The Heartwarming Legacy Of Carol Burnett's Ear Tug

For more than 10 years, The Carol Burnett Show ended with a song...and an ear tug. What audiences didn’t know is that when the comedienne was pulling her left earlobe at the end of "I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together," she was also sending a message to the woman who raised her: her grandmother. This simple gesture signified a heartfelt connection that transcended the stage and television.

Burnett shared, "My grandmother raised me out here in Hollywood. When I got my first job back in New York, I called her and I said, 'Nanny, I'm going to be on television Saturday morning.' She said, 'Well, you gotta say hello to me.' We figured this out — to pull my ear — and that was my signal to her. It always meant 'Hi Nanny. I’m fine. I love you.' Later it meant, 'Hi Nanny. I’m fine. I love you. Your check's on the way.'

Growing Up with Love Amidst Challenges

Brought into the world on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Burnett faced a challenging childhood. Her parents were alcoholics, and their divorce forced her to live with her Christian Scientist grandmother, Mabel White, affectionately known as Nanny. Together, they moved to Hollywood, California, to be closer to Burnett's mother and half-sister Chrissie, living in a low-income studio apartment.

Despite their financial struggles, Burnett found a refuge in her grandmother's love. Yet, Nanny was not without flaws; according to Burnett’s memoir, One More Time, she was both manipulative and a hypochondriac. Nevertheless, the bond they shared provided Burnett with a sense of safety and security in a tumultuous world.

Burnett once reflected, "Nanny was my rock. In her eyes, I was the number-one person in her world, so I felt safe with her." This relationship not only shaped her childhood but also her path toward becoming a beloved figure in entertainment.

Lessons from the Movies: A World of Possibility

Nanny played a pivotal role in introducing Burnett to the magic of cinema. A talented singer and musician, she taught her granddaughter to always look on the bright side of life, even in difficult times. From taking them to diners to "borrow" silverware to indulging their love for movies, Nanny filled Burnett's early years with joy and laughter.

They frequently visited movie palaces, immersing themselves in films featuring Hollywood legends like Fred Astaire and Joan Crawford. These experiences fostered a love for performance in Burnett. "I was raised going to the movies in the '30s and '40s when there was no cynicism," she recalls. "I never saw the dark side. I think those movies may be what did it for me — an imprint on a young mind that everything’s possible. You can be happy."

A Symbol of Love and Resilience

As Burnett’s career flourished, Nanny was her steadfast supporter, attending her Broadway performances and television shows. However, with her grandmother’s declining health, Burnett’s iconic ear tug became a cherished symbol of their deep connection. Interestingly, Burnett borrowed this gesture from a dance troupe that used it as a way to say “hello” to their children.

There were moments when Nanny's health faltered, including a mild heart attack that brought the community together to support her. Burnett fondly recalled, "There’s this line of extras in costumes lined up at her door to cheer her up. It was like she was auditioning them." This vibrant community spirit highlighted the warmth and love that surrounded them.

Although Nanny passed away before The Carol Burnett Show concluded, the impact she had on Burnett was indelible. Burnett's ear tug will forever remind audiences of the love and support that shaped her resilience and creativity. That’s why the world continues to smile each time Burnett gives a tug to her left ear.