Carol Burnett: Honored With A Special Golden Globe Lifetime Achievement Award

When it comes to legends in television, few names shine as brightly as Carol Burnett. And now, her incredible legacy has been immortalized in the most special way possible. Carol Burnett was recently honored at the Golden Globes with a brand-new award category: TV Lifetime Achievement. What makes this moment even more special? The award is officially named after her, meaning future recipients will carry on her legacy as "The Carol Burnett Award." This is a huge deal, folks!

On Sunday, January 6, Carol Burnett took center stage to accept her incredible honor with grace and humility. The award was presented to her by none other than the incredibly talented Steve Carell. In her heartfelt speech, Carol expressed her gratitude, not just to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, but to everyone who has supported her throughout her illustrious career. "Steve Carell… all I can say is, ‘He is as nice as he is talented. And I thank you so much.’ My thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — I am really gobsmacked by this," she shared. But Carol didn't stop there. She took the opportunity to reflect on her own journey and the dreams that started it all.

From Childhood Dreams to Golden Globe Glory

Carol’s love affair with entertainment began long before she ever stepped in front of a camera. Growing up, she spent countless hours at the movies, watching up to six to eight films per week with her beloved grandmother, who raised her. "My first love growing up was the movies," she reminisced. But when Carol was a teenager, something magical happened—her family got their very first television set. It was then that her passion for television was born. "And then later, when I was a teenager, we got our first television set and then I had a new love," she said with a smile.

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Carol went on to explain how fascinated she was by the stars on the screen and their ability to evoke laughter and tears. "Regardless of the medium, what fascinated me was that the stars on the screen could make people laugh or cry or sometimes both. And I wished and I hoped that maybe, just maybe, someday, I could have the chance to do the same thing." Her dreams came true in ways she couldn’t have imagined, as she went on to create a comedy variety show that resonated with audiences for decades.

Behind the Scenes: The Magic of 'The Carol Burnett Show'

Carol Burnett’s show wasn’t just about comedy—it was about community. In her speech, she shared how fortunate she felt to have been part of such a unique and talented ensemble. "Sometimes on the big screen, but primarily on television, on a comedy variety show that, half a century later, still connects with people in a way that makes me very proud." She reflected on the incredible chemistry she had with her cast members, both in front of and behind the cameras. "And there was chemistry behind the cameras, too… we all became one happy family for 11 joy-filled years."

But Carol also acknowledged the challenges of producing a show like hers today. With rising costs and stiff competition from cable networks, she believes shows like hers might not see the light of day in today’s television landscape. "The cost alone would be prohibitive. A 28-piece live orchestra, no synthesizers, 12 dancers, an average of 65 costumes a week… I’m so grateful for the chemistry [the cast] had together," she joked. Her words were a nod to the importance of preserving the golden era of television for future generations to enjoy.

Gratitude and Legacy

As Carol wrapped up her speech, she expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a special medium. "But what has remained the same for every person who is lucky enough to be on television is the belief that we’ve been given an opportunity to do something special. We’ve been granted a gift — a canvas to paint with our talent, one that can make people laugh or cry or maybe do both." She dedicated the award not only to those who made her dreams come true but also to all aspiring entertainers who share her love for television.

Foreign Press President Meher Tatna echoed the sentiment, saying, "We are profoundly grateful for her contributions to the entertainment industry and honored to celebrate her legacy forever at the Golden Globes." And who could forget the words of Wesley Hyatt, author of The Carol Burnett Show Companion: So Glad We Had This Time Together, who observed, "Part of its favorable standing had to do with the titular star, who began each show coming across as warm and endearing, talking with members of her studio audience."