Carol Burnett, born on April 26, 1933, is an American comedian, actress and singer known for her iconic variety show The Carol Burnett Show.
Despite early insecurities about her looks, she pursued a successful career in entertainment.
In 1954, a generous stranger offered her a loan to pursue acting in New York. Her breakthrough came with The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1979 and earned 22 Emmy Awards.
The show featured comedy sketches, musical numbers, and memorable characters like Mrs. Wiggins and Eunice.
Burnett’s talent extended to films like Annie and TV specials with Julie Andrews.
She received accolades such as the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize and the Golden Globes’ Carol Burnett Award for lifetime achievement in television.
Throughout her career, she showcased her versatility in comedy, drama and music, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Net worth | $45 million |
Profession | Comedian, actress and singer |
Date of birth | April 26, 1933 |
Nationality | American |
Net worth
Burnett’s net worth is estimated to be $45 million as of 2023.
Her successful career in entertainment, particularly with The Carol Burnett Show, has contributed significantly to her financial success.
Despite coming from a modest background, her talent and perseverance led her to become a prominent figure in the industry.
Over the years, Burnett’s diverse portfolio, including film and television roles, stage performances, book sales, investments, and endorsements, has helped maintain her substantial net worth.
Additionally, she continues to earn residuals and royalties from reruns of her show, further adding to her wealth.
Career earnings
Over the years, Burnett has earned significantly from various sources.
In 1955, she earned $1,15,000 weekly from shows like The Paul Winchell Show and Jerry Mahoney Show.
Her iconic variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978, was a significant part of her career and contributed to her earnings.
Additionally, Burnett has diversified her income through acting in TV shows and films, writing memoirs that have received Grammy nominations, and receiving production credits for TV specials.
Despite coming from a modest background, she has excelled in multiple roles as an actress, comedian, writer, and singer, leaving a lasting impact on American television and comedy.
Endorsement deals
Burnett has collaborated with various companies and brands throughout her career, leveraging her talent and influence in different ways.
She has worked with Lodato Productions, which represents her new lifestyle brand, Carol.
Additionally, during her 13-year tenure at Leo Burnett, she forged essential client relationships and created iconic lines for brands like Pillsbury and P&G Secret Anti-Perspirant.
Furthermore, Burnett’s strategic investments and lucrative endorsement deals have significantly contributed to her financial success, allowing her to amass a net worth of $45 million.
Her multifaceted success in acting, writing, comedy, and endorsements has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Pillsbury involvement
Burnett’s involvement with Pillsbury was through her work at Leo Burnett, where she played a pivotal role in creating iconic lines for the brand.
In 1969, during her time as a Junior Copywriter at Leo Burnett, she crafted the memorable line “Nothing quite as good as biscuits in the morning” for Pillsbury.
This contribution to Pillsbury’s advertising campaigns showcases Burnett’s early impact on the brand’s marketing strategies.
Additionally, her work with Pillsbury continued with lines like Say hello to Poppin’ Fresh Dough in 1972 and So smooth and creamy you can spread it with a paper knifebfor Pillsbury Supreme Frosting in 1975.
Through her creative talent and strategic insights, Burnett left a lasting mark on Pillsbury’s advertising campaigns, contributing to the brand’s success and recognition in the consumer market.
P&G Secret Anti-Perspirant deal
Burnett’s involvement with P&G’s Secret brand was significant, as the brand faced changes in different markets.
In the UK, Procter & Gamble decided to discontinue the Secret brand in 2002 due to its lack of success in Western Europe, despite being a top-selling brand in the US and Central and Eastern European markets.
The decision to phase out Secret in Western Europe was part of a broader strategy by P&G to focus on more successful markets and brands.
The brand had initially been launched in 1999 with a substantial advertising campaign supported by Leo Burnett.
Despite its discontinuation in certain regions, the Secret brand continued to thrive in other markets where it maintained its popularity and dominance.
The Carol Burnett show
Burnett’s involvement with “The Carol Burnett Show” was groundbreaking, as it was one of the first variety/sketch shows hosted by a woman.
The show debuted on CBS in 1967 and ran for 279 episodes until 1978, with a brief return in 1991 for nine episodes.
Burnett signed a unique contract with CBS that required them to air 30 one-hour variety shows or pay her regardless.
The show’s production was elaborate, featuring a 28-piece live orchestra, 12 dancers, two guest stars weekly, and costumes designed by Bob Mackie, totaling 60 to 75 outfits per week.
Despite the show’s success, Burnett highlighted the challenges of replicating such a production today due to its high costs and the perception that variety shows are no longer viable on modern networks.
Real estate properties
Burnett has been involved in real estate transactions, including listing her properties for sale.
She listed her luxury condo in L.A.’s prestigious Wilshire Corridor for $4.2 million.
Additionally, she sold a three-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles for $3.7 million after initially listing it for $4.2 million.
Apart from these listings, Burnett also owned a Santa Fe estate featuring a main house, gatehouse, and guest quarters on an eight-acre property.
Her real estate dealings reflect her diverse investments and lifestyle choices.
Career
Burnett’s career is a testament to her versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.
She began her journey in New York after receiving a loan from a generous benefactor, leading to roles on television shows like The Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney Show and the sitcom Stanley in the 1950s.
However, her breakthrough came with The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978 and earned her 22 Emmy Awards.
The show’s success was attributed to its innovative approach to sketch comedy, musical numbers and engaging with the audience.
Beyond her iconic show, Burnett made appearances in films like Pete ‘n’ Tillie and continued to showcase her comedic talents on various TV shows over the years.
She also ventured into writing, with four books to her name, and received accolades such as the Kennedy Center Honors and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to entertainment.
Burnett’s impact extends beyond her on-screen work; she has inspired many through her memoirs, philanthropic efforts in education and the arts, and dedication to nurturing young talents in the industry.
Her legacy as a comedy icon and trailblazer in television continues to influence generations of performers.
Family
Burnett was born in San Antonio, Texas, on April 26, 1933, to Ina Louise and Joseph Thomas Burnett.
Her parents divorced in the late 1930s, and she was raised by her grandmother in Hollywood after her mother moved there.
Carol married TV producer Joe Hamilton in 1963, and they had three daughters: Carrie (born December 1963), Jody (born January 1967) and Erin (born August 1968).
Tragically, Carrie passed away in 2002 at the age of 38 due to pneumonia following complications from lung and brain cancer.
Carrie was known for her caring personality and interest in people, similar to her mother. Jody works as an actor and producer, while Erin is a musician.
She has been candid about her family’s struggles with addiction and has advocated for support resources like Al-Anon and Alateen for families dealing with similar issues.
Despite the challenges, Carol continues to maintain a strong bond with her children and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.