Carol Burnett and Celebrity Friends: 35 Photos Through the Years

In some ways, it defies explanation how Carol Burnett could crack a smile, let alone bring laughter to millions over the past 70 years. This fact comes down to her now-famous gesture of tugging on her lower left earlobe at the end of each episode of her classic variety show, a signal to her grandma Jones that everything was okay.

Mabel Eudora “Mae” Jones took Carol in from alcoholic parents incapable of raising her. Mae offered words of encouragement when her granddaughter announced she wanted to switch from studying journalism and playwriting to acting, while her own mother responded, “You can always write no matter what you look like.”

Carol embraced that encouragement and soared. Her career began with a small role in 1955 as the girlfriend of a ventriloquist dummy on The Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney Show, leading to a co-starring part with Buddy Hackett on the sitcom Stanley (1956-1957). From 1959 to 1962, she was a regular on The Garry Moore Show, winning an Emmy Award. This, in turn, led to her appearing live with Julie Andrews in 1962 in Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall, a mix of music and comedy that became an Emmy-winning television special. Five years later, CBS launched The Carol Burnett Show, and history was made.

The celebrity friendships Carol Burnett struck were legendary. One of the strongest was with Lucille Ball, whom she met in 1959 and remained close with until Ball’s death 30 years later. However, this was just one of many close relationships Carol enjoyed. What follows are 35 images that serve as a kind of scrapbook guide, offering a glimpse into the world of Carol Burnett and her celebrity friends.

Carol Burnett with comedian Garry Moore, a part of The Garry Moore Show from 1959 to 1962.

Carol Burnett poses with Richard Chamberlain (starring as Dr. Kildare at the time) at the TV Guide Awards in 1963.

Carol and Dean Martin enjoy a goofy dance moment in the 1963 film Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed?

Carol Burnett and Bob Newhart posing for their television variety series The Entertainers, which premiered in 1964.

Carol and British singer and actor Julie Andrews review the musical score for their television variety special Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall while holding cups of tea in New York City in 1965.

Future Columbo star Peter Falk and Carol at the 18th Emmy Awards at the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles in 1966.

Carol Burnett and Jack Klugman at the 18th Emmy Awards in 1966.

Jim Nabors and Carol attend an Academy Awards party in Hollywood in 1967.

Guest star Carol Burnett clowns around with Jonathan Winters on The Jonathan Winters Show.

Tonight Show host and musical director Johnny Carson and Doc Severinson with Carol in New York circa 1970.

Legendary actor James Stewart with Carol at a formal dinner, circa 1970, in New York.

Mary Tyler Moore hugging Carol Burnett in a dressing room in 1970. That year The Mary Tyler Moore Show joined Carol’s variety show on CBS.

Carol Burnett and Robert Young after they were awarded Golden Apples by the Hollywood Woman’s Press Club. Also with them is Make Room for Daddy star Danny Thomas who was given the first Louella Parson Award by the Hollywood Woman’s Press Club.

For Carol Burnett and Robert Young, happiness is being named female and male star of the year by the Hollywood Woman’s Press Club. The award is for the persons presenting the best Hollywood image to the world, and is in the form of a Golden Apple.

In 1971, actress Rita Hayworth made an appearance on The Carol Burnett Show, and this is a nice publicity shot taken of the two of them behind the scenes. This was Hayworth’s first television appearance.

Carol Burnett and Walter Matthau in a scene from the film Pete ‘N’ Tillie, 1972.

James Arness, star of CBS Television’s Gunsmoke, wears a big smile after he was presented the 13th annual International Broadcasting Award’s “Man of the Year” award by Carol Burnett, at the Century Plaza Hotel in 1973.

Rock Hudson embracing Carol Burnett in a promotional portrait for the musical I Do, I Do, which they toured in 1973 and 1974.

Singer Andy Williams with Carol in 1973.

Jack Lemmon and Carol pretend that nothing unusual is taking place in a scene from the film The Front Page, 1974.

Cher and Carol Burnett attend an event circa 1975 in Los Angeles, California.

Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, who enjoyed decades of friendship, pose together at a tribute to actor and comedian Danny Thomas at the Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, California in 1975.

Carol and Dick Van Dyke raise their mugs to “cheer” during a meet up regarding The Carol Burnett Show in 1976.

Henry Winkler, Carol and Jan-Michael Vincent in the 34th Golden Globe Awards press room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 1977.

British comedian, actor and pianist Dudley Moore with Carol Burnett, who has her arm around Moore’s shoulders, as they attend the Hollywood Women’s Press Club awards ceremony in Los Angeles, California, September 1979.

Long-time collaborator and co-star Tim Conway with Carol Burnett in 1980.

Susan Lucci and Carol, when both were All My Children cast members, July 1982.

Carol and Elizabeth Taylor at the press conference for the release of the 1983 TV movie Between Friends