What Carol Burnett Still Does at 90 Will Shock You
Carol Burnett Calamity Jane 1963. Photo by . Public domain.
You know you're living well when, at 90, you're still cracking jokes, signing contracts, and feeling like you're 11 years old on the inside. That's exactly the vibe Carol Burnett — comedy's forever queen — brings to life these days. While some folks brag about their beach houses or fancy cars, Burnett is out here giving a standing ovation to her real MVPs: her hips, her knees, and her brain. And honestly? Same, Carol. Same.
Still Dancing Through Life
Turning 90 is no small feat — but Burnett makes it look like a casual stroll through a field of daisies. As she told PEOPLE, hitting the big 9-0 kind of snuck up on her. "I still feel like I'm about 11," she said. But she was quick to add, "It sure went fast. But I'm glad because I've got ... my hips, I got my knees and I've got my brain, so I'm happy about that."
And she's not just sitting around admiring her good fortune. Burnett is still acting, currently lighting up the screen in the Apple TV+® series "Palm Royale". She says she's thrilled to still be working and hopes the show gets a second season just so she can keep "playing in the sandbox" with her castmates, as reported by Prevention.com.
Talk about aging goals.
A Lifetime of Laughter — And a Little Late Blooming
What makes Burnett's story even more charming is that she wasn't a child star or even a teenage sensation. Nope — Burnett didn't discover her knack for comedy until college. While other students were busy perfecting brooding monologues, Burnett picked a lighthearted scene, made everyone laugh — and felt the magic.
That sense of fun never left her. From "The Carol Burnett Show" to "Annie" and a jaw-dropping turn on "Better Call Saul", Burnett has spent decades making people feel lighter, happier, and just a little more connected.
And at 90, she's not focused on slowing down — she's focused on savoring the ride.
Why Her Knees (And Hips) Matter More Than Ever
Let's be real: reaching 90 with working joints is practically superhero status. Burnett knows that — and she doesn't take it for granted. In fact, she jokes about it the way only she can, telling Extra she's "just happy to be working and that I've got all my parts."
It's more than a quip. Staying mobile means she can say yes to exciting new projects, keep moving through life on her own terms, and, most importantly, stay engaged with the world she loves so much. Her ability to walk onto a set, nail a scene, and share a laugh isn't just a credit to her talent — it's a celebration of health, resilience, and a joyful spirit that refuses to dim.
The Secret Sauce: Fun, Friends, and a Good Attitude
Burnett's not one to rattle off morning routines or self-help mantras. Her secret is refreshingly simple: keep having fun.
When Apple TV+ called her about "Palm Royale", she said yes before she even read the script — simply because she wanted to work with the cast. Now that's the kind of impulsiveness we should all aspire to.
It's not about chasing fame or staying relevant. It's about doing the things that bring you joy, surrounding yourself with people who make you laugh, and being willing to jump into new adventures — hips, knees, and all.
A Life Well Lived — And Still Living
When NBC celebrated Burnett's 90th birthday with the special "90 Years of Laughter + Love", it wasn't just a tribute to her career. It was a love letter to the countless families who laughed together because of her.
Burnett has always said that the greatest compliment she gets is when people tell her that her shows brought their families closer. That kind of impact doesn't fade. It lingers, like a warm light, touching generations who may not even realize it.
As for what's next? Burnett's keeping it simple: as long as her hips, knees, and brain stay on board, she'll keep saying yes to new roles, new jokes, and new adventures.
Because if there's one thing she's taught us, it's this: Age is just a number — but joy, humor, and a little bit of knee power? That's forever.
References: Carol Burnett on Turning 90 — and Cherishing Her Hips and Knees: 'I Still Feel Like I'm About 11' | Carol Burnett Shares a Hilarious and Refreshing Take on Turning 91 | Carol Burnett on Upcoming 91st Birthday & Plans to Keep Working! (Exclusive)