Carol Burnett, the beloved comedian and actress, was deeply touched when Laura Dern and Jayme Lemons organized a surprise handprint ceremony for her at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theater on June 20. This special event left Burnett emotional and grateful for the thoughtful gesture.
The Surprise Handprint Ceremony
In an interview with PEOPLE, Burnett described herself as “gobsmacked” by Dern and Lemons’ surprise. The ceremony, where Burnett’s hands and footprints were immortalized in cement, was a heartfelt tribute orchestrated by her colleagues and friends.
How the Ceremony Was Organized
Dern and Lemons shared with PEOPLE how the idea for the ceremony came about. They realized that despite Burnett’s monumental contributions to entertainment, she had not yet been honored at the TCL Chinese Theater. This realization spurred them into action to rectify this oversight.
“When we found out Carol hadn’t been honored here, we were shocked,” Lemons explained. “We couldn’t believe it.” Their determination led them to verify the information and swiftly arrange the ceremony. “Once everything was confirmed, it was all hands on deck,” Lemons continued. They quickly set the date for June 20, culminating in a memorable and touching moment for Burnett.
Personal Touches at the Event
Adding a personal touch to the surprise, Dern and Lemons incorporated Burnett’s quirky habit of carrying a business card with her favorite martini recipe and a playful self-parody. This personalized detail added an extra layer of sentiment to the event.
Recalling the moment, Dern shared how Burnett initially reacted with surprise and humor. “She asked, ‘What’s happening?’ when she saw the card with her likeness,” Dern recounted. The arrival of the cement truck added to the surreal moment. “It was a funny, touching moment,” Lemons added, noting Burnett’s emotional reaction to the news.
A Full-Circle Moment for Burnett
For Burnett, the ceremony brought back childhood memories of visiting Grauman’s Chinese Theater and imprinting her hands alongside Betty Grable’s. “After 80 years, to have my prints here is incredible,” Burnett reflected. “It’s a full-circle moment.”
Celebrating Carol Burnett’s Legacy
The event was attended by a host of celebrities, including Dick Van Dyke, who shared the screen with Burnett on The Carol Burnett Show, and Bob Odenkirk from Better Call Saul. The star-studded guest list, which also included Allison Janney, Bill Hader, Jane Lynch, Lisa Ann Walter, Maya Rudolph, and Jimmy Kimmel, paid tribute to Burnett’s legendary career.
Maya Rudolph’s immediate enthusiasm to attend highlighted the excitement surrounding the event. “When is it? I’m going to be there,” Rudolph eagerly responded upon hearing the news.
Dern and Lemons’ Joy in Honoring Burnett
Dern and Lemons expressed their joy in organizing the ceremony, especially given their collaboration with Burnett on the Apple TV+ series Palm Royale, which has garnered acclaim and renewed for a second season. Their appreciation for Burnett’s influence on their careers and the entertainment industry made the ceremony all the more meaningful.
Reflecting on Burnett’s professionalism and dedication, Dern praised her meticulous preparation and commitment to her craft. “Carol was always there before any of us, learning her lines,” Dern remarked, underscoring Burnett’s work ethic.
As Burnett continues to leave her mark on Hollywood—having won six Emmys, six Golden Globes, a Grammy, and a Kennedy Center Honor—the handprint ceremony served as a poignant celebration of her enduring legacy and influence on generations of entertainers.
The event was a testament to Burnett’s impact and the admiration she commands within the entertainment community, marking a milestone in her illustrious career that will be cherished for years to come.
Thank you for reading this article on TrendingToffee! We love hearing from our readers, so please share your thoughts and comments below. Your feedback helps us bring you the best content.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest trends and stories. Be the first to know about our new articles, special features, and exclusive content. Just enter your email, and we’ll make sure you’re always in the loop. Join the TrendingToffee community today!
