Career Timeline of Carol Burnett: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Carol Burnett made an impact.
Carol Burnett is a highly acclaimed American comedian, actress, singer, and writer, best known for her groundbreaking comedy-variety series, The Carol Burnett Show. As one of the first women to host such a show, she made a significant impact on television history. Throughout her career, Burnett has showcased her talents on Broadway, television, and in film, earning numerous accolades, including Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Grammy Award. Her contributions to American humor have been further recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Mark Twain Prize, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.
1954: Interest-Free Loan
In 1954, Carol Burnett received a $1,000 interest-free loan from a millionaire to pursue a career in musical comedy in New York.
1954: Assistance to Students in Financial Need
In keeping with her promise to the anonymous benefactor who assisted her in 1954, Carol Burnett has contributed to scholarship programs at UCLA and the University of Hawaii to help people in financial need.
March 3, 1955: The Rehearsal Club Revue
On March 3, 1955, Carol Burnett and other women at the Rehearsal Club performed "The Rehearsal Club Revue", attracting agents and stars, which opened doors for the performers.
1955: The Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney Show Role
In 1955, Carol Burnett was cast in a minor role on "The Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney Show", playing the girlfriend of a ventriloquist's dummy.
1956: Starring Role in Stanley
From 1956 to 1957, Carol Burnett had a starring role opposite Buddy Hackett in the short-lived sitcom "Stanley".
1957: Starring Role in Stanley
From 1956 to 1957, Carol Burnett had a starring role opposite Buddy Hackett in the short-lived sitcom "Stanley".
1957: Cabaret Success and TV Appearances
In 1957, Carol Burnett gained popularity for her cabaret act, especially "I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles", which she performed on "The Tonight Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show".
1959: Broadway Success and Loan Repayment
In 1959, Carol Burnett achieved success on Broadway in "Once Upon a Mattress", earning a Tony Award nomination. She also repaid her benefactor's loan in the same year.
1959: Broadway Breakout
In 1959, Carol Burnett had a breakout success on Broadway in "Once Upon a Mattress", receiving a Tony Award nomination.
October 1960: Discovery at the Blue Angel Supper Club
In October 1960, Carol Burnett debuted at New York City's Blue Angel Supper Club, where she was discovered by scouts for "The Jack Paar Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show".
1962: Emmy Award and Carnegie Hall Special
In 1962, Carol Burnett won an Emmy Award for her work on "The Garry Moore Show". She also co-starred with Julie Andrews in the special "Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall", which also won an Emmy Award.
1962: First Emmy Award
In 1962, Carol Burnett won her first Emmy Award for her regular appearances on "The Garry Moore Show".
July 1963: Calamity Jane Production
In July 1963, Carol Burnett starred as Calamity Jane in the Dallas State Fair Musicals production of "Calamity Jane".
November 12, 1963: Television Special Debut
On November 12, 1963, Carol Burnett made her television special debut when CBS aired the Dallas State Fair Musicals production of "Calamity Jane".
1963: Film Debut in Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?
In 1963, Carol Burnett made her feature film debut in the comedy "Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?" opposite Dean Martin and Elizabeth Montgomery.
1964: Broadway Injury and Entertainers
In 1964, Carol Burnett starred in the Broadway musical "Fade Out – Fade In", but withdrew after a neck injury. She later left "Fade Out - Fade In" again to participate in "The Entertainers".
1966: Appearance on Get Smart
In 1966, Carol Burnett acted in an episode of the Mel Brooks and Buck Henry created spy comedy series "Get Smart".
1966: Carol + 2 Special
In 1966, Lucille Ball guested on Carol Burnett's CBS-TV special "Carol + 2".
September 1967: The Carol Burnett Show Debut
In September 1967, The Carol Burnett Show debuted after Carol Burnett exercised a stipulation in her contract with CBS to host a music/comedy variety show. The show became a hit, eventually winning 23 Emmy Awards.
1967: Appearance on The Lucy Show
In 1966–1967, Carol Burnett appeared on "The Lucy Show".
1967: The Carol Burnett Show Premiere
In 1967, Carol Burnett began an 11-year run as the star of "The Carol Burnett Show" on CBS television.
November 10, 1969: Sesame Street Appearance
On November 10, 1969, Carol Burnett was the first celebrity to appear on the first episode of the children's series Sesame Street.
1972: Pete 'n' Tillie Film Role
In 1972, Carol Burnett appeared in the film "Pete 'n' Tillie".
1972: Starred in Pete 'n' Tillie
In 1972, Carol Burnett starred in the film Pete 'n' Tillie while her variety show was running.
1974: Appearance in I Do! I Do!
In 1974, Carol Burnett appeared in I Do! I Do! with Rock Hudson at the Muny Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri.
1974: The Front Page and 6 Rms Riv Vu Appearances
In 1974, Carol Burnett appeared in the film "The Front Page" and the drama "6 Rms Riv Vu".
1974: Starred in The Front Page and Emmy Nomination
In 1974, Carol Burnett starred in the film The Front Page and was also nominated for an Emmy for her role in the drama 6 Rms Riv Vu.
1977: Carol Burnett and Friends Syndication
Beginning in 1977, the comedy sketches of her series were edited into half-hour episodes for syndication entitled Carol Burnett and Friends.
1978: Dramatic Roles After The Carol Burnett Show
After her show ended in 1978, Carol Burnett assumed a number of roles that departed from comedy, including a role in Robert Altman's comedy-drama A Wedding.
1978: A Wedding Film Role
In 1978, Carol Burnett appeared in the film "A Wedding".
1978: End of The Carol Burnett Show
In 1978, Carol Burnett's 11-year run as the star of "The Carol Burnett Show" on CBS television came to an end.
1978: The Carol Burnett Show Ceases Production
In 1978, the Carol Burnett Show ceased production.
1979: Carol Burnett & Company Aired
During the summer of 1979, four post-script episodes of The Carol Burnett Show were produced and aired on ABC under the title Carol Burnett & Company.
1979: Friendly Fire Drama Role
In 1979, Carol Burnett acted in the drama "Friendly Fire".
1981: Appearance in The Four Seasons
In 1981, Carol Burnett appeared in Alan Alda's romantic comedy The Four Seasons.
1981: The Four Seasons Film Role
In 1981, Carol Burnett appeared in the film "The Four Seasons".
1981: Libel Victory Against The National Enquirer
In 1981, Carol Burnett won a judgment against The National Enquirer after years of litigation following a false report in 1976.
1982: Appearance in Annie
In 1982, Carol Burnett appeared in John Huston's musical film Annie.
1982: Annie Film Role
In 1982, Carol Burnett appeared in the film "Annie".
1983: All My Children Role
In 1983, Carol Burnett realized a dream when Agnes Nixon created the role of Verla Grubbs for her on the soap opera All My Children.
1985: Performance in Follies
In 1985, Carol Burnett took the supporting role of Carlotta Campion in the concert performance of Stephen Sondheim's Follies.
1986: Release of "One More Time"
In 1986, Carol Burnett's bestselling memoir, "One More Time", was released.
1987: Variety Special and TV Movie
In 1987, Carol Burnett starred in a variety sketch special, Carol, Carl, Whoopi and Robin alongside Carl Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams. She also starred in the TV movie Plaza Suite with Dabney Coleman and Hal Holbrook.
1988: Introduction of Alcoholics Anonymous in the Soviet Union
In 1988, Carol Burnett and her daughter Carrie traveled to Moscow to help establish the first Alcoholics Anonymous branch in the Soviet Union.
1990: Carol & Company Comedy Series
From 1990 to 1991, Carol Burnett returned to television with the comedy series Carol & Company.
1991: Carol & Company Comedy Series
From 1990 to 1991, Carol Burnett returned to television with the comedy series Carol & Company.
1992: Appearance in Noises Off
In 1992, Carol Burnett appeared in Peter Bogdanovich's comedy Noises Off.
1992: Noises Off Film Role
In 1992, Carol Burnett appeared in the film "Noises Off".
1992: Guest Starred in The Larry Sanders Show and Mad About You
In 1992, Carol Burnett guest starred as herself in The Larry Sanders Show and in the sitcom Mad About You, for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
1994: Starred in Seasons of the Heart
In 1994, Carol Burnett also starred in television films such as Seasons of the Heart.
1995: Hosted All My Children's 25th Anniversary
In 1995, Carol Burnett hosted a 25th-anniversary special about the show All My Children.
1995: Return to Broadway
In 1995, Carol Burnett returned to Broadway in "Moon Over Buffalo", receiving another Tony Award nomination.
1995: Return to Broadway in Moon Over Buffalo
In 1995, after an absence of 30 years, Carol Burnett returned to Broadway in Moon Over Buffalo, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award.
1998: Development of Hollywood Arms
In 1998, the play "Hollywood Arms", co-written by Carol Burnett and Carrie Hamilton, was developed at the Sundance Theatre Lab and The Goodman Theatre.
2001: Voice Role in The Trumpet of the Swan
In 2001, Carol Burnett's first voice role was in The Trumpet of the Swan.
2001: Retrospective Draws Viewers
In 2001, a retrospective of The Carol Burnett Show, containing outtakes and discussions with the cast, and a tribute to Bob Mackie, drew in 30 million viewers.
2002: Hollywood Arms
In 2002, "Hollywood Arms", a play co-written by Carol Burnett and her daughter Carrie Hamilton, based on Burnett's memoir, debuted on Broadway.
2003: Tony Award for Hollywood Arms
In 2003, Michele Pawk received the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in "Hollywood Arms".
January 5, 2005: Cameo Appearance on All My Children
On January 5, 2005, Carol Burnett made a brief cameo appearance as Verla Grubbs on the episode of All My Children which celebrated the show's 35th anniversary.
2005: Starred in Once Upon a Mattress
In 2005, Carol Burnett returned to film to star as Queen Aggravain in the movie version of Once Upon a Mattress.
2006: Appearance in "Peterotica" episode of Family Guy
In the 2006 "Peterotica" episode of the animated sitcom Family Guy, an animated likeness of Carol Burnett appeared as a janitor in a porn shop.
2007: Lawsuit Against 20th Century Fox
In 2007, Carol Burnett and Whacko, Inc. sued 20th Century Fox for at least $2 million over an animated likeness of Burnett in the 2006 "Peterotica" episode of "Family Guy".
2008: Horton Hears a Who! Film Role
In 2008, Carol Burnett appeared in the film "Horton Hears a Who!".
2008: Voice Role in Horton Hears a Who!
In 2008, Carol Burnett had her second role as an animated character in the film Horton Hears a Who!
2009: Guest Appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
In 2009, Carol Burnett made a guest appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, for which she was nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.
November 2010: Guest Starred on Glee
In November 2010, Carol Burnett guest-starred on an episode of Glee as the mother of cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester.
September 2011: Reprised Role on All My Children's Finale
In September 2011, Carol Burnett reprised her role as Verla Grubbs in All My Children as part of the series' finale.
2012: Voice Role in The Secret World of Arrietty
In 2012, Carol Burnett had another voice role as the character Hara in the US Disney-dubbed version of The Secret World of Arrietty.
2013: Hawaii Five-0 Appearance
From 2013 until January 15, 2016, Carol Burnett appeared on the reboot of Hawaii Five-0 as Steve McGarrett's Aunt Debbie. Her appearances were traditionally on Thanksgiving-themed episodes.
2013: Mark Twain Award
In 2013, Vicki Lawrence acknowledged her close relationship with Carol Burnett in a testimonial speech during Burnett's Mark Twain Award ceremony in Washington, D.C.
2014: Broadway in Love Letters
In 2014, Carol Burnett joined Brian Dennehy on Broadway in A. R. Gurney's Love Letters.
January 2015: Series Airing on MeTV
In January 2015, The Carol Burnett Show series began airing on MeTV.
2015: Staging at Merkin Concert Hall
In 2015, "Hollywood Arms" received a staging at New York's Merkin Concert Hall.
January 15, 2016: Character Death on Hawaii Five-0
From 2013 until January 15, 2016, Carol Burnett appeared on the reboot of Hawaii Five-0 as Steve McGarrett's Aunt Debbie. The character died of cancer in the January 15, 2016 episode.
2017: The Carol Burnett Show: 50th Anniversary Special
In 2017, CBS aired The Carol Burnett Show: 50th Anniversary Special, featuring Carol Burnett, original cast members, and special guests.
2019: Voice Role in Toy Story 4
In 2019, Carol Burnett voiced a talking chair, named Chairol Burnett, in Toy Story 4.
June 2022: Guest Starred in Better Call Saul
In June 2022, Carol Burnett guest starred in the second half of the sixth and final season of American drama series Better Call Saul.
June 27, 2022: Burnett's Better Call Saul Character Announced
On June 27, 2022, AMC announced that Carol Burnett would be portraying a character named "Marion" on Better Call Saul.
2022: Better Call Saul Role
In 2022, Carol Burnett had an acting role in the AMC drama series "Better Call Saul".
March 2024: Co-Starred in Palm Royale
In March 2024, Carol Burnett co-starred alongside Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Laura Dern in the Apple TV+ comedy series Palm Royale. This performance earned praise from critics.
2024: Palm Royale Role
In 2024, Carol Burnett had an acting role in the Apple TV+ comedy series "Palm Royale".
2024: Primetime Emmy Nomination for Palm Royale
In 2024, at age 91, Carol Burnett became the oldest nominee for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, for her work in Palm Royale.
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