Carol Burnett's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 25, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Carol Burnett. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

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.

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.

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.

2003: Kennedy Center Honor

In 2003, Carol Burnett was honored with the Kennedy Center Honor.

2005: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2005, Carol Burnett received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded to her by President George W. Bush.

2013: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

In 2013, Carol Burnett received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center, honored by friends and collaborators.

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.

2015: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award

In 2015, Carol Burnett received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

2019: Carol Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2019, Carol Burnett became the first recipient of the Carol Burnett Lifetime Achievement Award for Television, which was named in her honor.

2019: Carol Burnett Award Created

In 2019, the Golden Globes created an award in Carol Burnett's name, the Carol Burnett Award, for career achievement in television, and she was the first recipient.

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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