The Last Hurrah: 7 Shocking Revelations About Carol Burnett's Final Act And New Apple TV+ Project

Carol Burnett, the undisputed Queen of Sketch Comedy, continues to captivate audiences well into her nineties, with her career showing no signs of slowing down its impact. As of late 2025, the entertainment world is buzzing with news that is both celebratory and bittersweet: the iconic comedian has recently starred in the Apple TV+ series *Palm Royale*, a role she has suggested will be her "last hurrah" in acting.

This news, first revealed in late 2024, marks a pivotal moment for a performer whose legacy spans seven decades, from the Broadway stage to the golden age of television. However, her final performance on screen is far from her final project, as the nonagenarian is simultaneously developing a brand-new series, keeping her influence firmly planted in Hollywood’s future.

Carol Burnett: Complete Biography and Lifetime Achievements

Carol Creighton Burnett was born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas. Her early life was marked by a move to Hollywood, California, where she was largely raised by her grandmother in a small apartment.

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Her career trajectory is one of the most decorated in entertainment history, showcasing her versatility as an actress, comedian, singer, and writer.

• Born: April 26, 1933 (Currently 92 years old)
• Birthplace: San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
• Spouses: Don Saroyan (m. 1955–1962), Joe Hamilton (m. 1963–1984), Brian Miller (m. 2001–Present)
• Children: Carrie Hamilton, Jody Hamilton, Erin Hamilton
• Major Awards & Honors:
  • 6 Primetime Emmy Awards
  • 7 Golden Globe Awards
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom (2005)
  • Kennedy Center Honors (2003)
  • Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2013)
  • Inaugural Recipient of the Carol Burnett Award for Television Achievement (2019)

The Enduring Legacy of The Carol Burnett Show

The foundation of Burnett’s status as a comedy icon rests squarely on *The Carol Burnett Show*, a variety/sketch comedy television program that ran on CBS from 1967 to 1978. The show was revolutionary for its time, featuring a female lead and delivering a blend of broad physical comedy, musical numbers, and sharp satire.

The series was a launchpad for several legendary co-stars and writers who achieved their own fame. The ensemble cast, including Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and later Tim Conway, created a chemistry that is still revered today.

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The show’s success was built on its recurring characters and iconic sketches, many of which have become staples of American comedy history. These segments established a high bar for the sketch comedy format that followed.

Iconic Sketches and Characters That Defined a Generation

The topical authority of *The Carol Burnett Show* is cemented by its unforgettable characters. The show’s brilliance lay in its ability to transition from high-concept musical parodies to relatable domestic comedy.

• *The Family*: This sketch centered on the dysfunctional, working-class family of Eunice Higgins (Burnett) and her long-suffering mother, Thelma Harper (Vicki Lawrence, who later spun the character into the hit series *Mama’s Family*). The emotional depth mixed with biting humor made it a fan favorite.
• *Mrs. Wiggins and Mr. Tudball*: Tim Conway played the bumbling, Scandinavian-accented boss, Mr. Tudball, constantly frustrated by his incompetent and scatterbrained secretary, Mrs. Wiggins (Burnett).
• *Went with the Wind!*: A famous, one-off parody of the film *Gone with the Wind*, featuring Burnett in a curtain-rod dress. This sketch is often cited as one of the greatest moments in television history.
• *As the Stomach Turns*: A recurring, over-the-top soap opera parody that allowed the cast to flex their dramatic and satirical muscles.

The show’s signature closing moment, where Burnett would tug her ear—a private signal to her grandmother—remains one of the most recognizable gestures in television.

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The Final Curtain Call: Palm Royale and Future Projects

The latest updates surrounding Carol Burnett are focused on her recent work in the Apple TV+ series *Palm Royale* (2024), where she stars as Norma Dellacorte alongside Kristen Wiig.

The role has been lauded, showcasing that even in her nineties, Burnett’s comedic timing and dramatic presence are undiminished. However, in an October 2024 interview, Burnett indicated that this performance would likely be her "last hurrah" as an actor, signaling a graceful retirement from on-screen roles.

The decision is understandable, given her age and the demands of a full acting schedule, yet it has sparked an outpouring of appreciation from fans and fellow celebrities alike.

A New Chapter: From Acting to Developing

While the acting curtain may be closing, Carol Burnett is not leaving the industry entirely. Demonstrating her continued creative drive, she is actively developing a new television series for Apple TV+.

The project is based on a 1950s boarding house and is a testament to her commitment to storytelling and nurturing new talent. This shift from performing to producing and development allows her to maintain a strong presence in the television landscape, guiding projects with her decades of experience.

Beyond the Stage: Dramatic Roles and Literary Works

Burnett’s career has always extended beyond the variety show format. She has delivered critically acclaimed dramatic performances, proving her range as a serious actress. Her role in the 1979 TV movie *Friendly Fire*, for example, earned her significant praise for its emotional intensity.

Her film credits include roles in *Pete 'n' Tillie* (1972), *The Four Seasons* (1981), and the film adaptation of *Annie* (1982), where she played the villainous Miss Hannigan.

Additionally, Burnett has authored several successful memoirs, sharing her life and career insights with fans. These literary works include *One More Time* and *This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection*, further cementing her legacy as a multifaceted entertainer.

Carol Burnett’s recent activities underscore her status as a living legend. Whether she is taking her final bows as the formidable Norma Dellacorte or developing the next great television hit, her influence on comedy and television remains immeasurable, ensuring her legacy will inspire generations of performers to come.