The comedic legend Carol Burnett is celebrating her 90th birthday today, and to mark the occasion, NBC is airing the special “Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love,” which was filmed last month. In a new interview, Burnett is opening up about what it was like to film this special, and about turning 90.
Burnett’s Birthday Special
The special was a star-studded event that included the likes of Cher, Julie Andrews, Lily Tomlin, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler, Katy Perry, and more. They all came together to show Burnett just how loved she is on her big day.
“I kind of choked up,” Burnett told Daily Beast. “I have to say, it was such an evening. It was two-and-a-half hours of joy, and also tears.”
“When they talked about doing this, I said I don’t want a birthday party,” she continued. “I don’t want a cake. I don’t want balloons and confetti. I want it to be just a funny show and have lots of music.”
“I am one of the luckiest broads in the world,” Burnett later added.
When asked if Burnett is able to see the ways her work in the entertainment world impacted the celebrities of today, she admitted with a laugh, “Maybe.”
“What I always say—and I say it to them—is, ‘If I’d never been born, they’d be doing what they’re doing,” Burnett explained. “So yes, if I’ve helped in a little way, I’m happy. But the impact isn’t that necessary, because talent will win out. Whether I’ve been around or not, they would be doing what they’re doing.”
Related: Julie Andrews Supports Carol Burnett As They Tape Her 90th Birthday Special
Burnett Reveals What She’s Most Proud Of
As for what she’s most proud of, Burnett said she takes pride in the longevity of “The Carol Burnett Show.”
“It would have to be the variety show running 11 years, when at first CBS had no interest in doing it,” she said. “They had to because I had it in a contract to do 30 shows, so they had to put me on the air. I had no idea that we would run this long.”
Burnett has never forgotten her first taping with co-stars Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner, and Vicki Lawrence.
“I just said, ‘You know what? We’ve got 30 shows we’re going to do, and we don’t know what the future will be. So let’s just go out there and have fun,'” she recalled. “And that’s what we did. Instead of 30 shows, we ran for 270-something. Actually, they wanted a spec for a 12th year, but I decided we should leave before we’re asked to leave.”
“Before they start flicking the lights on and off, we should get out of there,” she concluded.
Related: Carol Burnett Opens Up About Turning 90 – ‘I Still Feel Like I’m About 11’
Burnett Can’t Believe She’s Turning 90
Earlier this month, Burnett confessed that she can’t believe that she’s turning 90.
“I can’t wrap my head around it,” Burnett told People Magazine. “I still feel like I’m about 11, but I’m amazed. It sure went fast.”
“But I’m glad because I’ve got all my parts — got my hips, I got my knees and I’ve got my brain, so I’m happy about that,” she added.
If you love Carol Burnett just as much as we do, be sure to check out “Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love” when it airs on NBC tonight at 8pm!
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