The Hollywood legends Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews have been best friends for decades. In a new interview, as she prepares to turn 90 later this month, Burnett is opening up about how she met Andrews back in 1961.
Burnett Recalls Meeting Andrews
“First there was an agent and a manager that I knew, who knew Julie, and he also knew the executive producer of ‘The Garry Moore Show.’ And they said, you know, you two girls have to meet,” Burnett, 89, said on Kelly Ripa’s podcast “Let’s Talk Off Camera.”
One night in 1961, after Burnett and Andrews, 87, finished their respective Broadway performances, they grabbed dinner along with their mutual friends.
“We went to a Chinese restaurant afterwards, and those poor men didn’t stand a chance,” Burnett recalled. “Julie and I never stopped talking. We just, it was like we’ve known each other forever. And, so that’s since 1961 we’ve known each other.”
Andrews soon made a guest appearance on “The Garry Moore Show” alongside Burnett, who remembered that “the television audience stood up and gave us a standing ovation. I’ve never seen that for a taping.”
Related: Julie Andrews Stuns Fans By Revealing She Was Caught In Compromising Position With Carol Burnett
Andrews Gushes Over Burnett
Earlier this month, Andrews opened up about how she and Burnett connected right away as soon as they met.
“From day one, we both seem to know and understand where each one of us is coming from,” Andrews told People Magazine. “Although we come from different countries, we recognized in each other things that were of mutual understanding.”
“We both had tough beginnings and we both kind of bonded [for] that reason,” she continued. “It was instant the day we met. And from then on, it’s been nothing but one hugely funny, joyous ride with a lot of understanding.”
Andrews, who made Burnett the godmother of her daughter Emma, went on to say that her friendship with Burnett is rooted in “deep mutual respect,” and that they share “an awful lot of girlish giggles” when they get together.
“She’s been a long-time chum and I adore her,” Andrews added. “She’s wonderful to work with, and she’s loyal and kind, and it’s never changed.”
“It isn’t that we speak every day, to be truthful,” she explained. “But it’s the kind of friendship that the minute you meet up again, it’s exactly as it was. To know you’ve got a friend that special and loyal, and you don’t need to be on, you don’t need to be doing anything other than be yourself, it’s a pleasure.”
Related: Julie Andrews Supports Carol Burnett As They Tape Her 90th Birthday Special
Andrews Praises Burnett’s Character
Andrews concluded by praising Burnett’s character.
“Having that fresh, open mind that she has is so lovely,” Andrews said. “She’s always available, always open, and generous. I don’t know anybody that doesn’t respect her as I do, because she’s rock solid as a friend, believe me. There’s been massive laughter between us and I become more bad and she eggs me on. But it’s a lovely friendship.”
To show her love for Burnett, Andrews took part in the television special “Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love,” which is set to air on NBC on the comedic legend’s 90th birthday on April 26. If you love Burnett just as much as Andrews does, be sure to tune in at 8pm that night!
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