Profile of the Day: Carol Burnett

Happy birthday to Carol Burnett! Today the funny actress turns 90. Known for her legendary comedic chops, Burnett became a household name as the star of The Carol Burnett Show. The show ran for 11 seasons and marked the first time a TV variety show was hosted by a woman.

Image: Carol Burnett / Wikimedia Commons

Burnett was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 26, 1933 to Joseph Burnett, a movie theater manager, and Ina Creighton, a publicity writer for movie studios. At a young age, Burnett’s parents left her with her maternal grandmother to raise. After they divorced, Burnett and her grandmother moved to Hollywood to be near her mother.

After getting her start on the stage, Burnett nabbed a few roles on television. But it wasn’t until she had the chance to headline her own variety show that Burnett became a household name. In 1967, The Carol Burnett Show premiered for the first time on television. The show ran for 11 seasons and became one of the most memorable roles of her career. Burnett ended every show by tugging on her left year. It was a signal to her grandmother to let her know that she loved her. In 1975, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s located right in front of the theater where she was once fired from her job as an usherette.

Do you remember watching The Carol Burnett Show? Explore her family tree and share how you’re related to the star!

View Carol Burnett’s Geni Profile