The iconic Carol Burnett is lending her support to aspiring musical theater students by establishing the Carol Burnett Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship at UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television. This generous initiative will provide financial assistance to high-potential undergraduate students enrolled in the school's Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program. The scholarship will be administered by the TFT's theater department, which has already identified the first recipient, Alexa Cruz, a member of the class of 2029. Burnett's contribution goes beyond financial aid; she has also gifted UCLA's TFT over 140 industry awards and accolades, which will be displayed in the lobby of UCLA's Freud Playhouse. Burnett, who studied at UCLA, expressed her excitement about the scholarship, stating that it offers an opportunity similar to what UCLA provided her when she first enrolled. She believes that this scholarship will help others discover their true passions, just as she did. The TFT dean, Celine Parreñas Shimizu, praised Burnett's remarkable career, highlighting her ability to create new paths and forms within the entertainment industry. Burnett's impact extends to the stage as well, where she made her Broadway debut and earned a Tony Award nomination. Alexa Cruz, the first-year theater major, is thrilled about the scholarship, as it will enable her to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress. The scholarship's significance is further emphasized by Cruz's previous performances, which have ties to Burnett's work. Burnett's generosity and support for aspiring artists are truly inspiring, and her impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable.
