Carol Burnett Net Worth

Carol Burnett is an American actress, comedian, writer, and singer with a net worth of $45 million. Throughout her illustrious career, she has earned recognition as one of the most iconic and beloved figures in the entertainment industry.

With a career spanning over six decades, Burnett has left an indelible mark on television, comedy, and American culture as a whole.

Her contributions have made her a household name, and her influence continues to resonate today.

Early Life and Beginnings in Entertainment

Carol Creighton Burnett was born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up in a challenging environment, her parents struggled with alcoholism, and Burnett spent much of her childhood being raised by her grandmother.

Despite these early challenges, Burnett developed a passion for the arts from a young age.

Her grandmother, a trained musician, exposed her to music, and her mother, who played the ukulele, encouraged Carol’s love for singing.

At the age of 18, Burnett graduated from high school and received an unexpected $50, which paid for one year of tuition at UCLA.

Initially focused on studying theater arts and English, Burnett was required to take acting courses, which she was hesitant about at first.

However, she quickly fell in love with acting, discovering a new avenue of expression and joy. This marked the beginning of her journey into the entertainment industry.

Struggles and Success in New York City

After graduating from UCLA, Burnett moved to New York City with the help of a mysterious benefactor who lent her $1,000 to make her dreams a reality.

During her first year in New York, she faced rejection, struggling to find acting work.

Despite these early setbacks, she eventually landed a minor role in The Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney Show in 1955.

Her career began to gain momentum as she appeared in Broadway musicals, sitcoms, and live performances.

One of the key moments that elevated Burnett’s profile was her performance in New York’s nightclubs and cabarets. Her satirical song “I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles” even caught the attention of US Secretary of State John Dulles.

Burnett’s big break came with her appearance on The Gary Moore Show, where she won her first Emmy Award, cementing her status as a rising star.

The Carol Burnett Show: A Groundbreaking Success

In 1967, Carol Burnett launched The Carol Burnett Show, a variety sketch comedy program that ran until 1978.

This show marked a turning point in television history, as it became one of the first variety shows to be hosted by a female.

Burnett’s unique blend of comedy, music, and her ability to connect with the audience helped make the show a massive hit.

Over its 11-year run, The Carol Burnett Show won 23 Primetime Emmy Awards, and Burnett’s presence on television became iconic.

The show was known for its hilarious sketches, musical numbers, and Burnett’s trademark “Tarzan yell.”

Her comedic timing and ability to perform a wide range of characters made her a household name.

In 2019, the Golden Globe Awards introduced the Carol Burnett Award, which honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on television.

Carol Burnett was the inaugural recipient of this award, a testament to her remarkable legacy in the industry.

Other Television and Film Roles

After The Carol Burnett Show ended in 1978, Burnett continued to enjoy a successful career in both television and film. She starred in various films such as The Four Seasons, Seasons of the Heart, Noses Off, and Horton Hears a Who, where she lent her voice to the character of the Mayor.

Additionally, Burnett made appearances on popular television shows, including All My Children, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Hawaii Five-O.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, she also returned to Broadway with productions like Moon Over Buffalo and Putting It All Together, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and singer.

Real Estate Ventures and Investments

Beyond her work in entertainment, Carol Burnett has made a number of real estate investments over the years.

In 1999, she purchased a luxurious ocean-view home in Montecito, California, for $2 million.

She subsequently oversaw extensive renovations to the property, including a remodeled kitchen, making it her primary residence.

The home’s value later skyrocketed when other celebrity homeowners, like Oprah Winfrey, drove up prices in the area.

Burnett also owned a lavish apartment in Trump Tower, which she sold in 2008 for $5.58 million. The 2,000-square-foot condo offered incredible views of Central Park, highlighting her taste for high-end real estate.

In 2002, she also bought an apartment on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, which she sold in 2023 for $3.7 million, having originally purchased it for $1.2 million.

In the 1990s, Burnett also acquired an 8-acre property in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she built a massive 7,500-square-foot mansion.

The property was later featured in Architectural Digest before she sold it in 1998.

Legacy and Continued Impact

Carol Burnett’s contributions to television, comedy, and the arts have made her a beloved figure in American culture.

Her groundbreaking work in television helped open doors for women in comedy, and her unique blend of humor and heart has left a lasting impact.

Her numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, recognize her significant contributions.

In the years following her prime, Burnett has slowed down her public appearances but remains an active and respected figure in the entertainment world.

With a net worth of $45 million, she has proven that talent, hard work, and a bit of luck can lead to a long-lasting career and financial success.