Carol Burnett Among California Hall of Fame Inductees

By Adam Hetrick
August 25, 2009

Tony Award-winning actress Carol Burnett will be inducted into the California Museum's California Hall of Fame Dec. 1 in Sacramento.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver announced this year's inductees, who also include "Star Wars" filmmaker George Lucas; author Danielle Steel; gay rights advocate Harvey Milk; artist Fritz Scholder; philanthropist and peace activist Joan Kroc; former Intel CEO Andrew Grove; governor and U.S. senator Hiram Johnson; decathlete and philanthropist Rafer Johnson; industrialist Henry J. Kaiser; football commentator John Madden; fitness and bodybuilding pioneer Joe Weider; and Air Force test pilot General Chuck Yeager.

"The California Hall of Fame celebrates our most influential women and men, and honors them for their drive, willingness to take risks, dedication and success in touching the lives of millions of people - not just in this state, but around the world," said Governor Schwarzenegger in a statement. "I am excited about this year’s fantastic inductees and thank my wonderful wife Maria for creating a program that honors all their diverse achievements."

Inductee Burnett added, "I love California. My fondest memory as a kid was climbing the Hollywood sign. I'm thrilled to be honored by the State I love."

The Dec. 1 induction ceremony will feature an exhibition on the honorees, including personal mementos and artifacts.

Burnett, a Kennedy Center Honoree, has appeared on Broadway in Once Upon a Mattress, Fade Out-Fade In, Moon Over Buffalo and Putting It Together. She co-authored the Broadway play Hollywood Arms, with her daughter Carrie Hamilton and was awarded a Special Tony Award in 1969. She is known for her television work on "The Carol Burnett Show" and has appeared in the films "Annie," "The Four Seasons" and "A Wedding."