CAROL BURNETT

In 1967, CBS’ Head of Programming, Mike Dann, told Carol Burnett that her idea for a variety show would not work, because variety was a “man’s genre.” Burnett persisted and her groundbreaking show became a beloved fixture in American television for 11 years. The show made Carol a television superstar, and made her costars famous as well. Harvey Korman and Vicky Lawrence were virtual unknowns prior to the show, and Tim Conway came on board as a guest star, later joining the cast. Burnett maintained a personal relationship with friend and mentor Lucille Ball, who sent Carol flowers every year for her birthday. On her birthday in 1989, flowers arrived with a note that said “Happy Birthday Kid. Love, Lucy.” Lucille Ball passed away that same day. During the show’s 11-year run, the show won 25 Prime Time Emmys.