In a delightful conversation, legendary comedian Carol Burnett shares her enduring love for movies and the significant influence they had on her remarkable career. She recounts childhood days spent in Hollywood theaters and discusses the actor who jump-started her journey into showbiz. The chat highlights her groundbreaking variety show, with memorable parodies that challenged gender norms. Carol and host Ben Mankiewicz also trade laughs over their Wordle scores, showcasing her signature wit even at 91!
Carol Burnett's childhood experiences in Hollywood theaters shaped her optimistic outlook and fostered her love for storytelling and comedy.
Her innovative parodies on The Carol Burnett Show showcased her deep cinematic knowledge while influencing the landscape of television comedy.
Deep dives
Carol's Film Influences
Carol Burnett's love for movies began in her youth, spending time in theaters with her grandmother during the 1940s. This escape into cinematic worlds shaped her optimistic outlook on life, fostering a belief that good ultimately prevails, despite real-life challenges like poverty and family issues. She recalls how the straightforward narratives of the films at that time, where heroes triumphed and villains faltered, had a profound impact on her perspective. This early exposure to film not only influenced her aspirations as a comedian but also instilled in her an appreciation for storytelling and character development that would later be reflected in her own work.
The Carol Burnett Show Legacy
The Carol Burnett Show solidified Carol's status as a television comedy icon through its innovative sketches and memorable characters, particularly in its parodies of classic films. Among the most notable is 'Went with the Wind,' where Carol famously dons a dress made from drapery in a comedic take on 'Gone with the Wind.' This parodic brilliance showcased her ability to blend humor with keen cinematic knowledge, engaging audiences through clever commentary on beloved films. The success of the show, spanning 11 seasons with multiple Emmy Awards, established a lasting legacy in the landscape of television comedy.
The Road to Success
Burnett's journey to stardom was marked by her determination and resilience, exemplified by a pivotal moment during her time at a theatrical rehearsal club in New York. Faced with the challenge of breaking into show business, she approached Eddie Foy Jr., a Broadway star, seeking guidance and opportunities. Her strategic approach demonstrated not only her confidence but also an understanding of the industry's dynamics, leading to a significant career breakthrough. This optimistic mindset, inspired by the musicals of her youth, helped her to forge meaningful connections and ultimately secured her a place in the spotlight.
Passion for Film and Modern Culture
Even after decades in the industry, Carol Burnett remains deeply engaged with contemporary film and comedy, illustrating her adaptability and enduring passion for the arts. Recently, she joined a cast including Kristen Wiig and Allison Janney in a new series, highlighting her willingness to embrace modern projects and collaborate with a new generation of performers. Carol’s humor continues to resonate, as evidenced by her participation in popular cultural pastimes like Wordle, showcasing her connection to current trends. Her energetic presence and eagerness to engage with both classic and modern storytelling reveal a timeless love for the craft of performance that transcends generations.
If you're enjoying You Must Remember This, you may also like Talking Pictures, a movie memories podcast. On this episode of Talking Pictures, you'll hear Ben Mankiewicz in conversation with Carol Burnett. Carol Burnett’s life has always spun around the movies. She tells Ben about her childhood spent in Hollywood movie theaters, the famous actor who helped her break into showbiz, and the movie parodies in her groundbreaking television variety show. In fact, at 91, Carol Burnett remembers more about movies than Ben! We cap it all off with a delightful Super 8 complete with seasonal gems. Plus, Carol and Ben discuss their Wordle stats…listen to find out who’s winning. Listen to Talking Pictures wherever you get your podcasts.