Carol Burnett shares a personal moment from her long friendship with Lucille Ball. Both stars are known for changing television comedy. Lucille Ball became famous through I Love Lucy. Carol Burnett followed years later with The Carol Burnett Show, which ran for 11 seasons and made her one of the most respected names in entertainment.
They acted together more than once, and their connection went beyond work. Despite the age gap between them, they understood each other well. Now, as Carol prepares for the May 10 and 11 release of The Carol Burnett Show: Mother of All Marathons on Shout! TV, she remembers her final moment with Lucille.
Carol Burnett received flowers from Lucille Ball until she died
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Carol and Lucille were very close. Every year on Carol’s birthday, Lucille would send her flowers. That didn’t change, even in Lucille’s final hours. On the morning of April 26, 1989, Carol turned on the TV and saw the news that Lucille had died early that morning. Later that day, a delivery arrived.
It was a bouquet of flowers from Lucille, ordered days earlier for Carol’s birthday. It was a strange and emotional moment, and the flowers were the last Carol would ever receive from her friend. Even in death, Lucille had managed to keep their yearly tradition alive.
Lucille Ball supported Carol Burnett’s Hollywood career
Lucille Ball did not simply like Carol; she helped her succeed. After watching Carol perform in her first big Broadway role, Once Upon a Mattress, Lucille went backstage to meet her. That visit started their friendship. From then on, Lucille gave Carol advice and support. A few years later, Carol was offered a chance to do a television special. She needed a famous guest to make it happen, so she called Lucille.
Even though Carol was nervous, Lucille said yes right away. That appearance helped Carol move forward in TV, and her show later became one of the most popular variety shows of its time. Over the years, they continued to appear on each other’s shows. Lucille’s support wasn’t just a onetime thing, she was present for Carol throughout her life.