The Only Major Actors Still Alive From The Carol Burnett Show
Since its debut on CBS on September 11, 1967, there was something distinctively special about "The Carol Burnett Show." This sketch comedy series spanned 279 episodes during its initial run, featuring acclaimed performances and comedic skits that were witty, sharp, and heavy on detail. Every actor who was a part of the show slipped into the shoes of a variety of characters that still remain memorable, including Carol Burnett's Charwoman (her signature role), and her parody of silent-film actress Nora Desmond. Some sketches were parodies of classic films such as "Gone With The Wind" or "Sunset Boulevard," while others mimicked soap opera structures or commercial spoofs.
By 1977, the popularity of the show had spiked, leading to some of the outstanding sketches being re-edited into standalone programs compiled in "Carol Burnett and Friends," which mashed the best skits into half-hour episodes. While the show relied on guest stars such as Jim Nabors and Steve Lawrence occasionally to bolster popular appeal, the crux of "The Carol Burnett" show was comprised of three people, apart from Burnett herself. Comedic actor Harvey Korman became a valuable regular, playing roles like Ed Higgins and F. Lee Carman, while actor Lyle Waggoner often played love interests during most skits and also doubled as the announcer. Last, but not least, Vicki Lawrence, who was only 18 when she was hired, proved to be an asset for the show, and is known best for her performance in "The Family."
While Tim Conway started out as a guest star, he soon became a regular after Waggoner left after season 8, allowing Conway to take centerstage for the next three seasons. Sadly, out of the show's main cast, only a couple cast members are still alive, as Waggoner, Korman, and Conway unfortunately passed away in 2005, 2008, and 2019, respectively.
Carol Burnett (Eunice, Marian Clayton, and others)
Burnett was incredibly acclaimed as a performer even before she launched her own comedy show, as her acting career took off after an astounding performance in the Broadway musical, "Once Upon a Mattress." After being nominated for a Tony Award for this role, Burnett went on to become a regular in "The Garry Moore Show" (a variety/comedic skit series), which earned her an Emmy for "Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series." The list of Burnett's accomplishments kept growing after this point, as she was a force to be reckoned with onscreen, capable of performing roles of various tints, although comedy remained her specialty. "The Carol Burnett Show" was defined by her presence, and her ability to hook audiences and keep them intrigued is frankly, legendary.
Among Burnett's many memorable roles are her appearances in "Pete 'n' Tille" and "The Front Page," along with television shows like "Friendly Fire." She also lent her voice in animated films, including "The Trumpet of the Swan" and "The Secret World of Arrietty." Burnett also voiced the talking chair in "Toy Story 4."
The enduring popularity of "The Carol Burnett Show" birthed a retrospective in 2001, which earned a whopping 3 million views, re-cementing its legacy and what it still means to audiences. Over the years, Burnett received several accolades and honors for her astounding body of work, including 18 Golden Globe nominations and 2 Peabody Awards. An NBC special titled "Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love" was held on her 90th birthday to honor her contribution to the arts and pay tribute to her as a performer. Burnett's latest performance was a guest role in the final season of "Better Call Saul," where she played Marion.
Vicki Lawrence (Chrissy, Thelma Harper, and others)
Lawrence auditioned for "The Carol Burnett Show" after she sent a letter to Burnett, expressing her admiration for the stage actress, so she was brought on as someone who could play the role of a younger sister to Burnett's characters in the skits. Lawrence started off by playing Chrissy in the "Carol and Sis" sketches, which proved to be immensely popular, and many senior actors, including Burnett and Korman, acted as her mentors over the years and coached her on key performance aspects.
Her performance in "The Family" skits allowed Lawrence to branch off into her own television sitcom titled "Mama's Family," where the premise was greatly expanded over the years and eventually culminated into stand-up comedy routines in 2001. Lawrence won a Golden Globe nomination for her contribution to Burnett's show, and since then, she has made guest appearances in shows over the years, including "Hannah Montana," "The Cool Kids," and the animated series, "Hermie and Friends."
Apart from being a performer, Lawrence is also known for her one-hit single "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," a Southern Gothic murder ballad that hit number 1 in the U.S. Billboard Top 100 in 1972. Lawrence is also known to host various shows, including the daytime NBC version of" Win, Lose or Draw," while also participating as a celebrity player on game shows like "Password Plus" and "Match Game." Currently, Lawrence is touring the country as a part of her promotion for the show, "Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show," where she reprises her role as Mama/Thelma Harper, keeping the legacy of the original show alive.