Carol Burnett Reveals Guest Star With ‘Really Loud’ Burping Problem on Her Variety Show
What To Know
- Carol Burnett revealed on a podcast that guest star Betty Grable had a “really loud” burping problem on the set of The Carol Burnett Show.
- Burnett recounted a humorous backstage moment when Martha Raye joked about Grable’s burping, making Burnett laugh hysterically before going on stage.
- Burnett also shared a sentimental memory of comparing her handprints to Grable’s at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, reflecting on her own legacy in show business.
Carol Burnett recently revealed that a guest star on The Carol Burnett Show had a “really loud” burping problem on set.
In the February 3 episode of the Good Hang With Amy Poehler podcast, Burnett, 92, recalled having a famous actress, model, and pin-up girl on her variety show in 1968.
Evidently, Hollywood icon Betty Grable — known for films like Mother Wore Tights and How to Marry a Millionaire was constantly burping on set. Grable guest-starred with Martha Raye and performed “Hello, Dolly” in a barn dance sketch.
Burnett described Grable as “adorable” and “very funny.” However, her love for soda resulted in excessive burping.
“Now, Betty had a thing about Coca-Cola,” she told podcast host Amy Poehler. “She had to drink Coca-Cola all the time. So what would happen was, she would be going [mimics burping] constantly. I mean, really, really loud.”
Burnett continued, “So, we’re in the wings ready and we’re doing the show, and Betty and Martha and I are ready for our queue to go out, and Betty took [a drink] and [burped] again, and Martha Raye said, ‘Oh, for God’s sakes, Betty, why don’t you just fart and save your teeth?’”
“I thought I was gonna die,” Burnett confessed through laughter. “And then we had to go out and do the finale. I was just hysterical.”
In addition to the funny anecdote about Grable’s gassiness, Brenett shared a heartwarming memory about her.
“I remember we would go to the Grauman’s Chinese [Theatre], where they have the courtyard with everybody’s handprints and footprints and so forth, and I remember putting my handprints into Betty Grable’s handprints,” she recalled. “And just a few months ago, I got my handprints after all these years. And I remember putting my hand in, and I’m wondering: Will somebody someday put their handprints on mine, you know? Wouldn’t that be kind of wild?”
The Carol Burnett Show aired for 11 seasons on CBS from 1967 to 1978.