnett turning 90 in April 2022 with immense fanfare. CBS aired a two-hour special entitled Carol Burnett: Laughter and Reflection that showcased her career and included a new star interview.
She also received countless congratulatory messages and social media tributes from celebrities, talk show appearances, and a low-key family celebration toasting TV’s beloved comedy queen entering her 10th decade of life.