The Only 2 Main Cast Members Still Alive From The Carol Burnett Show

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The Carol Burnett Show, airing from 1967 to 1978, stands as one of the greatest sketch comedy series ever produced. It wasn’t just its hilarious skits that made it a trailblazer; it paved the way for the entire genre with its groundbreaking run. While Carol Burnett was undeniably the show’s anchor, it was a collaborative effort, boasting some of the most talented comedians and improvisers in history. The main cast included Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and Tim Conway. However, not all remained until the end. Dick Van Dyke made a recurring appearance during the final season. Furthermore, numerous A-list celebrities graced the show as guests throughout its run.

One reason why “The Carol Burnett Show” was exceptional is that its cast was primarily seasoned comedy professionals, with the exception of one main actor who joined when he was under 30. This wealth of experience was evident from the start, as the cast demonstrated a high level of skill and comfort in their abilities right off the bat. However, this also meant that, unlike “Saturday Night Live” which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 with several original cast members still active, many of “The Carol Burnett Show’s” cast members had passed away by the time it reached its 50th birthday in 2017. As of now, only two of the main cast members are still alive.

Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence not only debuted on “The Carol Burnett Show” as its youngest cast member, but also earned her first screen credit with this role. Working alongside comedy legends of the time offered an unparalleled learning experience. As one of two main female cast members beside Burnett, Lawrence had a wealth of opportunities and featured in nearly every sketch. Her most memorable character was Thelma Harper (or Mama), a recurring character from the show’s popular “The Family” sketches. This role became so beloved that it later spawned its own sitcom titled “Mama’s Family,” which ran for six seasons from 1983 to 1990.

After her brief but Emmy-nominated ’90s daytime talk show “Vicki!”, Lawrence took on smaller roles in television. She had recurring appearances on shows like “Yes, Dear” and “Hannah Montana”, as well as guest spots on various series such as “Cybill”, “Diagnosis: Murder”, and “Ally McBeal”. Lawrence also reprised her role as Thelma Harper for appearances on “Hollywood Squares” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars.” Notably, she became a main cast member in a television show for the first time since “Mama’s Family” when she joined the sitcom “The Cool Kids”, which aired for one season on Fox from 2018 to 2019.

From 2024 onwards, Lawrence embarks on a nationwide tour across the United States featuring a live performance titled “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Spectacle.” During this show, she splits her act evenly between performing as herself and reprising the character of Thelma Harper.

Carol Burnett

It might not be shocking to learn this, but it’s astonishing to reflect on the fact that Carol Burnett had to battle to bring “The Carol Burnet Show” into existence. Despite her established reputation in the entertainment industry, Burnett was informed that such shows should only be fronted by men. Undeterred by rejection and unwilling to believe a sketch show couldn’t have a woman as its primary creative force, Burnett persisted until the show was eventually given the go-ahead — and with 25 Emmys under its belt, the success of the series certainly speaks for itself.

remarkably, Burnett continued to pioneer in the realm of sketch comedy even after her famous show concluded in 1978. Although it’s classified as a flop from the ’90s that’s worth revisiting, Burnett’s “Carol & Company” is an exceptional sketch series that aired for only two seasons from 1990 to 1991. Instead of repeating the same formula, Burnett ventured into uncharted territory by creating each episode as a single, self-contained sketch rather than multiple smaller ones. This innovative approach might have been too advanced for 1990, but it would eventually find its audience years later, even inspiring shows like “Documentary Now!

Today, people continue to admire the esteemed comedienne, Carol Burnett. Should she host “SNL,” as many online suggest, she could make history by surpassing Betty White’s record for the oldest person ever to host the show, since Burnett will be 91 in 2024. However, Burnett has already made history numerous times on her own accord and through her own productions. There isn’t a single performer alive today who has less to prove than Carol Burnett.

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2025-02-05 22:30