When I was in college at UCLA, I took a playwriting course. I was all set to be a writer. But I had to take this acting class as a theater arts major. I had to do this scene in a one-act comedy. I just said this line, and then... this laugh happened. I thought, 'Whoa. This is a really good feeling. What have I been missing?'
Interpretation
Exploring new avenues can lead to unexpected joys and fulfillment.
In this quote, Carol Burnett reflects on her experience of taking an acting class during her college years, which opened her eyes to the joy and thrill of performing. Through a single moment of laughter from the audience, she recognized a fulfillment she had been missing in her initial path as a writer, highlighting the importance of being open to new experiences in life.
In practice
In a speech about embracing new opportunities, one might say, 'As Carol Burnett experienced, sometimes a small change can lead to great joy.'
My grandmother and I followed my mother here, to a house a block north of Hollywood Boulevard but a million miles away from Hollywood, if you know what I mean. We would hang out behind the ropes and look at the movie stars arriving at the premieres.
You have to have faith that there is a reason you go through certain things. I can't say I'm glad to go through pain, but in a way one must, in order to gain courage and really feel joy.
It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others.
I've always been optimistic. And I have a feeling that it happened because of going to all those movies with my grandmother in the '40s because there was no cynicism.
Edgy is fine - I'm not a prude by any stretch of the imagination - but what's wrong with a good ol' belly laugh? I miss that.
My favourite comedian, of course, is Tim Conway. He has a way about him - being that belly-laugh kind of funny, and he has the improvisational skills, too. I've never seen anybody better.
It always gave me the creeps when I saw performers who desperately wanted the audience to like them. That's not what I'm about.
Science is no more than an investigation of a miracle we can never explain, and art is an interpretation of that miracle.
It's work to play the same songs the same way for 70 shows.
I have made a silent compact with myself not to change a line of what I write. I am not interested in perfecting my thoughts, nor my actions.
A work of art when placed in a gallery loses its charge, and becomes a portable object or surface disengaged from the outside world.
Of course poets have morals and manners of their own, and custom is no argument with them.
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