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The Carol Burnett Show Cast: Where Are The Comedy Legends Now In 2025?

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Decades after its final curtain call, The Carol Burnett Show remains one of the most beloved and influential television variety series of all time, a true masterclass in sketch comedy that ran from 1967 to 1978. The show’s brilliance was anchored not just by its star, Carol Burnett, but by a legendary ensemble cast whose chemistry was electric, spontaneous, and utterly hilarious. As of December 23, 2025, the show's legacy is kept alive by its two surviving leading ladies who continue to light up stages and screens with fresh, new projects, while the comedic genius of their late co-stars is celebrated globally.

The original cast—Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner—created a benchmark for ensemble comedy, later joined by the incomparable Tim Conway. From the dramatic pathos of "The Family" sketches to the pure slapstick of "Mrs. Wiggins" and "Mr. Tudball," their work is a cornerstone of American entertainment. This deep dive explores the complete cast profile and reveals what the surviving legends are doing right now, in 2025, to honor their incredible legacy.

The Core Four and Beyond: A Cast Biography Profile

The main ensemble of The Carol Burnett Show, often referred to as the "Core Four" plus a later addition, were all masters of their craft. Their individual profiles reveal careers that spanned comedy, drama, and film long after the show ended.

  • Carol Burnett (The Star):
    • Born: April 26, 1933 (Currently 92 years old in 2025)
    • Role on Show: Host, lead comedian, and actress, famous for characters like the Charwoman and Eunice Higgins.
    • Post-Show Highlights: Film roles in Annie, Noises Off, and the TV drama Friendly Fire, in addition to multiple Emmy and Golden Globe wins.
  • Vicki Lawrence (The Prodigy):
    • Born: March 26, 1949
    • Role on Show: Ensemble member, famously originated the character Thelma Harper (Mama) in "The Family" sketches.
    • Post-Show Highlights: Starred in the spin-off series Mama's Family (1983–1990) and became a successful talk show host.
  • Harvey Korman (The Straight Man):
    • Born: February 15, 1927 | Died: May 29, 2008
    • Role on Show: Ensemble member, known for his versatility and breaking character, frequently playing Eunice's long-suffering husband, Ed Higgins, and Mr. Tudball.
    • Post-Show Highlights: Starred in Mel Brooks’ films like Blazing Saddles and High Anxiety.
  • Tim Conway (The Chaos Agent):
    • Born: December 15, 1933 | Died: May 14, 2019
    • Role on Show: Frequent guest star who became a regular cast member in 1975. Known for his improvisational genius, which often caused his co-stars (especially Korman) to crack up. Iconic characters include Mrs. Wiggins, the Oldest Man, and the clueless dentist.
    • Post-Show Highlights: Voice work for animated shows, including Spongebob SquarePants, and a successful stage career.
  • Lyle Waggoner (The Announcer/Foil):
    • Born: April 13, 1935 | Died: March 17, 2020
    • Role on Show: Announcer and handsome straight man who often played the romantic lead or a comedic foil from 1967 to 1974.
    • Post-Show Highlights: Co-starred as Steve Trevor in the Wonder Woman TV series.
  • Dick Van Dyke (The Brief Addition):
    • Role on Show: Briefly replaced Harvey Korman in 1977 for 10 episodes but left after it was agreed he was not a good comedic match for the existing cast dynamic.

Where Are They Now? The Surviving Legends and Their 2025 Projects

The two surviving main cast members, Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence, are both incredibly active in 2025, demonstrating the enduring energy of their comedic roots. They are keeping the spirit of the show alive through new television roles and touring stage performances.

Carol Burnett’s Big Return in Palm Royale Season 2

Despite being in her nineties, Carol Burnett has shown no signs of slowing down. Her most significant and talked-about project in 2025 is the Apple TV+ dramedy Palm Royale.

Burnett has returned for the second season of the series, where her role as the matriarch Norma Dellacorte is reportedly even bigger. The show, which also features a star-studded ensemble including Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Laura Dern, has allowed Burnett to showcase her dramatic and comedic chops to a new generation of viewers. Her performance has been critically acclaimed, proving that her comedic timing and on-screen presence are as sharp as ever.

The success of this project highlights Burnett’s ability to transition seamlessly from classic sketch comedy to contemporary prestige television, solidifying her status as a true entertainment icon.

Vicki Lawrence Keeps Mama’s Legacy Touring

Vicki Lawrence, who was famously discovered by Carol Burnett at age 17, is actively touring the country well into 2025 and 2026.

Her popular stage show, Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-Woman Show, features a combination of stand-up comedy, music, and question-and-answer segments. The show allows Lawrence to share behind-the-scenes stories from her time on The Carol Burnett Show and, more importantly, bring back her most iconic character, the sharp-tongued Thelma Harper (Mama).

This tour is a direct continuation of the comedy legacy and a way for fans to experience the beloved characters live. Lawrence has also teased a new television project on the horizon, ensuring her presence remains strong on screen as well.

The Enduring Legacy: Remembering the Deceased Comedy Giants

The heart of The Carol Burnett Show was its incredible chemistry, a dynamic that was often driven by the late comedy giants, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, and Lyle Waggoner. Their contributions are the reason the show’s reruns remain timeless.

The Korman and Conway Dynamic

The comedic duo of Harvey Korman and Tim Conway is legendary. Conway's improvisational style was a constant source of trouble (and joy) for Korman, who often struggled to keep a straight face during sketches like "The Dentist" and the various Mr. Tudball and Mrs. Wiggins routines.

Korman, who left the show in 1977 for his own sitcom, was the master of character work, from the snobbish Fireside Chat host to the exasperated straight man in sketches like "As the Stomach Turns." Conway, who passed away in 2019, was celebrated for his physical comedy and ability to derail a scene with a simple, unexpected line. Their shared legacy is one of pure, unadulterated sketch comedy genius.

Lyle Waggoner’s Role as The Handsome Foil

Lyle Waggoner, who passed away in 2020, played a crucial role as the show's handsome and charming straight man. His good looks made him the perfect foil for the more outlandish characters, and he was often the one who introduced the show's segments as the announcer. His versatility allowed him to participate in musical numbers and comedic sketches before he left the show in 1974 to pursue other opportunities, including his iconic role in Wonder Woman.

Iconic Sketches and Characters That Defined a Generation

The topical authority of The Carol Burnett Show rests on the shoulders of its unforgettable sketches and characters, many of which are still referenced in comedy today. The show was a cultural phenomenon because it tapped into universal truths about family, drama, and everyday life.

The most famous sketch, "The Family," was a recurring segment that featured Carol Burnett as Eunice Higgins, Vicki Lawrence as her mother, Thelma Harper, and Harvey Korman as Eunice's husband, Ed. These sketches were a blend of comedy and drama, exploring the painful and hilarious dynamics of a dysfunctional family in a small Southern town. The characters were so popular that they spun off into the successful series Mama’s Family.

Other key entities and sketches that cemented the show's legacy include:

  • The Charwoman: Carol Burnett’s signature character, a humble cleaning lady who would often appear in silent, poignant vignettes at the end of the show.
  • Mr. Tudball and Mrs. Wiggins: Tim Conway (Wiggins) and Harvey Korman (Tudball) as a businessman and his incredibly incompetent secretary, a masterclass in slow-burn physical comedy.
  • Movie Parodies: Elaborate, often musical, send-ups of classic films like Gone With the Wind (which featured the famous curtain-rod dress gag).
  • "Carol and Sis": Another recurring sketch featuring Burnett and Lawrence as sisters, offering a more lighthearted look at domestic life.

The show's commitment to physical comedy, elaborate musical numbers, and the famous final moment—where Carol Burnett would tug her ear—created a television experience that transcended the variety format. The enduring careers of Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence in 2025, coupled with the timeless laughter provided by Korman, Conway, and Waggoner, ensure that The Carol Burnett Show will forever be celebrated as a benchmark of American comedy.

carol burnett show cast
carol burnett show cast

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