Carol Burnett, a beloved figure in American comedy, has always been known for her warmth and kindness. However, in her 90s, she unveiled a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 truth: there were men who left her with deep-seated resentment. These revelations about her past relationships are both surprising and heartbreaking.
First on her list is none other than the legendary Marlon Brando. The iconic actor, who became a Hollywood god after the success of “The Godfather,” crossed a line that Carol never forgave. In the summer of 1972, Brando called her unexpectedly, making a comment that left her shaken.
He suggested she would be even better if she “loosened up” like other actresses he had known. This wasn’t a compliment; it was a belittling remark from a man who thought he was above reproach. The next day, a reporter claimed Brando praised her femininity, but when asked, he dismissed her feelings, saying she “took it too seriously.”
Carol later confided to a friend, “I felt small, and I’ve spent my whole life fighting not to feel small.” From that moment on, she vowed never to be in the same space as him again.
Next is Cary Grant, the epitome of Hollywood charm. Surprisingly, he made it onto Carol’s list after a humiliating encounter in 1968. While attending a gala, she approached Grant to congratulate him, only to be met with his scornful remarks about her comedy.
He mocked her craft in front of industry elites, stating, “She’s not a real actress. She’s a housewife who got lucky.” Carol later expressed that it wasn’t his dislike for her comedy that hurt her, but the way he chose to humiliate her publicly.
When offered a chance to work with him, she firmly refused, stating, “I won’t work with a man who belittles women.”
Then there’s Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind “Saturday Night Live.” Their feud reportedly began in 1975, when Carol was suggested as a host for the show. Allegedly, Michaels dismissed her, saying she represented “old television” and that her style of comedy made SNL look outdated.
Carol learned of his comments and chose to remain silent, feeling that he had shut a door on her without even meeting her. Years later, when asked about her absence from the show, she remarked, “They didn’t need me, and I learned I didn’t need them either.”
Harvey Korman, her trusted partner on “The Carol Burnett Show,” also made the list for a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 outburst during a rehearsal in 1974. After a minor mishap, Korman lashed out, blaming Carol for his frustrations. His words revealed a jealousy she never anticipated.
Although he later apologized, Carol admitted that forgiving him didn’t mend what had been broken between them.
Lastly, there’s Joe Hamilton, her ex-husband and producer. Carol discovered that he had registered a new company without her knowledge, claiming ownership of spin-off ideas from her show. His betrayal cut deep, especially when she learned of his infidelity.
The emotional toll of their divorce was compounded by a lengthy court battle over her creations, which he sought to claim as his own. When he passed away in 1991, Carol sent flowers but chose not to attend the funeral, acknowledging that some wounds linger long after the moment has passed.
Through laughter and joy, Carol Burnett has always been a beacon of light, yet these experiences with five significant men left scars she rarely revealed. Which of these betrayals do you think affected her the most? Share your thoughts below.
