A Legendary Farewell: Honoring Carol Burnett's Enduring Legacy
The Unexpected Turn: A Panel Becomes a Tribute
What began as a routine panel discussion centered on the compelling second season of "Palm Royale" quickly transformed into an unforgettable and star-studded homage. The occasion served to celebrate Carol Burnett's final appearance in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series, catching the iconic actress completely by surprise.
An Assembly of Stars: Surprising the Legend
Following a special premiere of the show's Season 2 finale at the Wolf Theater, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. As moderator Yvette Nicole Brown opened the floor for questions, the lights illuminated, revealing an array of unexpected guests including Vince Gilligan, Rhea Seehorn, Bob Odenkirk, Charlize Theron, Jane Lynch, and Bob Mackie, all there to honor Burnett.
Heartfelt Reflections and Amusing Anecdotes
Burnett expressed her disbelief at Gilligan's presence, recounting their past collaboration on "Better Call Saul." Seehorn playfully inquired about achieving legendary status, to which Burnett humorously replied, "You live to be 93." Odenkirk shared lighthearted tales of working with Burnett, praising her punctuality while jokingly admitting his own occasional tardiness. Jane Lynch, a former colleague from "Glee," lauded Burnett's exceptional performance and the profound admiration felt by all.
Theron's Fond and Playful Revelations
Charlize Theron, hailing Burnett as "so much more than a legend," affectionately referred to her as "a fucking broad" and playfully accused her of cheating at Wordle, prompting Burnett to declare, "You can't cheat at Wordle!" The tributes culminated with a virtual message from former First Lady Michelle Obama, extending her congratulations to the beloved icon.
A Poignant Musical Conclusion
The evening drew to a close with a moving performance by Bernadette Peters, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of "I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together." Peters concluded her performance with Burnett's signature ear tug, a gesture that resonated deeply with the audience and perfectly encapsulated the warmth of the tribute.
Burnett's Journey to "Palm Royale" and Beyond
In "Palm Royale," Burnett portrayed Norma Dellacorte, a pivotal character within Palm Beach society. Her role in the series adds another memorable chapter to a career already distinguished by her legendary "The Carol Burnett Show," which aired for over a decade. Burnett had previously hinted to Variety that "Palm Royale" might be her last on-screen acting role, though she left room for potential cameos.
The Joy of Collaboration
Before the event transformed into her personal celebration, Burnett shared her excitement about joining "Palm Royale." She recalled creator Abe Sylvia's invitation and the impressive cast list, which included Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Leslie Bibb, Laura Dern, and Ricky Martin. Burnett expressed her eagerness to work with such a talented ensemble, concluding, "We had a great time and now I've got all these new young friends. It's wonderful."
Acknowledging the Creative Team
The panel also featured "Palm Royale" creator Abe Sylvia and fellow cast members Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Leslie Bibb, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy, Amber Chardae Robinson, and Josh Lucas, who all contributed to the discussion about their experiences during the season's production.