Carol Burnett still rocks
She may be a little frail, but the first lady of TV comedy Carol Burnett still knows how to rock the house.
Burnett was honored by the Television Critics Association on Sunday night at the annual TCA awards for Career Achievement. She got a standing ovation from an audience that included producers and stars from “House,” “Lost,” “The Office,” “My Name is Earl,” “West Wing,” “High School Musical” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
When she accepted the award, Burnett says she’s still open to playing other TV roles after a great experience on “Desperate Housewives.”
“So, if you have anything for me at ‘The Office,’ ” she said, looking over at the elated cast and crew.
After the ceremony, Steve Carell and the producers went over to talk some business with Burnett.
But it was in the queue to get their cars after the event that the stakes went up. “Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes and producer Betsy Beers took the opportunity to tell Burnett how much she had meant to them.
“You are the reason we are in this business,” Beers said. “Really. You have been my inspiration.”
Beers and Rhimes said that after her speech, they already started thinking about at least one episode written just with Burnett in mind.
I think she was talking to “The Office” people, I told them.
“Not if we get her first,” says Rhimes.
Dick McMichael said,
July 26, 2006 at 12:29 pm
Oh how I miss Carol and her crew. American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and America’s Got Talent are my favorites on commercial network TV now simply because they feature live – for the most part – variety entertainment. I think the nets are missing a good chance at pulling audiences back by not giving us a good variety show in the tradition of the Carol Burnett Show, Ed Sullivan and The Steve Allen Show. They would have to be tailored for today’s audiences, but with a little creativity they could do it.
Susan said,
July 27, 2006 at 4:19 am
Isn’t it funny that the networks can’t figure out why “American Idol” is such a hit? It’s a live variety show with singing, dancing (well, if you consider Taylor’s moves dancing) and the comedy team of Simon, Paula and Randy. And viewers get to participate.
Let’s hope we see more of Carol.