Carol Burnett touched my arm the other night. Yes, the Carol Burnett who starred on Broadway, who had an 11-year-running TV variety show, who was in Noises Off (one of the funniest movies ever), who played Miss Hannigan in Annie, and who TOUCHED ME ON THE ARM.
Now, I won’t get into every little thing she-
Well, okay. She came to eat at the restaurant where I work as a hostess, and I had the privilege of showing her and her dining companions to their table. I was freaking out somewhat, especially because Ms. Burnett performed the role of Princess Winnifred in the 1959 Broadway debut of the musical Once Upon a Mattress—a role that I myself played in high school. The following is a rough transcript of our conversation:
Carol: And you are going to show us to our table?
Me: Yes.
Carol: And what’s your name, dear?
Me: (nearly hyperventilating) Ali.
Carol: Well hi, Ali! I’m Carol [oh my god, I know!!!], and this is [someone to whom I paid no attention whatsoever].
Me: (after politely saying hello to whats-her-face) Now, I was going to play it cool, but I want you to know that I was Princess Winnifred-
Carol: (gasp!) Oh! (touching my arm) Wasn’t that play so much fun?
Me: Yes! So much fun! And you know, I did some comedy in college, too, and I really appreciate strong women in comedy.
Carol: Thank you!
Me: (looking at Carol meaningfully) Thank you.
Carol: (upon receiving the menu I handed her) Thank you, Ali!
Me: (overwhelmed/flustered to the point of speechlessness)
My face was red for the next half hour, and my co-workers couldn’t help but note with amusement/alarm how worked up I was. It was thrilling.
Conclusion: Carol Burnett is as adorable as she is talented and inspirational, and she looks great considering she’s 76 years old. Thank you, Carol, for touching our hearts. And my arm.
If you don’t love Carol Burnett, there is something seriously wrong with you.
I didn’t know she was coming to town until I saw it on the marquee on the Schnitz last night. Bummed to have missed her.
I would have been just as excited! Thank You Carol!
Great story! My Saturday nights as a kid were spent watching the Carol Burnett Show. I can still remember some of the skits to this day. Hilarious stuff! I love Carol, too!
I think my favorite Carol character was Mrs. Wiggins. I nearly rolled on the floor at those skits. Tim Conway was hilarious.
I had such a crush on Carol Burnett when I was a teenager I could hardly stand it. I’m sure it is how I developed my penchant for older women.