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During a surprising moment at the Season 2 finale of the popular series Palm Royale, Hollywood gathered to celebrate the legendary Carol Burnett. The event, held at the Wolf Theater in North Hollywood, began with a panel featuring the main cast members but quickly evolved into a heartfelt tribute, potentially marking Burnett’s final appearance on the Apple TV series.
Following a special screening of the finale, notable figures such as Vince Gilligan, Charlize Theron, Rhea Seehorn, Jane Lynch, and Bob Odenkirk made surprise appearances. Panel moderator Yvette Nicole Brown opened the floor for questions, leading to a series of touching memories and anecdotes that thoroughly entertained the audience.
A night to remember
The atmosphere was electric as Carol Burnett spotted Vince Gilligan, her colleague from Better Call Saul. Her surprise was clear: “I can’t believe you’re here!” she exclaimed, reflecting the camaraderie shared among these renowned artists. Rhea Seehorn humorously asked Burnett, “How do you become a legend?” Burnett replied, “You live to be 93,” prompting uproarious applause from those in attendance.
Shared laughter and memories
The evening resonated with laughter as Bob Odenkirk shared his experiences working alongside Burnett. “What was it like working with Carol? Now, you must know that I know the answer to this question,” he joked, eliciting laughter. He recounted how her punctuality made him look bad, contrasting it with his own tardiness, adding, “She doesn’t count her lines. I do, which I consider the actor’s first job, count your lines. Make sure you have the most!”
Adding warmth to the night, Jane Lynch, who worked with Burnett on Glee, praised her, stating, “Your sublime performance in what we just watched reminds all of us of the love that we have for you. We couldn’t adore you more.” Burnett’s impact on her colleagues was evident, further emphasized by Charlize Theron calling her “more than a legend,” and jokingly adding, “You’re just a fucking broad.”
Making connections
As the evening wore on, the atmosphere grew more intimate when Burnett shared a delightful fact about her life: “Did you know that I play Wordle with Carol Burnett? And she’s a fucking cheat,” Theron joked, prompting Burnett to refute the claim, insisting, “You can’t cheat at Wordle!”
The surprises continued as former First Lady Michelle Obama made a virtual appearance, offering heartfelt congratulations to Burnett and recognizing her immense contributions to entertainment.
Melodic closure
As she finished, she affectionately performed Burnett’s iconic ear tug, solidifying the bond shared among these talented individuals.
In Palm Royale, Burnett portrayed a character named Norma Dellacorte, a significant figure in the lives of the Palm Beach ladies. However, her influence in Hollywood extends far beyond this role, with her most notable work being The Carol Burnett Show, which captivated audiences for 11 seasons from 1967 to 1978. In a previous conversation with Variety, Burnett hinted that Palm Royale could be her last acting role, stating, “Probably, unless there’s a cameo or something fun!”
Before the panel transitioned into a tribute, Burnett recounted her excitement upon being approached by Abe Sylvia, the creator of Palm Royale, who shared the impressive cast lineup that included Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, and others. “I said, ‘Stop. I’m in. I don’t care what you want me to do,’” she reminisced, highlighting the collaborative spirit that permeated the production. This evening, filled with nostalgia, laughter, and love, served as a fitting tribute to a woman who has given so much to the entertainment industry.