Happy Birthday, Carol Burnett!

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Happy Birthday, Carol Burnett!

Carol Burnett celebrates her 78th birthday today, April 26. She's a huge influence on me, both on and off the stage.

Carol got her start as an assistant to ventriloquist Paul Winchell and his figure, Jerry Mahoney.

She made a name for herself singing "I Made a Fool of Myself over John Foster Dulles."

She starred as Princess Winifred in "Once Upon a Mattress" and had a successful stint on "The Garry Moore Show."

Her "Carol Burnett Show" was the last truly successful variety show to date, running from 1967 to 1978.

On the big screen, she played Miss Hannigan in 1982's "Annie" and starred in "Noises Off" in 1992.

A fabulous singer and gifted comedienne, I am pleased to wish one of my most favorite funny women many happy returns of the day!

Gina Wilhelm Actress

Noises Off in New Jersey

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Noises Off in New Jersey

Michael Frayn's "Noises Off" works best when there is a strong actress playing Dotty Otley, who plays the maid in the play-within-a-play.

Fortunately for the new production at Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, they have Harriet Harris in the demanding role.

Harris won the 2002 Tony for her performance in Thoroughly Modern Millie. She is also known for playing cutthroat agent Bebe Glazer on "Frasier" and had a recurring role on "Desperate Housewives."

However, the show is enjoyable because Harris doesn't dominate the show, and the ensemble pulls off the farce enjoyably.

Gina Wilhelm Actress