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Carol Burnett and Jane Lynch's Glee Reunion Sparked Lasting Friendship
4 Oct
Summary
- Carol Burnett reached out to Glee creator Ryan Murphy to appear on the show
- Burnett played the mother of Jane Lynch's character Sue Sylvester
- The two actresses have remained close friends over the years
In 2010, legendary comedian Carol Burnett made a surprise appearance on the hit TV show Glee, playing the mother of Jane Lynch's character Sue Sylvester. This unexpected collaboration marked the beginning of an enduring friendship between the two actresses.
According to Lynch, it was Burnett herself who first approached Glee creator Ryan Murphy, expressing her desire to "play in [his] sandbox." Murphy then offered Burnett the role of Sue's Nazi-hunting mother, and the two women ended up singing a duet of the song "Ohio" from the Broadway musical Wonderful Town.
Though Burnett's appearance was limited to a single episode in Glee's second season, the two actresses have remained close over the years. Lynch has shared that she has had brunch with Burnett at The Biltmore in Montecito, California, and even served on a jury with Burnett's husband, Brian.
In 2023, Burnett was honored with the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes, recognizing her significant impact on the entertainment industry. Lynch was among the stars in attendance when Burnett's hand and footprints were cemented at the famous TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, a moment the 92-year-old actress described as feeling "surreal" and like she was a "little girl again."
The enduring friendship between Burnett and Lynch is a testament to the power of unexpected connections and the lasting impact of shared experiences in the entertainment world.
