Carol Burnett Was “The World’s Worst Guest” On Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show”

The legendary queen of TV variety shows, Carol Burnett, tells Stephen about going toe-to-toe with Johnny Carson and shares stories about appearing alongside Elvis Presley on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Stick around for more with Carol Burnett and watch her new show, “Palm Royale,” streaming now on AppleTV+.
#Colbert #CarolBurnett #PalmRoyale #Comedy
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@johngulino2651]

If anybody ever deserved a standing ovation, Carol Burnett certainly does.

[@jneal68]

I saw her and "Went With The Wind" and her dress popped into my mind! LOL

[@JohnDlugosz]

She *could* have had the longest ovation in the show's history, had she come out wearing the _Went with the Wind_ curtain dress (from costume designer Bob Mackie).

[@johnbell1810]

She is still alive? Wow!

[@Mozart1220]

@@johnbell1810Very much so!

[@jamesjones-wv9ik]

And she is still touched by the audience recognition of her! Priceless.

[@patriciaprickett667]

I will NEVER forget her Gone with the Wind parody

[@witchypoorose5196]

I kept thinking that one of them would bring that up: one of her most famous costumes! 😂

[@atticstattic]

Oh my goodness, yes...

[@eileentsiapanos5430]

Yeah. Went With The Wind. “I saw it in the window and had to have it”

[@chezmoi42]

Best sketch ever. And if you've never seen 'Once upon a Mattress,' go find it now (it's on YT!).

[@wideawake5630]

Frankly, my dear, I don't give a reservoir.

[@stevenklein3195]

I can't believe how good she looks at 90!!

[@pysvtfa4]

Laughter is a fountain of youth.

[@francescaa8331]

It's amazing.

[@Metacognition88]

Black dont crack

[@annishilcock4587]

Wow!. Very great Respect to you Ms Burnett.

[@Metacognition88]

Black don’t crack

[@vickywharton6297]

I never get enough of Carol Burnett. I gave her a standing "O" from my living room. I am almost 60 years old and I grew up with this legend. Love. Love. Love two of my favorite people having a chat!

[@francescaa8331]

😊

[@bigearl3867]

same

[@witchypoorose5196]

YES!! 🙌🏻

[@daleglenny8253]

I have a Carol Burnett doll where you pull her head off and she say things like “I’ve lost my head over you” and “I’m falling apart…woo hoo”. Still works. And I’m Australian, so she’s totally global.

[@edcpike]

67 and I loved her shows. Awesome to see how great she’s still doing.

[@susannortham11.11]

She's a national treasure♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@mdaddy775]

International*

[@thandie67]

No, global. We loved her in Zambia, a country in Africa, so did Zimbabwe. And I am sure if ask people on other continents, you will get a "we loved her and love her shows".

[@geekgee]

galactic

[@theodorerobert6579]

Why is she?

[@TillisWard]

Truly 🥰 I have so many fond memories growing up watching her show with Mom and Grandma

[@normahodge6791]

This queen is 90 years old???? God bless and keep her. She looks great ❤🎉🫂

[@Malouco]

Sharp 🌹very sexy sharp 💃

[@michellesirois6954]

90??? Wow...i was wondering.😊

[@Josephlaszlo]

Much respect for Stephen Colbert treating Ms Burnett like royalty. Love you Carol. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jbearclowater]

As she should be! She's about as close to royalty in the world of tv as you can get.

[@4windrush]

He always likes to suck up to royalty, unless it's the Princess of Wales of course.

[@serendipityshopnyc]

Is there any other way for a sensible talk show host to treat her? She's fabulous.

[@nat2040]

Much respect??? Colbert is an absolute TWAT

[@efretheim]

I'll be having her on was a dream come true for him.

[@0HARE]

Carol Burnett is, literally, a living legend. It’s so good to see her again, doing so well.

[@MsStormkitty]

I grew up watching her. Carol Burnette is truly a G.O.A.T .

[@theodorerobert6579]

Why?

[@waynepacetti5689]

@@theodorerobert6579 Greatest Of All Time

[@moniqueengleman873]

I like Lucille Ball also. I laugh so hard at their physical comedy .

[@LoriJ1962]

I saw it in the window and I just HAD to have it. Best laugh ever.

[@maryanneslater9675]

@@LoriJ1962 The Gone with the Wind sketch. Absolutely immortal.

[@SerenityNow....]

I'm so glad we've had this time together! ♥

[@markm3346]

☺🥰

[@roberthevern6169]

...I see what you did there!!

[@RusstheTroubadour]

Just to have a laugh or sing or song 🎶🎶❤️❤️

[@francescaa8331]

😊

[@sandraandrews9907]

Wished that I had come up with that! 😊😅

[@dowzoo]

She is one of America's treasures, along with the late Betty White.

[@legowar177]

And Dick Van Dyke

[@courtney-rw8ch]

Grew up watching the Carol Burnett show. Almost every show I would have tears in my eyes laughing so hard. ❤

[@roberthevern6169]

Harvey Korman and Tim Conway were no slouch!!

[@swampy6194]

@@roberthevern6169 One of the best threesome comedy acts not to offend the Moms for Liberty.

[@scooterbaby1]

she had the best ensemble

[@bridgetboyle687]

To this day, even the picture of her gone with the wind sketch , will send me laughing

[@scooterbaby1]

@@bridgetboyle687 absolutely

[@exoterric]

Man her sass is legendary. Carol is amazing.

[@cheknfaks]

Seeing Carol is a breath of fresh air

[@patrickfuller2423]

I'm 57 and have grown up with this woman on TV. thank you for giving us a chance to see her again, and particularly, Carol herself. for allowing us to witness her life, just as much as she would like. changed my life for the better, at an early age. Love you Carol, (tugs ear)

[@patrickwalsh279]

Same age, same regard. Regards!

[@Susie_Floozie]

Miss Carol Burnett is a national treasure. This sweet lady is a powerful figure from my childhood. I'm so glad she's alive and thriving--and still full of piss and vinegar!

[@lar7905]

Susie_floozie ...Living proof that a person can have a psychologically abusive parent , her mother , and yet succeed beyond her wildest dreams . She is a class act .

[@rj-zz8im]

Think of all the laughs this beautiful human has given the world. A 'Thank You' is not enough. Love you Miss Carol!

[@Jordan-might]

Thanks for those words…goals ❤

[@joniskibo5910]

LOVE Carol Burnett ❤

[@annenelson5656]

In the 1970s my classmates and I would drive out to Television City to watch them tape the Carol Burnett show. It was so much fun! She sure was good in Better Call Saul. She’s an American treasure.

[@waltyc.8577]

I don't know anybody who doesn't. What a talent.

[@watchcity2068]

She deserved every second of that standing O. Goosebumps and tears! I'm sorry she lost her daughter, very sad

[@billmcg1676]

Carol Burnett is timeless. Always remember being a little kid and watching her variety show at my grandma's house - national treasure!

[@jonhinson5701]

Saturday nights was Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart and Carol Burnett for me. What a lineup!

[@frankpeter6851]

Then the original Saturday night live...!

[@meltzerboy]

@@frankpeter6851 The line-up Saturday night began with All in the Family. CBS was some network then, and not only in comedy shows.

[@S.Shea2432]

The ICONIC, Beautiful, Talented, Hilarious, Beloved Carol Burnett. 😍 My Granny absolutely LOVED her, & I do as well. Oh, the Beautiful, sweet, precious, & priceless memories I have of Us watching "The Carol Burnett Show" & her other projects together. Gosh, Stephen, You, your audience, & your staff were really in the presence of ROYALTY!! 🥰 Y'all give this this BEAUTIFUL LEGEND Her well deserved Flowers!! 🌹💐 💜💜

[@thegreyhoundgirls536]

I watched her on tv every week with my Grandma & my parents too. Best time of the week 💜

[@S.Shea2432]

​@@thegreyhoundgirls536, Aww. That's so sweet. The beautiful memories will always be with Us. They'll always in our heart. Carol is such a Beautiful gem. 💜💜

[@jefferyfarr6542]

I truly believe Carol Burnett is as nice in real life. I love her so much.

[@trishabaran1521]

Me too ! She seems so grounded. It was sad when her daughter passed away . She wasn’t born with a silver spoon 🥄 and has worked hard to get where she is today. I love her 💕

[@georgeduncan3596]

I worked in a store on 5th avenue in the city and had the pleasure of meeting her three times. She was by far my favourite celebrity. She had the habit of repeating your name throughout the conversation. And yes she finds the natural humour in each moment … We share a birthday and l told her so and then that Ella Fitzgerald’s was also near ours. She was getting into the elevator and right as the door was closing she said, “and so is Hitler’s!” and did the Nazi salute. She’s classy, down to earth and humble in person. I absolutely cherish those memories.

[@joannejohnson7006]

Oh Stephen, you gave some of us the best gift ever-Carol- ❤🎁🥰💌

[@koraldavis3474]

The queen of comedy herself ❤👑

[@Zonker66]

91 and her mind is working better than mine! Unfair!

[@guydouglas6094]

Wow, Carol Burnett! What a TV legend. I grew up watching The Carol Burnett Show with Tim Conway, Harvey Corman etc. She looks good.

[@JustSayin-mz9jb]

Carol Burnett is simply delightful. I remember her from my childhood--she had the kind of humor that everyone could enjoy. The Carol Burnett show had my sides hurting from laughing so hard.

[@suzibouch-xm9yr]

Loved her villain on Law & Order too. She can do it all.

[@meo21626]

Such a gift

[@murraydyck2127]

Carol is a national treasure. I remember watching the Carol Burnett Show, never missed it.

[@StephenMintz]

Ooooo I hope they filmed a Colbert Questionnaire with Carol!! She’s a living legend and I’d love to hear her answers.

[@angeladoll9785]

Same! That'd be a perfect Colbert Questionnaire ❤️

[@jford4you]

The most respected, well mannered, down to earth, FUNNY, empathetic person ever!!

[@grnddesign]

She is fabulous!!!

[@RJ420NL]

What a treat. Carol Burnett is a national treasure. I loved her show when I was a kid.

[@AlexLlorens-jk8sd]

90 and still acting! She's a true Icon. I absolutely love Carroll Burnett!

[@glendaholmes-moore1403]

I was so happy to see my girl,she still got it.Thank you SC, for sharing her with the people who live and adore her.❤️

[@sajohnmello]

Carol Burnett, Living Legend. ❤

[@mojo500100]

Burnett: one of the rare celebrity legends who deserves the love she gets.

[@56nickrich]

🎶 I'm so glad we had this time together 🎶 thanks Carol💖

[@jamlittlefield]

❤❤❤

[@hannah5245]

Wasn’t this part of her signature song at the end of her shows? She’s a legend. ❤

[@rrubio7819]

Her variety show , with Carol Lawrence , Harvey Korman , Tim Conway , was fantastic! It was a t.v. staple in our house growing up. Thank you Carol.

[@mandcbruce]

Same! I'd turn on the TVin the family room and curl up with a messy PB&J I'd made myself. They were the best companions, ever!

[@stevecardiff444]

Vicky Lawrence.

[@thepeachyplace]

My family and I have loved her over 3 generations!! She is timeless.

[@seanotron4559]

Such a LOVELY person. Brings tears to my eyes.

[@Islandgirl4ever2]

A TRUE legend!!!! Wow.... I grew up watching her show as a kid.. Great to see her on your show..

[@karltitz1725]

Ms Burnett thank you for sharing your everything with us for all of these years.

[@patriciakocsis6793]

Laughter the best medicine Her shows

[@user-fc8lz1cg4x]

She's an American treasure fo sure. Pure class too. ❤😊

[@johnburnside7828]

It's SO wonderful to see Carol still going strong!

[@carbine090909]

I'm so pleased by that reception. Love her.

[@judibarth7999]

Love you, Stephen and Carol is a raw Jewel! Looking great pretty lady, God Bless you! 🙏🙋🏼‍♀️💜💚

[@Sailingbill1]

She is SO fantastic. What a treasure

[@slavojalois1639]

Her funny laugh always cracked me up, she was and still is awesome!

[@loomspace]

All class, makes the punchline of her story about someone else being funny. Loved her physical humor and self awareness growing up, Kristen Wiig reminds me of her. Good to see her so healthy!

[@terryfox5666]

I love her! And the whole cast of the Carol Burnett show. They made me laugh till I cried. My belly would hurt.

[@eleanormay729]

I have always loved Carol Burnett, she is great!

[@JanetPlanetful]

I’m 55 and remember begging my parents to let me stay up to watch The Carol Burnett show on Saturday nights. So glad they finally let me- she was my all time favorite!! So many fond memories of her antics. The best was the dress made out of the curtains in the Gone with the Wind spoof. It still cracks me up!! Thank you Carol!!

[@Dan-nt2yb]

This lovely lady is a national treasure and we MUST enjoy every minute with her while she’s still with us.❤️❤️

[@laurie113]

The Tim Conway “Elephant “ scenes still make me laugh until I cry. Watching the cast was as much fun was as watching Tim. Love you so much Carol Burnett! ❤️🇨🇦

[@doggydog643]

feels like a direct connection to my dear departed grandparents....what a treasure

[@zmaxx21]

What a treasure she is!

[@themiltonguy4530]

How can we get Carol Burnett to HOST SNL?? Please people, we need to make this happen!

[@user-bh4ge1pm2t]

OMG!!! Brilliant! How do you make this happen. Haven't watched an SNL beginning to end since the original Not Ready for Prime Timers left, but I'd make a point of watching that.

[@LarryRobinsonintothefog]

They did Betty White.

[@user-bh4ge1pm2t]

@LarryRobinsonintothefog And Betty White nailed it. So yes, there is hope.

[@theodorerobert6579]

Why?

[@suzibouch-xm9yr]

Going to request this on the SNL KZbin ch!

[@MikeInMD1961]

The epitome of class and grace. Thank you, Miss Burnett, for the decades of entertainment you've given me and my family.

[@chha6439]

A lovely person inside and out. I’m 63 remember watching her show when a kid ..she’s always amazing ❤

[@debbeleigh1930]

She is absolutely gorgeous and amazing! Love her ❤

[@catherinebiggs8162]

Carol baby! You are that cat’s meow!!! ❤️

[@deborahanthony8838]

I love that Carol is still working. 😎☮️💕

[@caitrina19]

Ms. Burnett has always been my favorite comedian. It was so wonderful to see her look so surprised at how the audience reacted to her as she walked onto the stage…Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our lives! ❤❤❤

[@susanford2388]

Ms. Burnett is truly amazing. Absolutely amazing. Bless her.

[@denisemadigan1038]

Beautiful reception for an outstanding talent!!😂❤❤❤

[@mamaconsuelo7609]

Carol Burnett is the best of us, a true treasure and she looks fabulous!

[@angelicarose7943]

I just adore 🥰 Carol Burnett ❤💕💕💕💕💕💕I grew up watching her ! Love her

[@annestewart5741]

SoS Dulles understood the assignment!!! 👏🤣🎵🎙🕺🎸🎶

[@Atheenah]

Carol is a universal treasure!❤❤❤

[@57hippiechick]

I just love Carol Burnett! I'm 70 and I grew up watching her. I'm giving her standing "O" too. Thanks so much for having her on, Stephen!

[@elizabethbailey5203]

The Gone with the Wind spoof made me laugh so hard!

[@mail4jim1]

I was about to go to sleep 3:59 am est. Saw the thumbnail. Ms. Burnett came out.. I got out of bed stood up and applauded. One of the greatest entertainers in the history of history! ♥️

[@susanmorales6941]

I always felt a connection to Carol Burnett. Thank you!!!

[@NipItInTheBud100]

She is an absolute treasure!!

[@humanlifeforce]

I am so glad Carol Burnet is a guest tonight. She is a very special part of my child hood! Thank you for making us laugh! God Bless you Carol! ❤

[@ChristyDStarling]

I absolutely loved The Carol Burnett Show growing up. Much respect! 💜💜💜

[@donaldstewart9873]

Carol Burnett, FOR EVER! Love you sweetheart, and God bless you forever!

[@bluegold1026]

A national treasure!

[@user-kl6ef1tn5g]

What a total sweetheart. Ninety! and still got it! You Go Girl! 👍

[@hollisblinn7910]

The heck with Elvis! I would give my last dollar to see Carol entertain again. I wish I could turn back the years so she would be around to entertain more generations with her wit and charm. The Carol Burnett Show was the funniest variety show in the history of television, bar none. The entire cast was priceless! Thank you, Carol, for all the brilliant years you gave us. ❤❤❤

[@user-tp6fo7im3d]

Elvis be in the grave.

[@auntielisa]

My mom and I both watched her growing up ... LOVE HER, what a legend

[@authorfabu]

The beautiful living legend ❤

[@Bluewater9]

Love Love Love Her ! Growing up with her was fun times God bless you Carol Burnett.

[@dank.6942]

She's the greatest. God bless Carol Burnett.

[@SandraNelson063]

A GODDESS! What a joy to see her! I loved her shows! She was born for TV!

[@user-ou3dm6th3x]

The Carol Burnett Show was a must see every week. Brings back so many memories of my childhood. The Gone with the Wind parity and the elephant sketch were my favorites. KZbin the elephant sketch, you will die laughing. I still love watching the show on MeTV. Love you Carol ❤❤❤

[@Broadwaybuff-pi1qg]

Comedy legend. I grew up watching Carol's show. Our family never missed it. Thanks for all the laughs, Carol. In the case of the movie sendups, because I was still a kid at the time, I often hadn't seen the movies they were parodying. When I finally went on to watch movies like Sunset Boulevard and Mildred Pierce, it was hard to keep a straight face, as I could only think of Carol's hilarious send-ups. But WHY didn't the band play Carol's classic theme song when she entered????

[@timothylarsen2885]

I loved Carol her show was clean and probably the funniest ever on TV for a variety show.

[@mvuto137]

I'm SO glad we had this time together

[@p1zd3c]

Nothing but love for Carol.

[@rhyancoleman6462]

From Television City in Hollywood, it's The Carol Burnett Show.

[@LarryRobinsonintothefog]

Didn't know that Elvis inspired the the I Made A Fool Of Myself Over John Foster Dulles and love the story.

[@catmomjewett]

We NEVER missed an episode! Her Scarlet and Harvey’s Rhett! Nothing funnier! 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛 to this comedy giant. Oh, and she and Julie Andrews at Carnegie Hall! 🤭

[@jennifermcalchemy9816]

Carol Burnett is so dear to me. ❤️✨

[@lisaakinlabi]

The best comedian ever! Love her! Huge part of TV for me growing up. Dang awesome for 90!

[@ingridbrandt7710]

Legend! ❤🎉

[@michaelbevan539]

I was a page for the entire last season of her CBS show in the late 70’s. A lovely person in addition to being an incredible talent.

[@mariekastler5391]

I'm so glad we had this time with Carol! Standing OVATION across the US and the ages❣️❣️❣️