Carol Burnett, the legendary Hollywood icon and UCLA alum, has made a significant contribution to her alma mater by announcing two major gifts. These gifts include an endowment to establish a scholarship at the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, as well as a donation of over 140 industry awards and honors that Burnett has accumulated over her illustrious seven-decade career.
Among the awards donated by Burnett are seven Emmys, six Golden Globes, a Grammy, a Tony, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Kennedy Center Honor, multiple Peabody Awards, and many more prestigious accolades. Additionally, Burnett has included ephemera such as hand drawings of her iconic costumes from “The Carol Burnett Show” and other memorabilia in the donation. A rotating display of Burnett’s honors will be showcased in the lobby of UCLA’s Freud Playhouse.
One noteworthy award included in the donation is the “Spotlight Award” from June 1952, honoring Burnett as the “most outstanding newcomer” in the UCLA one-act program during the spring semester of 1952. This award holds special significance in conjunction with the establishment of the Carol Burnett Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship in Music Theater at UCLA.
The newly created scholarship will benefit one undergraduate student each year in UCLA’s Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program, providing a substantial award to cover tuition and fees. The first recipient of the scholarship is Alexa Cruz, a first-year theater major in the class of 2029. Cruz, a first-generation college student, expressed gratitude for the financial assistance, which will support her pursuit of a career in acting and musical theater.
Carol Burnett, known for her iconic roles on stage and screen, including Princess Winnifred in “Once Upon a Mattress” and Miss Hannigan in “Annie,” continues to inspire and support aspiring performers. Most recently seen in popular shows like “Better Call Saul,” “Hacks,” and “Palm Royale,” created by fellow UCLA alum Abe Sylvia, Burnett remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Burnett and Sylvia will visit UCLA to introduce a Season 2 premiere screening of “Palm Royale” at the James Bridges Theater, further highlighting their connection to the university. UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television dean Celine Parreñas Shimizu praised Burnett for her visionary and prolific career, emphasizing her bold and tenacious example for upcoming generations of performers.
Overall, Carol Burnett’s generous contributions to UCLA reflect her deep appreciation for the education and opportunities she received at the university. Through the establishment of the scholarship and the donation of her prestigious awards, Burnett is ensuring that future generations of students have the chance to pursue their artistic passions and follow in her legendary footsteps.
