Carol Burnett is one of the most beloved comedians of all time. Known for her incredible work on The Carol Burnett Show and her extensive career in both TV and film, Burnett is a legend in the entertainment industry. Yet, beyond her career accomplishments, she is also a proud mother of three carol burnett children—Carrie, Jody, and Erin. The story of Burnett’s family is filled with ups and downs, with her children carving their own paths in the world of show business and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know about Carol Burnett’s three daughters.
The Early Life of Carol Burnett’s Children
Carol burnett children journey as a mother started with her marriage to TV producer Joe Hamilton in 1963. Over the course of their marriage, they had three daughters: Carrie, Jody, and Erin. As a mother, Burnett worked hard to provide a balance between her career and raising her children. However, the demands of her career were immense, and she often had to juggle her busy schedule with the responsibilities of motherhood.
Burnett’s eldest daughter, Carrie, was born in New York City on December 5, 1963. While Carol was busy becoming a star on Broadway and later on The Carol Burnett Show, she always made time for her family. Though her kids were young, they would often watch their mother’s TV performances, and at times, would even join her on set.
Carrie Louise Hamilton: A Star With Struggles
Carrie Louise Hamilton, the eldest of Carol Burnett’s children, had a promising career ahead of her, though her journey was filled with both triumphs and struggles. Born in 1963, Carrie was deeply influenced by her mother’s work. However, Carrie wanted to carve her own identity outside of her famous mother’s shadow. She became involved in both acting and writing, establishing herself as a creative force in her own right.
Carrie appeared in various television shows such as Fame and films like Tokyo Pop. She also pursued a music career, performing with her band, Big Business. However, Carrie’s personal life was not always as smooth as her career. In her teenage years, she battled substance abuse, which led her to go through rehab multiple times. At one point, she even resented her mother for forcing her into rehabilitation.
Burnett shared that her daughter’s struggle with addiction was one of the hardest times in her life. “At one point I had to throw her into a rehab place before she was 18 and she hated me,” Burnett admitted. The turbulent relationship between the two, at times strained by Carrie’s addiction, eventually healed, and the two grew incredibly close in her later years.
Sadly, Carrie’s life was cut short when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. She passed away on January 20, 2002, at the age of 38. Burnett has spoken often about how she still feels the loss of her eldest daughter, explaining that she feels Carrie’s spirit with her every day.
Jody Hamilton: A Career in Film Production
Jody Hamilton, Carol Burnett’s second daughter, was born on January 18, 1967. Growing up with a mother who was a TV icon, Jody had her own unique path in the entertainment industry. While Carrie pursued acting and music, Jody decided to take a different route, becoming a film and TV producer.
Throughout the years, Jody worked on numerous projects, including producing retrospectives like Carol Burnett: Show Stoppers, which aired in 2001. This special, which celebrated her mother’s career, garnered over 30 million viewers. As a producer, Jody had a hand in various productions, including working with her sister Carrie and others to create the independent film company Namethkuf in 1998.
Jody’s personal life has also been marked by its share of challenges. Growing up in a household where her parents’ marriage was dissolving, she had her own experiences that shaped her understanding of life. Jody and her sister Erin were sent to live with friends in Hawaii during their parents’ divorce, a decision made by their parents to shield them from the emotional toll of the separation.
Despite the ups and downs, Jody has found success in her career. She has also been an outspoken advocate for her family’s legacy, regularly appearing in events to honor her mother’s contributions to comedy and television. Jody was there with Carol during the opening of the Carrie Hamilton Theatre in Pasadena, California, named in memory of her late sister.
Erin Hamilton: The Youngest Daughter’s Path to Music
Erin Hamilton, the youngest daughter of Carol Burnett and Joe Hamilton, was born on August 14, 1968. Growing up in the shadow of a famous mother and two older sisters with their own careers, Erin found her own way into the world of music. From a young age, she was involved in music, inspired by her family’s creativity and love for the arts.
Erin first pursued her education at Bennington College but soon dropped out to follow her own dreams. Her love for music led her to perform with various jazz and blues bands, before eventually going solo as a dance music artist. In 1999, she released her album One World, which featured a blend of jazz, blues, and dance music. She opened for big names in music like Bette Midler and Whitney Houston, further establishing her reputation as a talented performer.
However, Erin’s life has also been complicated by addiction issues, which have at times overshadowed her music career. Despite battling personal demons, Erin has continued to find support from her mother. In 2020, Burnett and her husband, Brian Miller, were granted temporary guardianship of Erin’s son, Dylan, due to concerns over Erin’s well-being. The public decision was a clear indication of the struggles Erin faced during this period.
Here’s a bio table for Carol Burnett’s children:
| Name | Date of Birth | Profession | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrie Louise Hamilton | December 5, 1963 | Actress, Writer, Musician | Struggled with addiction, co-wrote Hollywood Arms, died in 2002 from cancer-related pneumonia. |
| Jody Hamilton | January 18, 1967 | Film Producer, Podcast Host | Co-founded the independent film company Namethkuf, produced Carol Burnett: Show Stoppers. |
| Erin Kate Hamilton | August 14, 1968 | Singer, Songwriter | A professional singer, struggled with addiction, married twice, has two sons. |
This table summarizes the key details about Carol Burnett’s children.
The Struggles and Triumphs of Carol Burnett’s Children
Carol Burnett has been open about the challenges her children faced growing up. From addiction to career choices, each of Burnett’s daughters had their own battles to fight. Despite these struggles, Burnett has always remained a pillar of support for her children.
The comedian has said, “Life can change on a dime. So just be grateful for today what you have.” Burnett’s ability to remain grounded despite the personal challenges she has faced speaks to her strength and dedication to her family. Her children, in turn, have embraced their own unique paths, with each of them contributing to the entertainment world in one form or another.
Carol Burnett’s Legacy as a Mother
As a mother, Carol Burnett has always emphasized the importance of letting her children follow their own paths. “I’ve always been asked why I don’t put my daughters on television,” Burnett once said. “I always say, ‘Listen, my old lady didn’t have a show of her own. Let them get theirs.’”
Even after her personal tragedies, including the death of Carrie and Erin’s struggles with addiction, Burnett’s legacy as a mother remains a testament to her resilience. She continues to honor her children’s legacies, and their individual stories serve as a reminder of the complexities of family life.
The Continued Influence of Carol Burnett’s Children
Carol Burnett’s daughters—Carrie, Jody, and Erin—each carved their own unique paths in life. While Carrie’s. Life was tragically cut short. Her impact on her family and her work lives on. Jody continues to work in film production, contributing to the world her mother once dominated. Erin, despite her struggles, has kept her passion for music alive and continues to find ways to connect with her audience.
Burnett’s children remain a reflection of her own values—hard work, perseverance, and above all, the power of love and family. Whether in their professional careers or personal struggles, the bond between Carol Burnett and her daughters is a lasting testament to her legacy as a mother and as a trailblazer in the entertainment world.
Conclusion
Carol Burnett’s children, Carrie, Jody, and Erin, each experienced different facets of life—some filled with fame and success, others marked by personal struggles. Yet, through it all, they have remained a part of Burnett’s journey, and their lives reflect the depth of love and support that only a mother can provide. Carol Burnett’s story as a mother is just as inspiring as her story as a comedian, and her children’s accomplishments will continue to inspire for years to come.
Here are five. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the article:
- Who are Carol Burnett’s daughters? Carol Burnett has three daughters: Carrie Louise Hamilton, Jody Hamilton, and Erin Kate Hamilton.
- What was Carrie Hamilton known for?. Carrie. Hamilton was an actress writer, and musician who co-wrote Hollywood Arms with her mother. She passed away in 2002.
- What does Jody Hamilton do? Jody Hamilton is a film producer and podcast host. She co-founded the independent film company Namethkuf and produced Carol Burnett: Show Stoppers.
- What is Erin Hamilton’s career? Erin Hamilton is a singer and songwriter. She has performed with jazz and blues bands and pursued a solo career in dance music.
- Did Carol Burnett’s daughters follow in her footsteps? While each daughter. Pursued their own creative path, all three worked in the entertainment industry, with careers in acting, producing, and music.
