Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/605448
60 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org she worked as everything from a hat check girl to an usher — in order to pay her bills. Discouraged by the lack of proper work, Burnett was close to giving up when she caught her break. Performing at the Blue Angel nightclub one night, she was spotted by talent bookers from both Tonight Starring Jack Paar and The Ed Sullivan Show. She was invited on both shows, where she performed her hilarious song I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles, about the then-secretary of state. Burnett was a smash hit. From there, several major roles would follow, including the lead part of Princess Winifred in the original Broadway production of Once Upon a Mattress, which in 1959, earned Burnett her first Tony nomination. Appearances on variety shows would follow. She was a regular on The Garry Moore Show, and frequently appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Her popularity and talent made Burnett quite the catch, and she was soon able to negotiate a contract of her own with CBS. Within the contract, there was a clause offering Burnett 30 episodes of a variety show or a sitcom. When she eventually Clockwise from top left, SAG Life Achievement honoree Bob Hope and Bing Crosby on a 1969 episode of The Carol Burnett Show; Burnett and Lucille Ball in a 1966 episode of The Lucy Show; Burnett and Ken Berry in a 1972 televised production of Once Upon A Mattress; Burnett and Cher dressed as "The Little Darlings" for a sketch on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour in 1972. CBS X4