92 Years Young: Inside Carol Burnett's Enduring Legacy And Her Record-Breaking 2024 Emmy Nomination
As of today, December 18, 2025, the legendary comedian, actress, and singer Carol Burnett is 92 years old, with her birthday falling on April 26th. This remarkable milestone is a testament not just to her longevity, but to an unparalleled seven-decade-long career that continues to make headlines and break records in Hollywood. Far from slowing down, Burnett has proven that age is simply a number, captivating a new generation of fans with her recent, critically acclaimed work.
Her enduring presence and vibrant energy defy her years, making the question "how old is Carol Burnett" one of the most frequently searched terms about the star. The answer is especially significant when considering her most recent professional achievements, which include a historic 2024 Emmy nomination that cemented her status as a true icon of American entertainment.
The Life and Career of Carol Creighton Burnett: A Complete Biography
Carol Creighton Burnett is one of the most decorated and beloved entertainers in American history, known for her groundbreaking work in comedy and variety television, particularly on *The Carol Burnett Show*.
- Full Name: Carol Creighton Burnett
- Date of Birth: April 26, 1933
- Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
- Spouse(s): Don Saroyan (m. 1955–1962), Joe Hamilton (m. 1963–1984), Brian Miller (m. 2001–present)
- Children: Carrie Hamilton, Jody Hamilton, Erin Hamilton
- Education: Hollywood High School, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Major Breakthrough: Starring role in the Broadway musical *Once Upon a Mattress* (1959).
- Iconic Work: *The Carol Burnett Show* (1967–1978), a variety series that won 25 Primetime Emmy Awards.
- Major Awards & Honors: Six Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, seven Golden Globe Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
- Recent Work: *Palm Royale* (2024), for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
The Secret Behind Her Longevity: Still Breaking Records at 92
The fact that Carol Burnett is 92 years old in 2025 is remarkable, but what’s truly extraordinary is that her career is still actively thriving. Her recent work has not only been prolific but has also been recognized with major industry accolades, proving her enduring relevance and talent. Her latest chapter revolves around the Apple TV+ series, *Palm Royale*.
In 2024, Burnett made history when she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Norma Dellacorte in *Palm Royale*.
This nomination was a landmark achievement, making her the oldest woman ever to be nominated for an acting Emmy. Her performance, which was both dramatic and comedic, showcased the full range of her talents and earned rave reviews from critics and fans alike. The show, which also stars Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Laura Dern, introduced Burnett to a new generation of viewers, who were quickly captivated by her magnetic screen presence.
Burnett’s ability to transition seamlessly between the broad sketch comedy of *The Carol Burnett Show* and the nuanced character work in a modern dramatic comedy like *Palm Royale* is a testament to her versatility. This capacity for reinvention is a key factor in her unparalleled career longevity.
From The Carol Burnett Show to Palm Royale: A Seven-Decade Journey
Burnett's career began in the late 1950s, but it was *The Carol Burnett Show* that cemented her status as a television legend. Running from 1967 to 1978, the variety show was a cultural phenomenon, known for its high-quality production, timeless sketches, and the genuine camaraderie of its ensemble cast, which included Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Tim Conway.
The show’s signature ending, where Burnett would tug on her ear—a signal to her grandmother—became one of the most recognizable closing moments in television history. The show’s brilliance lay in its ability to blend slapstick with satire, creating characters that were both hilarious and deeply human.
While the question of retirement has surfaced, especially following her recent work, Burnett has approached the topic with her characteristic humor and grace. Although one report in late 2024 suggested she was set to retire, other sources indicate she is still actively engaged and selective about her projects.
Her recent comments suggest she is simply enjoying the process and the opportunity to work with new talent, rather than focusing on a definitive end date for her career.
Philanthropy and Legacy: More Than Just a Comedian
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Carol Burnett has dedicated herself to fostering the next generation of talent, particularly at her alma mater, UCLA. In a significant act of philanthropy, Burnett recently donated all of her major career awards—including her Emmy and Golden Globe statues—to UCLA.
This donation was part of a larger initiative to establish a new scholarship fund, ensuring that future students have the resources to pursue their dreams in the performing arts. This act underscores her commitment to her legacy, which is not just about the laughter she created, but the opportunities she creates for others.
The impact of her work is evident in the tributes she receives from her peers. When she celebrated her 92nd birthday in April 2025, a host of famous friends, including Vicki Lawrence and Jimmy Kimmel, celebrated her enduring influence on comedy.
From her early days in San Antonio, Texas, to her current status as a living legend, Carol Burnett's life story is one of perseverance, talent, and an unwavering commitment to making people laugh. Her age—92 years young—is a number that simply represents the incredible length of her career, not the limit of her creativity.
Key Entities and Topical Authority Related to Carol Burnett
To fully appreciate the depth of Carol Burnett's career, it is essential to understand the key people, places, and projects that define her legacy. These entities provide topical authority and context to her seven decades of work:
- The Carol Burnett Show: Her iconic, Emmy-winning variety show.
- Vicki Lawrence: Long-time co-star and friend from the variety show ensemble.
- Tim Conway and Harvey Korman: Essential comedic partners who defined the show’s sketches.
- Palm Royale: Her 2024 Apple TV+ series that earned her a historic Emmy nomination.
- Kristen Wiig and Allison Janney: Co-stars in the recent *Palm Royale* series.
- UCLA: Her alma mater, where she recently donated her awards and established a scholarship.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: One of her highest non-performing honors.
- Mark Twain Prize for American Humor: A prestigious award recognizing her impact on American comedy.
- Once Upon a Mattress: The Broadway musical that served as her major career breakthrough.
- Annie: Her memorable role as Miss Hannigan in the 1982 film adaptation.
- Brian Miller: Her current husband, a musician and former principal drummer in the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
- Carrie Hamilton: Her late daughter, an actress and writer, whose memory she honors through her work.
Carol Burnett’s journey is a powerful reminder that true talent and passion have no expiration date. At 92, she remains a vibrant, working artist whose influence is felt across the entire entertainment landscape, inspiring everyone from established comedians to aspiring students at UCLA.
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