Carol Burnett's Life in Photos
Born in Texas on April 26, 1933, Carol Burnett made her way to Hollywood during childhood, though her upbringing was hardly glamorous. Her family didn't have much money at all, and when she was admitted to UCLA, they couldn't afford the $50 yearly tuition.
The star-to-be's life dramatically altered course when she received the funds for university from an anonymous benefactor. Speaking to PEOPLE in 2018, Burnett explained that she still doesn't know who sent the mystery cash.
"There's something bigger than we are," the actress said, reflecting on her good fortune with PEOPLE. "I don't want to sound woo-woo, but there are so many wonderful coincidences in my life."
Though she initially set out to be a journalist, she developed a passion for theatrical studies, envisioning a life as a playwright. Once again, fate had other plans for Burnett, and after taking one required acting class, she found a home on stage.
Burnett reflected on becoming an entertainer in conversation with PEOPLE in 2023. "A lot of the kids at the class were doing heavy, dramatic stuff and I thought, I can't do that. So I picked something light and they laughed. That's when the bug bit," she said.
