15 Timeless Carol Burnett Performances That Will Make You Laugh, Cry, and Cherish Every Moment

1. The Carol Burnett Show 1967，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 7418, ID: 0061240
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Carol Burnett’s comedic genius shines brightly in ‘The Carol Burnett Show,’ where her unmatched skits and impersonations consistently brought joy and laughter to audiences everywhere, making her a true icon of variety entertainment, a genre that seems to be fading away.
2. The Four Seasons (1981) 2021，IMDB Rating: 0.0, IMDB Votes: 0, ID: 15409972
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In ‘The Four Seasons’, Carol Burnett plays the role of Kate Burroughs, a level-headed character opposite Alan Alda. Her performance offers a glimpse into various mid-life crises, the loss of youthful vigor, and the increasing delicacy of our aging bodies. It’s a serio-comic film about three middle-aged couples who vacation together, then struggle when one of the husbands dumps his wife for a younger woman.
3. Once Upon a Mattress 1964，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 139, ID: 0424325
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In ‘Once Upon a Mattress,’ Carol Burnett’s enchanting performance as the ‘shy’ princess Winifred is a delightful surprise, where she hilariously swims the moat upon learning of a princess vacancy—this version stays true to the Broadway original, showcasing Burnett’s impeccable talent alongside a stellar supporting cast.
4. Annie 1982，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 50015, ID: 0083564
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In the 1982 musical comedy-drama film ‘Annie’, Carol Burnett plays the role of Miss Hannigan. The film is based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip created by Harold Gray. Burnett’s performance as the gin-loving, man-chasing Miss Hannigan is one of her most memorable roles.
5. Noises Off… 1992，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 12567, ID: 0105017
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Burnett’s role as Dotty Otley in ‘Noises Off…’ captures the essence of a fading star in a comedic whirlwind, skillfully blending her charm with the chaotic antics of an eccentric troupe of actors both on and off the stage, making the film a must-watch for comedy lovers.
6. Pete ‘n’ Tillie 1972，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 1177, ID: 0069080
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In ‘Pete ‘n’ Tillie’, Carol Burnett delivers a performance that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Her portrayal of Tillie, a woman who falls for a womanizing Pete (Walter Matthau), is a testament to her versatility as an actress. The film skillfully balances high comedy and bittersweet drama, making it a unique piece of 1970s cinema.
7. Friendly Fire 1979，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 470, ID: 0079177
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In ‘Friendly Fire,’ Burnett delivers an outstanding performance as Peg Mullen, a mother who bravely confronts the U.S. military’s narrative surrounding her son’s death in Vietnam. Her intense portrayal of a grieving mother transforming into a passionate activist offers a heart-wrenching perspective on the real costs of war.
8. The Front Page 1974，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 15519, ID: 0071524
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In ‘The Front Page’, Carol Burnett shines in a supporting role. The film, a black comedy-drama about newspaper reporters on the crime beat, benefits from Burnett’s comedic timing and charm. Despite the film’s mixed reviews, Burnett’s performance stands out, adding a touch of warmth to the cynical world of news media.
9. The Wedding Singer 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 163806, ID: 0120888
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‘The Wedding Singer’ is a delightful romantic comedy that doesn’t feature Carol Burnett. However, it’s worth mentioning for its nostalgic look at the 1980s and the charming performances of its leads, Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
10. Horton Hears a Who! 2008，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 151283, ID: 0451079
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Lending her voice to the character of Kangaroo in ‘Horton Hears a Who!’, Carol Burnett adds a rich layer to the CGI adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale, making her character more nuanced than just a villain and enhancing the overall charm of this beloved children’s story.
11. Mad About You 1992，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 25357, ID: 0103484
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Carol Burnett’s performance as Theresa Stemple in ‘Mad About You’ is a delightful blend of humor and warmth. Her portrayal of Jamie’s mother added a layer of depth to the show, making it more relatable and engaging. Her comedic timing and expressive acting brought the character to life, making her a memorable part of the series.
12. Desperate Housewives: The Game 2006，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 164, ID: 0808228
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In ‘Desperate Housewives: The Game’, Carol Burnett doesn’t appear as a character, but the game itself provides an engaging and interactive experience for fans of the TV series. It’s a unique blend of simulation and adventure, with a storyline that mirrors the drama and intrigue of the show.
13. Glee Spoofs 2010，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 17, ID: 3678336
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Though Carol Burnett doesn’t appear in ‘Glee Spoofs,’ the series itself serves as a witty parody of the original ‘Glee’ show, utilizing animation and humor to recreate its drama and musical flair, ensuring it remains an entertaining spectacle for fans of the genre.
14. Law and Order: Really Special Victims Unit 2009，IMDB Rating: 5.6, IMDB Votes: 295, ID: 1379663
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Carol Burnett’s guest appearance in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ is considered one of the most iconic in the show’s history. Her portrayal of Birdie Sulloway added a unique twist to the episode, showcasing her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters.
15. Hot in Cleveland 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 16180, ID: 1583607
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In ‘Hot in Cleveland,’ Burnett’s portrayal of Penny, the lovable mother of Victoria, infuses the show with both comedic delight and heartfelt moments, as her character—a local TV legend and puppeteer—brings a refreshing energy and depth that resonates with viewers, reaffirming Burnett’s remarkable talent.