Carol Burnett opens up about Lucille Ball's impact on her career and their friendship. The legendary comedian discussed how the I Love Lucy star played a significant role in her career and the special friendship that developed between them. Watch the short but heartwarming and tear-jerking clip to hear how they helped each other’s careers and ultimately became friends.
If there were a Mt. Rushmore for comedy, Carol Burnett’s face would certainly be on it. Carol's name quickly comes to mind when thinking of some of the funniest, most talented people ever to grace television and the silver screen. The Carol Burnett Show is one of television's most iconic, beloved programs. Decades after the show ended, those hysterical, zany, off-the-wall skits still keep people laughing.
However, in a clip posted on YouTube, Carol explains that if not for the kindness of another legendary comedian, Lucille Ball, The Carol Burnett Show may never have existed. Carol explained how Lucille provided her with a helping hand in her career at a critical, make-or-break moment.
“The woman who influenced me the most was probably Lucille Ball,” Carol said. “She came to see me in “Once Upon a Mattress,” which was my first Broadway break, and she was there the second night. And I was more nervous that she was in the audience than I was the night before when all the critics were.”
After that evening’s show, Lucille, while talking with Carol, told her something that forever changed her career.
“And she said, ‘Kid,” Carol said. “She called me ‘Kid.’ She was 22 years old, older than I was, and said, ‘Kid, whenever you need me, give me a call.’”
Several years later, Carol had landed her first television special. However, she could only do it if she could get a major star to appear on it. She knew exactly who to reach out to: Lucille Ball. Lucille agreed to do it, and the rest is history.
They soon became friends, and Lucille always sent Carol flowers on her birthday. Sadly, Carol woke up one morning to learn her friend, the legendary Lucille Ball, had passed away – it was Carol’s birthday. Several hours later that day, flowers arrived for Carol. They were from Lucille Ball.
Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind to one another, full of pity, having forgiveness for one another, even as God in Christ had forgiveness for you.”