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Summary

"The Carol Burnett Show" remains a beloved comedy series, reflecting Carol Burnett's enduring legacy as a comedic genius and her influence on American humor through her timeless sketches, resilience, and empathy.

Abstract

The article celebrates the enduring popularity of "The Carol Burnett Show," highlighting the comedienne's significant impact on American comedy. Carol Burnett, an iconic figure in television history, is recognized for her versatile talent, having worked in various entertainment mediums. Despite personal challenges, including a difficult childhood and family struggles with addiction, Burnett's comedy has consistently brought joy and healing to audiences. Her show, which ran for 11 seasons starting in 1967, broke ground for female comedians in a male-dominated industry. The sketches from the show, such as those featuring characters like Eunice and Mama, continue to resonate with viewers of all ages, as evidenced by the show's ongoing presence on YouTube and its influence on modern comediennes. Burnett's approach to comedy, rooted in resilience and empathy, has solidified her status as a national treasure, with her work being honored in institutions like the Smithsonian.

Opinions

  • The author expresses admiration for Carol Burnett's ability to turn personal pain into comedy that resonates with a wide audience.
  • There is a belief that Burnett's comedy is timeless and continues to appeal to new generations, as seen by the fan mail she receives from young viewers who discover her work on YouTube.
  • The article suggests that Burnett's audience interactions, which are often playful and teasing, contribute to her relatability and the sense that she could be anyone's friend.
  • The author emphasizes the importance of Burnett's empathy and her commitment to helping others, inspired by the anonymous gift she received to pursue her education and career.
  • The article conveys a sense of loss at the thought of what American comedy would be without Carol Burnett's contributions, acknowledging her as a pioneer who paved the way for contemporary female comedians.
  • The author holds the opinion that Burnett's "Went With the Wind" spoof, particularly the iconic green curtain dress, is a testament to the art of parody and the golden age of American comedy.
  • There is an appreciation for the improvisational skills of Burnett and her co-stars, which are showcased in the character-driven sketches without pre-written jokes.
  • The article reflects on the legacy of "The Carol Burnett Show" and its spinoff "Mama's Family," suggesting that these works are foundational to American television comedy.

TELEVISION

Why We’re Still Watching The Carol Burnett Show After All These Years

“You must never reveal my name.., you must use the money to go to New York, …if you are successful, you must promise to help others out.”

Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence and guest star Dinah Shore from the television program The Carol Burnett Show. Public Domain. Wikicommons.

How could you not notice Carol Burnett? She’s tall, she’s a redhead, she’s feisty, and she’s funny.

The now-87-year-old comedienne is a United States national treasure with many awards and accolades, including Peabodys, Emmys, Golden Globes, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

She’s a comic genius badass.

Burnett’s worked in television, on-camera film, voiceover film, and written several memoirs. One of the works she’s best known for is The Carol Burnett Show.

You can watch these on YouTube. More on that later.

Humble beginnings

My mother was very funny. My dad had a great sense of humor. My grandmother, too. Carol Burnett

Carol’s childhood was difficult in many ways. She got through it with imagination, love, and laughter. Her relatable comedy show is based in these experiences.

Comedy often originates in pain and discomfort — it’s a coping mechanism.

Burnett was born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas.

Howdy, Y’all!

She was mainly raised by her grandmother. They were poor. Her parents were alcoholics.

From pain can come laughter — and healing

Erin, Burnett's daughter appeared in the news for being an unfit alcoholic mother.

People.com ran this article on August 20, 2020, addressing the addiction problems facing her daughter.

My childhood was rough, we were poor and my parents were alcoholics, but nobody was mean. I knew I was loved. We were on welfare, but I never felt abandoned or unloved. Carol Burnett

Comedy greats know behind the laughter there’s inherently human and profound. Comedy is born of resilience. As we giggle at the farcical The Carol Burnett Show sketches, we’re reminded of our own resiliency.

You have to go through the falling down in order to learn to walk. It helps to know that you can survive it. That’s an education in itself. Carol Burnett

Carol joked her way to fame — and our hearts

The Carol Burnett Show debuted in 1967 and ran for 11 seasons. She was one of the first female hosts of a comedy-variety show in a time when comedy was male-dominated. It was near-impossible for women to get into the industry.

In 2020, The Carol Burnett Show remains timeless. I posted to my Facebook wall on August 17, 2020:

“Who watched/watches The Carol Burnett show? Do you remember any favorite characters/episodes?”

  • The skit with Eunice and Mama, where Tim Conway’s character is describing the conjoined elephants.
  • The Tim Conway/ Harvey Korman dentist skit.
  • The “Gone With the Wind” parody.
  • My 24 year old daughter loves that show!!
  • The dentist when he numbs himself. I am beside myself every time!
  • Tim Conway & Vicki Lawrence on the Carol Burnett show and then as Mama’s Family, as well.
  • Mr. McGillicutty…Or was it Mrs.?
  • The dentist, of course, and the gone with the wind one where she uses the curtains with the rod in them for a dress
  • LOVED!!! One of my all time favorites!!! Mamas family!
  • Evie [9 years old] adores Carol Burnett! The conjoined elephant skit had her rolling on the floor! I love the Gone with the Wind skit as well

Mama’s Family was also a hit. Carol Burnett is etched in our memories and hearts.

In 2016, Burnett began an official YouTube channel to share show reruns. The quality is a far cry from HDTV.

It doesn’t matter.

What makes Carol’s routines so timeless?

“Funny is funny. I dare anyone to look at Tim Conway and Harvey Korman doing the dentist sketch, which is more than 40 years old, and not scream with laughter.” Carol Burnett

“Because of YouTube, I’m getting fan mail from 10-year-olds and teenagers and college kids.” Carol Burnett

Carol’s YouTube channel (271K subscribers) offers

  • Tim Conway Sketches
  • Celebrity Interviews
  • Harvey Korman Sketches
  • Vicki Lawrence Sketches
  • Lyle Waggoner Sketches
  • Mrs. Wiggins Sketches
  • The Oldest Man Sketches
  • The Family Sketches
  • Full Sketches.

When she is in a sketch, it feels like we are there with Burnett for a moment, being invited to share in an inside joke.

To laugh at the absurdity of our times. Which are any times.

Great Humor stands the test of time. The Carol Burnett Show is great humor.

When is audience hazing acceptable?

In one episode of her show, Carol begins by teasing an audience woman from Missouri. Teasing her about the weather and how there were two empty seats at That Missouri Show. She happily plays along.

The television comedienne has a way of being comfortably familiar, razzing anyone as if they’re an old and dear friend in which the social contract of love is teasing.

“I really enjoy connecting with the audience.”

— Carol Burnett

I watched Carol’s show with my mom as a kid. While I found her skits funny, her audience interaction segments were my favorite. It felt like anyone could be Carol’s friend, even little ole me.

Mama was one of my favorite characters. These purely character-driven skits didn’t have jokes written into them, further demonstrating the talent of Burnett and Lawrence.

Improv, my friends. Improv can be anything — but easy.

Vicki Lawrence later starred in “Mama’s Family”, a sitcom spinoff of “The Family” sketches from The Carol Burnett Show— without Carol Burnett, there’d likely not have been any Mama’s Family.

That would be a shame.

The green curtain dress

Burnett’s “Went With the Wind” Gone With the Wind spoof featured a green curtain costume dress.

Can you imagine draping yourself in gaudy green curtains, sweating, laughing, and keeping your audience engaged?

I think I’m already having a panic attack.

The curtain dress is on permanent display, an important artifact of art and humor. It’s a tribute to designer Bob Mackie, too.

“Not only is the dress representative of Mackie’s decadently innovative designs, it’s a monument to the art of parody and the golden age of American comedy.” (bolding, mine)

Burnett received a unique honor in 2009. One of her costumes from The Carol Burnett Show was added to the collection of the Smithsonian’s American History Museum. The dress selected was from her famed spoof of Gone With the Wind. The following year, she looked back on her career with the autobiography This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection.

Carol Burnett thrives on empathy

The Carol Burnett Show empowered Burnett to pay it forward.

In college, she was anonymously gifted $1000 to go to UCLA. There was no way she or her family could afford that tuition.

Additionally, she was given a $1000 interest-free loan that came with three conditions:

“First of all, you must never reveal my name; second of all, you must use the money to go to New York; third, if you are successful, you must promise to help others out.”

It’s also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I’ve been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That’s why we’re here, after all, to help others. Carol Burnett

Without the kindness of strangers, Burnett may not have made it to the big time.

What a loss that would have been for us.

Lucile Ball, Carol Burnett, Betty White, and Lily Tomlin are Founding Queens of American Comedy. They paved the way for today’s comediennes. Burnett laughs with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristin Wiig, and Maya Rudolph — a few of her favorites.

What can we learn from Carol?

Laugh and be kind whenever possible.

Now, turn on one of those YouTube clips and prepare to laugh.

References:

Television
Carol Burnett
Comedy
Humor
History
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