Imagine having the chance to meet your childhood idol, only to discover they’re even more remarkable in person than you ever dreamed. That’s exactly what happened to Carol Burnett when she encountered her 'movie star idol,' Jimmy Stewart. But here’s where it gets heartwarming: Burnett, now 92, reveals that Stewart wasn’t just a legendary actor—he was 'one of the nicest people' she ever met. In a recent conversation with her Palm Royale co-star Laura Dern for Interview Magazine, Burnett gushed about Stewart’s humility, despite his towering fame. 'Everybody loved him,' she recalled, emphasizing his rare blend of stardom and kindness. And this is the part most people miss: Stewart’s off-screen life was as extraordinary as his on-screen roles. From his Broadway debut in Carry Nation in 1932 to his service as a commanding officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Stewart’s journey was nothing short of inspiring. Controversially, though, some might argue that his humility overshadowed his immense talent—after all, he won an Oscar for The Philadelphia Story (1940) and earned four more nominations for classics like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and Anatomy of a Murder (1959). But Burnett’s perspective shifts the focus: it wasn’t just his work that made him great—it was his character. Speaking of character, Burnett’s own career is a testament to versatility. From her breakout role as Princess Winifred in the 1959 Broadway musical Once Upon a Mattress to creating The Carol Burnett Show in 1967, she’s been a force in entertainment for decades. And here’s the kicker: 48 years after her iconic sketch comedy show ended, Burnett is still dazzling audiences as Norma Dellacorte in Apple TV’s Palm Royale. The dramedy, which recently wrapped its second season, has earned over 10 Emmy nominations, including one for Kristen Wiig. But what’s next for the series? Burnett hints that a third season might require new characters, as many cast members are pursuing other projects. Here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Should Palm Royale continue without its original stars, or is it time to let the story rest? Burnett herself seems open to possibilities, balancing her love for creator Abe Sylvia with her own behind-the-scenes ambitions. Meanwhile, Wiig and Ricky Martin are openly rooting for Season 3, eager to showcase more of their characters. Whether or not the show returns, one thing’s certain: Carol Burnett’s admiration for Jimmy Stewart—and her own enduring legacy—remains a powerful reminder of what it means to be both a star and a genuinely good person. What do you think? Is humility the ultimate measure of greatness, or should talent always take center stage? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
