The Last Laughs: Where Are The Surviving Cast Members Of The Carol Burnett Show Now In 2025?

Decades after it first aired, The Carol Burnett Show remains a cornerstone of American television, a masterclass in sketch comedy and variety shows that continues to influence modern comedians. The chemistry between the main cast—Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner, and later, Tim Conway—was electric, setting a gold standard for live performance and comedic timing.

As of today, December 10, 2025, fans are naturally curious about the current lives and legacies of these comedy icons, especially the two surviving principal members. From major career announcements to enduring touring schedules, the laughs continue, even as we remember the beloved stars who are no longer with us.

The Immortal Ensemble: A Complete Biography and Cast Roll Call

The success of The Carol Burnett Show, which ran on CBS from 1967 to 1978, was built on the foundation of its core ensemble. Their ability to switch between slapstick, musical numbers, and dramatic satire, often breaking character from laughter, cemented their place in television history. Here is a look at the careers and biographies of the legendary main cast.

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• Carol Burnett (Self - Host, Various Characters)
  • Born: April 26, 1933 (Age 92 in 2025)
  • Role on Show: Host and star, known for characters like Eunice Higgins in "The Family" sketches and her signature ear-tug sign-off.
  • Post-Show Career: Continued work in film, television, and stage, including a brief revival of her variety show, a dramatic role in the film Annie, and the 2024–2025 Apple TV+ comedy series Palm Royale.
  • Current Status (2025): Still active, receiving the Carol Burnett Award at the 2025 Golden Globes, and has indicated her latest TV role is likely her last before retirement.
• Vicki Lawrence (Various Characters)
  • Born: March 26, 1949 (Age 76 in 2025)
  • Role on Show: Known for her breakout role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," in "The Family" sketches, which she began playing at age 24.
  • Post-Show Career: Starred in the spin-off sitcom Mama's Family (1983–1990), a successful recording artist with the hit "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," and a long career as a television host and game show panelist.
  • Current Status (2025): Actively touring the U.S. with her popular show, Vicki Lawrence & Mama: a Two Woman Show, throughout 2025.
• Harvey Korman (Various Characters)
  • Born: February 15, 1927
  • Role on Show: The versatile straight man and master of dialect, famous for playing Ed Higgins (Eunice's husband) and the put-upon boss Mr. Tudball.
  • Post-Show Career: Starred in Mel Brooks’ films like Blazing Saddles and High Anxiety, and briefly in his own sitcom, The Harvey Korman Show.
  • Deceased: May 29, 2008, at age 81.
• Tim Conway (Various Characters)
  • Born: December 15, 1933
  • Role on Show: Joined the cast in 1975 after being a frequent guest star, known for his improvisational genius, the Old Man character, and the hilarious Mr. Wiggens sketches opposite Harvey Korman's Mr. Tudball.
  • Post-Show Career: Continued television and voice work, known for his roles in Disney films and the sitcom Coach.
  • Deceased: May 14, 2019, at age 85.
• Lyle Waggoner (Announcer, Various Characters)
  • Born: April 13, 1935
  • Role on Show: The handsome announcer and sketch performer, often playing the dashing leading man or the straight foil to Burnett and Korman, departing the show in 1974.
  • Post-Show Career: Starred as Steve Trevor in the Wonder Woman television series (1975–1979) and founded a successful business, Star Waggons, providing customized trailers to the entertainment industry.
  • Deceased: March 17, 2020, at age 84.

The Two Remaining Stars: Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence in 2025

The comedy world is fortunate that two of the show's main pillars, Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence, remain active and in the public eye. Their continued work serves as a living testament to the show's enduring legacy and the power of their comedic partnership.

Carol Burnett’s "Final Bow" and 2025 Accolades

At 92, comedy legend Carol Burnett is still making headlines in late 2024 and throughout 2025. Her recent role in the Apple TV+ series Palm Royale has garnered significant buzz, with Burnett playing the formidable matriarch Norma Dellacorte.

The biggest news surrounding Burnett in 2025 is the speculation regarding her "major retirement news." While she has stated that Palm Royale is "probably" her last acting role, the icon continues to be celebrated. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association honored her contributions to television with the prestigious Carol Burnett Award at the 2025 Golden Globes ceremony, a recognition of her seven-decade career.

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Burnett's enduring star power is not just about her past work; she is actively engaging with new projects and expressing her excitement for contemporary drama series, proving her relevancy in the modern entertainment landscape.

Vicki Lawrence’s Enduring 'Mama' and 2025 Tour Schedule

Vicki Lawrence, who was famously discovered by Carol Burnett at age 17, has successfully parlayed her breakout role as the sharp-tongued Thelma Harper into a decades-long career.

In 2025, Lawrence is keeping the spirit of the show alive by touring across the United States with her "Vicki Lawrence & Mama: a Two Woman Show." This show is a blend of stand-up comedy, music, and question-and-answer segments, where Lawrence discusses her time on The Carol Burnett Show before transforming into her beloved character, Mama.

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The tour dates throughout the year, including stops in Arizona and West Virginia, demonstrate the high demand for the nostalgic, yet timeless, humor that was the hallmark of the original variety show.

Remembering the Lost Legends: Korman, Conway, and Waggoner

The heart of The Carol Burnett Show was the unique comedic triangle formed by Burnett, Korman, and Conway, with Lyle Waggoner providing the perfect foil. While they are no longer with us, their contributions to the show's success and the history of sketch comedy are indelible.

The Genius of Harvey Korman and Tim Conway

Harvey Korman and Tim Conway shared one of the most celebrated comedic pairings in television history. Their sketches, particularly the dentist skit and the Mr. Tudball and Mrs. Wiggins segments, are often cited as peak moments of the variety show format.

Korman, a four-time Emmy winner for the series, was a master of physical comedy and character work, whose later career included memorable film roles. Conway, who won an Emmy for his work on the show, was famous for his ability to make his co-stars break character on live television, particularly Korman, a feat that became a beloved staple for viewers.

The passing of Tim Conway in 2019 and Harvey Korman in 2008 marked the end of an era, but their performances continue to be enjoyed by new generations through reruns and streaming platforms.

Lyle Waggoner’s Versatility and Post-Show Success

Lyle Waggoner, the original handsome straight man and announcer, left the show in 1974 to pursue other acting opportunities. He quickly landed the role of Steve Trevor in the hit Wonder Woman series, establishing a successful career outside of sketch comedy.

Beyond acting, Waggoner demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by founding Star Waggons, a company that revolutionized the industry by providing specialized trailers for cast and crew—a business that continues to thrive today. His death in 2020 completed the passing of the original male ensemble, leaving only Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence as the surviving main cast members.

The Undeniable Influence on Modern Comedy

The legacy of The Carol Burnett Show extends far beyond its 11-season run. The show’s format—a blend of musical parodies, movie spoofs (like the iconic Gone With The Wind sketch), and recurring character sketches—laid the groundwork for countless future comedy series.

The show's use of a repertory company and its live-to-tape structure, which captured the genuine laughter and spontaneous moments of the cast, created a unique intimacy with the audience. This influence can be seen in modern sketch comedy, where ensemble casts and character-driven humor remain central. The fact that Carol Burnett, at 92, is still a major talking point in 2025, and Vicki Lawrence is still touring her most famous character, proves that the golden age of variety show comedy is not just a memory—it is a living, laughing part of entertainment history.