Carol Burnett: Terrible in The Front Page

Carol Burnett recounts what she calls her most embarrassing Hollywood moment: her 1974/1984 portrayal of Mollie Malloy in The Front Page, which she says she was “terrible” in and nervous about from the start. She describes avoiding watching the film after its release because she and critics agreed she didn’t perform well. A memorable flight episode amplified the moment: while flying to New York for a screening, a stewardess announced that one of the stars was on board, prompting everyone to smile, only for Burnett to feel mortified as the in-flight movie began and people pulled down their shades. The anecdote has circulated across multiple interviews and outlets, reinforcing Burnett’s candid view of that role as a low point in her career. Burnett’s reflections also underscore her long-standing status as a beloved, award-winning performer who can laugh at missteps in her career.