Have you ever wondered what it was like to be mentored by a true legend? Carol Burnett recently shared a touching detail about her relationship with Lucille Ball, revealing the sweet nickname Ball used for her – a simple word that speaks volumes about their bond. Prepare to feel the warmth of a genuine friendship between two comedic powerhouses!
Everyone remembers Lucille Ball, the iconic star of I Love Lucy. But did you know she played a significant role in shaping the career of another comedy giant, Carol Burnett? During a recent interview with Laura Dern for Interview magazine, Burnett, now 92, fondly reminisced about her friendship with Ball and the adorable nickname Ball gave her early in their relationship. Burnett has openly stated that Ball was "the woman who influenced me probably the most," highlighting the deep impact Ball had on her life and career.
Burnett described Ball, who passed away in 1989 at the age of 77, as “adorable and very smart,” and one of her “very good friends.” But here's where it gets personal: Burnett recalled a specific instance where Ball's support truly shone through. When Burnett was just starting out, performing in the Broadway show Once Upon a Mattress, Ball made a point of coming to see her performance. Afterwards, she visited Burnett backstage in her dressing room, offering words of encouragement. It was then that Ball started calling her "Kid." According to Dern, "That’s my favorite, that that was her nickname for you.” This simple gesture, this affectionate nickname, spoke volumes about Ball's belief in Burnett's talent.
Burnett explained, “I think she was 22 years older and she said, ‘Kid, if you ever need me for anything, give me a call.’” Three or four years later, Burnett found herself in a situation where she needed a major guest star for a variety hour she was planning for either ABC or NBC (she couldn't quite recall which network). A producer suggested reaching out to Lucille Ball. Gathering her courage, Burnett decided to take Ball up on her offer.
“So I got up the nerve and I got her on the phone at her office, and she said, ‘Hey, Kid, you’re doing great. What’s happening?’ And I was all over the place,” Burnett remembered. But Ball wasn't fazed by Burnett's nervousness. “She stopped and she said, 'When do you want me?’” And she meant it! Ball didn't hesitate to offer her support, proving that her initial offer was genuine and heartfelt.
“So I told her what it was and she said, ‘I’ll be there.’ So it was 1960-something, and the other guest star was Zero Mostel. It was just Lucy, Zero and me. And we had the best time,” Burnett added. This collaboration marked the beginning of a beautiful professional relationship. Ball went on to make several guest appearances on The Carol Burnett Show, which aired from 1967 to 1978. Burnett, in turn, appeared on The Lucy Show “several times,” solidifying their bond both on and off-screen. This is a testament to the power of mentorship and support within the entertainment industry.
In a special titled The Carol Burnett Show: Mother of All Marathons, released in 2025, Burnett recounted the story of how Ball helped her by guest-starring on her show, further emphasizing the profound influence Ball had on her career. And this is the part most people miss: the story doesn't end there. On the day that Lucille Ball tragically passed away from a ruptured aorta on April 26, 1989 – which was also Carol Burnett's 56th birthday – Burnett received a poignant and bittersweet gift.
“We were very close, and she always sent me flowers on my birthday,” Burnett explained. “So this one morning I got up, turned on the television set — it was my birthday — and she had died that morning, on my birthday. And that afternoon, I got the flowers that said, 'Happy birthday, Kid.' " This final gesture, a birthday bouquet with that familiar nickname, perfectly encapsulates the enduring friendship between these two remarkable women. It’s a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of Hollywood, genuine connections can flourish and leave a lasting legacy.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might say "Kid" was just a casual term of endearment. However, considering the context of their relationship and Ball's mentorship role, it seems to represent something deeper – a symbol of guidance, support, and belief in Burnett's potential. What do you think? Was "Kid" simply a nickname, or did it signify something more profound about Lucille Ball's influence on Carol Burnett's life and career? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
