Legendary actress Carol Burnett discusses her journey to success with the help of mysterious benefactors, her friendships with Lucille Ball and Julie Andrews, and the close bond with The Carol Burnett Show cast. They also reflect on the challenges and triumphs in showbiz, navigating LA's food and arts scene, and the impact of a millionaire's generosity.
Read more
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Success in show business can be influenced by the kindness of strangers, as highlighted by Carol Burnett's journey to New York.
Fame in the entertainment industry can be fleeting and unpredictable, as seen through Carol Burnett's brief stint of recognition.
Carol Burnett's proactive and strategic approach played a crucial role in advancing her career from theater to television, culminating in 'The Carol Burnett Show'.
Deep dives
Acting and Comedy Training in Summer Stock and Camps
Carol Burnett recounts her journey in Summer Stock theater in Adirondacks and Poconos where she performed in varied shows, including plays, operas, and musical comedies. She highlights the educational benefit of these experiences, noting the valuable skills gained by performing various roles alongside future theater luminaries like Sheldon Harnick and Larry Kert.
The John Foster Dulles Song Incident and Subsequent TV Performances
Carol Burnett shares the story behind her controversial John Foster Dulles song that garnered attention and led to appearances on the Jack Parr and Ed Sullivan shows. She reflects on the whirlwind of fame it brought her for a week and the subsequent return to normalcy, showcasing the unpredictable and sometimes transient nature of success in show business.
From Off-Broadway to Broadway: Once Upon a Mattress Success
After the disappointment of missing out on a role in Babes in Arms, Carol Burnett swiftly lands the lead in Once Upon a Mattress. She describes her persistence in advocating to move the show from off-Broadway to multiple Broadway theaters due to its popularity, ultimately highlighting her strategic and proactive approach to advancing her career.
Transition to Television and The Gary Moore Show
Carol Burnett discusses her shift from theater to television, joining The Gary Moore Show alongside her successful run in Once Upon a Mattress on Broadway. This move marked the beginning of her prominent television career, showcasing her versatility and talent in transitioning between different entertainment platforms.
Carol's Show Creation and Casting
Carol talks about her experience creating her own TV show with an ensemble cast that included Harvey, Vicki, and Lyle. She shares how she found Harvey and Lyle, highlighting the audition process and their roles on the show. Additionally, she discusses her decision to cast a young performer, Vicki, who eventually excelled and learned her trade in front of millions of viewers.
Negotiating with the Network and the Rise of 'The Carol Burnett Show'
Carol reveals the negotiation process with CBS for her own show, including the provision for a comedy variety show within five years. She recounts the pivotal moment when she decided to push the button to proceed with her show, facing initial resistance from the network's executives who believed comedy variety was a 'man's game.' Despite suggestions for a sitcom called 'Here's Agnes,' Carol insisted on a show with varied characters, guest stars, and dancers, leading to the creation of 'The Carol Burnett Show.'
Carol Burnett turns 91 later this month and is still going strong with a featured role in the new series Palm Royale. But Carol is quick to remind Marc that the great success she achieved happened in part due to the kindness of strangers. Carol and Marc talk about the mysterious benefactors who helped her get to New York where she found success on the stage, then on television, and then with her own variety show. They also talk about her friendship with Lucille Ball, collaborating with Julie Andrews, and the closeness of The Carol Burnett Show cast.