Carrie and her mother Carol were a dynamic duo when it came to their love for acting. Carrie had an incredible career, starring as Reggie Higgins in the beloved TV series Fame and making appearances in films like Tokyo Pop and Shag. The mother-daughter team even joined forces to co-write the play Hollywood Arms, which was based on Carol’s own childhood experiences. Their talents intertwined beautifully, and they even had the opportunity to share the screen in an episode of Carol & Company.
However, Carrie’s life was cut tragically short when she faced battles with drug addiction, lung cancer, and brain cancer. At the young age of 38, she passed away, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Carol cherishes the memories of visiting her daughter every day in the hospital, cherishing those precious moments together. Carrie’s resilience and positive outlook on life made a lasting impact on those around her. When asked about her constant upbeat attitude, Carrie simply replied, “Every day I wake up and decide.” Her choice to embrace each day with determination and optimism left a profound imprint on her loved ones.
Carole carries her daughter’s spirit within her and finds inspiration in their time together. Each morning, she reminds herself of Carrie’s powerful words: “Decide.” It serves as a reminder to treasure each day and appreciate the present moment. Carole understands firsthand the fleeting nature of life and encourages others to embrace the same perspective. “Taking it one day at a time,” she shares, “You have no idea. A lot may happen in a day. Just be thankful for what you have today.” Her outlook is a guiding light for those navigating life’s challenges.
Carole Burnett’s journey has seen both triumphs and losses, but her love for her daughter Carrie remains unwavering. As she approaches her 90th birthday, Carole stands as a testament to the power of love and the enduring connection between a mother and daughter.
Carole Creighton Burnett was born on April 26, 1933, at Nix Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents, Ina Louise (née Creighton) and Joseph Thomas Burnett, divorced when she was young. Burnett moved with her grandmother to a small apartment near her mother in Hollywood, California. They lived in an impoverished area, but despite the circumstances, Burnett’s love for performing began to emerge.
In her early years, Burnett invented an imaginary twin sister named Karen and delighted in fooling others by switching clothes and making sudden entrances and exits. She also discovered her talent for the iconic “Tarzan yell,” which she would later realize was a great vocal exercise for projecting her voice.
Growing up, Burnett’s family would often sing together, with her grandmother on the piano and her mother playing the ukulele. These joyous moments around the kitchen table singing popular songs fostered Burnett’s love for music and performing.
The movies Burnett watched in her youth would go on to influence the sketch content in The Carol Burnett Show, a testament to how her early experiences shaped her incredible career.
Carole Burnett’s journey and the legacy of her daughter Carrie serve as reminders to cherish each day and embrace the love that bonds families together, no matter the challenges that come their way.
