Jimmy Kimmel Celebrates Comedy Legend Carol Burnett’s 92nd Birthday With Nostalgic Post
Late-night host pays tribute to the pioneering comedian with a carousel of memorable moments
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Television host Jimmy Kimmel took to Instagram to celebrate comedy legend Carol Burnett on her 92nd birthday, sharing a collection of nostalgic photographs that highlight her remarkable career and enduring influence on American comedy.
“Happy 92nd birthday to the one and only Carol Burnett!” Kimmel wrote in his heartfelt Instagram post on April 26, 2024. The late-night host shared a carousel of four images showcasing memorable moments from Burnett’s illustrious career spanning decades in entertainment.
The images capture Burnett in various iconic moments, including scenes from her groundbreaking variety show “The Carol Burnett Show” which ran from 1967 to 1978 on CBS. Among the photos are snapshots of her signature comedy sketches and her famous ear-tugging gesture that became her personal sign-off to audiences.
Carol Burnett stands as one of comedy’s most influential figures. Born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Burnett broke barriers for women in comedy during an era when the industry was predominantly male-dominated. Her variety program, “The Carol Burnett Show,” revolutionized television comedy and ran for an impressive 11 seasons, earning 25 Emmy Awards along the way.
The series featured memorable characters and sketches that have remained in American pop culture, including the infamous “Gone with the Wind” parody where Burnett wore curtains—rod and all—as a dress, creating one of television’s most iconic comedy moments.
Burnett’s influence on comedy extends beyond her own show. She paved the way for future generations of female comedians and performers. Her trademark Tarzan yell and the way she interacted with her audience through questions and answers at the beginning of each show created a unique connection with viewers that was revolutionary for television at that time.
Jimmy Kimmel has never hidden his admiration for Carol Burnett. The late-night host has featured her on his show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” multiple times over the years, often expressing how her work influenced his own career in comedy and television.
In 2019, Kimmel presented Burnett with the inaugural Carol Burnett Award for lifetime achievement in television at the Golden Globe Awards, a testament to her lasting impact on the entertainment industry. During the ceremony, Kimmel spoke about Burnett’s groundbreaking contributions to comedy and her influence on generations of entertainers.
The relationship between the two comedians represents a connection between different eras of television comedy, with Burnett being a pioneer who helped shape the medium and Kimmel representing the evolution of late-night television in the modern age.
While “The Carol Burnett Show” remains her most celebrated work, Burnett’s career spans far beyond her variety show. She has starred in numerous films including “Annie” as Miss Hannigan, “The Four Seasons,” and “Noises Off.” Her Broadway performances and television guest appearances have further cemented her status as an entertainment icon.
In recent years, Burnett has continued to work in television with appearances on shows like “Better Call Saul” and “A Little Help with Carol Burnett” on Netflix, proving her enduring appeal and relevance across multiple generations of viewers.
Throughout her career, Burnett has received numerous accolades including Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Kennedy Center Honor, among many others.
Jimmy Kimmel has been particularly active on social media recently. Earlier this month, he shared posts about the upcoming documentary “Meet Paul, the man behind Pee-wee” premiering on Max, and his involvement in a new comedy series titled “Love Thy Nader” which will premiere on Hulu and Freeform this summer.
The late-night host also recently celebrated his son Billy’s 8th birthday with a heartfelt post highlighting the child’s health journey and encouraging donations to support children’s medical care. Kimmel has become an outspoken advocate for healthcare access since Billy was born with a congenital heart condition.
Kimmel also shared a nostalgic post for Opening Day of baseball season, featuring a moment alongside legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, describing it as “Unquestionably one of the greatest moments of my life.”
Carol Burnett’s 92nd birthday celebration adds to the collection of meaningful moments Kimmel has chosen to share with his followers, highlighting his appreciation for the legends who shaped entertainment history.
As Burnett enters her 92nd year, her legacy continues to influence comedians and entertainers across generations, with tributes like Kimmel’s serving as reminders of her extraordinary contributions to American comedy and television.
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