📖 Overview
Carol Burnett is an iconic American entertainer who shaped television comedy through her groundbreaking variety series "The Carol Burnett Show" (1967-1978). As one of the first female hosts of a television variety show, she pioneered opportunities for women in entertainment while garnering multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Beginning her career in New York's theater scene, Burnett gained recognition with her Tony-nominated role in "Once Upon a Mattress" (1959) before transitioning to television. Her distinctive comedic style, characterized by physical comedy and musical talent, became widely celebrated through memorable characters and sketches on her long-running show.
Beyond television, Burnett established herself as a multifaceted performer through roles in films like "Annie" (1982) and dramatic theater productions. She has authored several memoirs, including "One More Time" (1986) and "In Such Good Company" (2016), documenting her life in entertainment and influential career spanning over six decades.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Burnett's memoirs for their honesty, humor, and behind-the-scenes insights into television history. Fans highlight her conversational writing style that captures her distinctive voice and personality. Many reviews note how she addresses difficult topics like her daughter's death and troubled childhood with grace and candor.
What readers liked:
- Personal stories about Hollywood legends
- Details about The Carol Burnett Show production
- Balance of humor and emotional depth
- Clean, engaging writing without ghostwriter polish
What readers disliked:
- Some found the chronology confusing in certain books
- A few readers wanted more depth on specific career moments
- Occasional repetition between different memoirs
Ratings:
"One More Time" (1986)
- Goodreads: 4.2/5 (11,000+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews)
"In Such Good Company" (2016)
- Goodreads: 4.1/5 (8,000+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ reviews)
"This Time Together" (2010)
- Goodreads: 4.2/5 (14,000+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,400+ reviews)
📚 Books by Carol Burnett
One More Time (1986)
A memoir detailing Burnett's challenging childhood in Hollywood, her early career struggles, and her rise to success in entertainment, offering intimate glimpses into her personal and professional journey.
In Such Good Company (2016) A behind-the-scenes account of "The Carol Burnett Show," chronicling notable moments, guest stars, and production details from the show's eleven-year run on television.
This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection (2010) A collection of personal stories and anecdotes from Burnett's entertainment career, featuring encounters with notable celebrities and memorable moments from her decades in show business.
Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story (2013) A memoir exploring Burnett's relationship with her daughter Carrie Hamilton, who passed away from cancer in 2002, including personal diary entries and correspondence between mother and daughter.
What's So Funny?: My Hilarious Life (2013) An autobiographical work focusing on the humorous moments throughout Burnett's life and career, from her early days in New York to her later television success.
In Such Good Company (2016) A behind-the-scenes account of "The Carol Burnett Show," chronicling notable moments, guest stars, and production details from the show's eleven-year run on television.
This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection (2010) A collection of personal stories and anecdotes from Burnett's entertainment career, featuring encounters with notable celebrities and memorable moments from her decades in show business.
Carrie and Me: A Mother-Daughter Love Story (2013) A memoir exploring Burnett's relationship with her daughter Carrie Hamilton, who passed away from cancer in 2002, including personal diary entries and correspondence between mother and daughter.
What's So Funny?: My Hilarious Life (2013) An autobiographical work focusing on the humorous moments throughout Burnett's life and career, from her early days in New York to her later television success.
👥 Similar authors
Betty White White shared Burnett's pioneering status as a female comedy powerhouse in television, with a career spanning multiple decades. Her memoirs like "If You Ask Me" offer similar behind-the-scenes insights into television history and comedy.
Dick Van Dyke Van Dyke's career paralleled Burnett's with his mastery of physical comedy and variety show experience. His autobiography "My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business" provides perspective on the same era of television entertainment.
Mary Tyler Moore Moore broke ground for women in television comedy during the same period as Burnett. Her memoirs "After All" and "Growing Up Again" chronicle similar experiences as a female entertainer challenging industry norms.
Lucille Ball Ball's journey from stage to television mirrors Burnett's path, and both women became pioneering producers. Her books share comparable stories about being a woman running a television empire.
Tim Conway Conway worked extensively with Burnett and wrote about their collaborations in his memoirs. His books offer complementary perspectives on the same era of variety show comedy and television production.
Dick Van Dyke Van Dyke's career paralleled Burnett's with his mastery of physical comedy and variety show experience. His autobiography "My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business" provides perspective on the same era of television entertainment.
Mary Tyler Moore Moore broke ground for women in television comedy during the same period as Burnett. Her memoirs "After All" and "Growing Up Again" chronicle similar experiences as a female entertainer challenging industry norms.
Lucille Ball Ball's journey from stage to television mirrors Burnett's path, and both women became pioneering producers. Her books share comparable stories about being a woman running a television empire.
Tim Conway Conway worked extensively with Burnett and wrote about their collaborations in his memoirs. His books offer complementary perspectives on the same era of variety show comedy and television production.