Happy birthday, Vicki Lawrence!

 

Vicki Lawrence, born March 26, 1949 in Inglewood, California, is a singer, dancer, and comedian who appeared on the Carol Burnett Show.  She also starred in the spin-off series Mama's Family. 

In 1973, she released an album which spawned the #1 hit song, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia. She hosted the talk show Vicki! from 1992-1994. 

She won a Primetime Emmy in 1976 for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Variety or Music for her work on the Carol Burnett Show.

Vicki Lawrence bloopers

Harvey Korman, comedian extraordinaire, born 1927

Harvey Korman, born February 15, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois, is best known for his performances on the Carol Burnett Show, in which he appeared in from 1967-1977.  He tried his luck on Broadway and comedy but failed. He moved to Hollywood and found success. He provided the voice for recurring characters on The Flintstones, and made three guest appearances on The Munsters. He starred in Blazing Saddles and History of the World Part 1. 

He was nominated for four Golden Globes and won for Best Supporting Actor-Television in 1975. He was nominated seven times for a Primetime Emmys and won four times.

Korman passed away in 2008 after complications from surgery on a non-cancerous brain tumor.

Remembering Dame Maggie Smith (1934-2024)

Dame Maggie Smith, one of the most accomplished actresses of all time, passed away yesterday from undisclosed causes.  She began her acting career at 17 as Viola in Twelfth Night at the Oxford Playhouse in 1952. She made her television debut in Oxford Accents in 1954. Smith made her Broadway debut playing in the New Faces of '56 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre from June to December 1956.  In 1956, she appeared in her firsts film in an uncredited role in Child in the House.

Dame Smith won her first Academy Award in 1969 for Best Actress for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.  Her second Oscar was in 1978 for Best Supporting Actress for her work in California Suite.

She won four Primetime Emmy Awards, three of them for her role in Downton Abbey. She won a Tony Award in 1990 for her work in Lettice and Lovage.  She is one of few performers to win the Triple Crown of Acting: Oscar, Tony, Emmy.

Her final film The Miracle Club was released last year.

This clip from the Carol Burnett Show is one of my favorites to show her comedic talent.

"The Carol Burnett Show" wins two Golden Globe Awards 1970

Since I had just turned 7 the September before, I'm not familiar with many of the movies and television shows in 1969, that were nominated and awarded a Golden Globe at the 27th annual ceremony, held February 2, 1969.

I am very familiar with The Carol Burnett Show, which we watched loyally every Saturday night.  The show won two Golden Globes that evening. The first was for Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy, beating Rowan & Martin's Laugh-in.

Carol Burnett tied for the Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy with Julie Sommars of The Governor & J.J., which I've never heard of either of them. They beat some stiff competition: Lucille Ball, Diahann Carroll, Barbara Eden, and Debbie Reynolds. 

Goldie Hawn won Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture for her performance in Cactus Flower. John Wayne won Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Drama for True Grit. I haven't seen either one of these movies, but I do like Goldie Hawn. 

The Pointer Sisters appear on the "Carol Burnett Show" 1975

My girls showed up again on the Carol Burnett Show February 8, 1975.  This time they are the panel for the game show Up Your Income as the Shana-Nana-Noonie Sisters.   Ruth, Bonnie, and Anita appeared in the skit.  

Watch Stella Toddler and the Pointer Sisters in Up Your Income!

The Pointer Sisters appear on "The Carol Burnett Show" 1975

My girls the Pointer Sisters appeared on the Carol Burnett Show October 25, 1975, performing How Long? They appeared in a sketch with Harvey Korman playing a Wolfman Jack character called Sheep-man, which he plays hilariously.  The finale was a song and dance arrangement of  Get Me to the Church On Time, with Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence.  The Pointer Sisters showed off their extraordinary talents and beautiful vocals to the upbeat, uplifting performance.  I miss them so much!

Happy birthday, Carol Burnett!

The brilliant comedienne, Carol Burnett, born April 26, 1933 in San Antonio, TX, has been making us laugh for more than 60 years.  Her first appearance was on the Paul Winchell Show in 1955.  She has gone on to star on Broadway and hosted her own television variety show The Carol Burnett Show, which won 9 Golden Globes.  Burnett herself has won 5 Golden Globes, 6 Primetime Emmys, a Grammy, and been nominated for two Tonys.  

May she long make us laugh!

The Pointer Sisters appear on the "Carol Burnett Show" 1974

My girls, the Pointer Sisters appeared on the Carol Burnett Show, September 28, 1974, the third episode of the eighth season.  I couldn't find any pics or videos of the episode, but they sang Steam Heat and Carol joined them on Salt Peanuts.