Comedy legend Carol Burnett looks back on her illustrious career ahead of the 2024 Emmys

Emmy nominee Carol Burnett will compete for the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night.

The Emmy veteran sat down with ABC News as part of a “20/20” special called “The 76th Emmys: A Night of Premieres” with Robin Roberts, which airs Friday, September 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

At 91, the nomination for her role as Norma Dellacorte in the Apple TV+ series “Palm Royale” is nothing new for the comedy legend. It’s her 25th nomination and would be her eighth win if she takes home the award. If she wins, she could make history and become the oldest woman to take home an Emmy for acting. (Currently, the late Betty White holds the title for her win at age 88.)

Burnett shared that despite her 25 nominations, she still enjoys seeing the biggest names in television on the show. When asked who she is looking forward to seeing, she replied, “Anyone. Yes, I’m a stargazer.”

The Palm Royale star also gave the first-time nominees – this year’s list includes names like Ryan Gosling – advice in case the big moment comes and their category is called.

“Of course you’re happy. And when my name is called, I’m always surprised,” she says, laughing. “Instead of saying, ‘Oh, I think I’m going to get it,’ and then being disappointed. It’s always a nice surprise.”

The comedy legend, who began her career over 60 years ago, also spoke about her role as Norma on the show. She said when she first got the call to join a cast that included Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, Laura Dern and Ricky Martin, she said, “I’m in. I don’t care what you want from me.”

She said she was also told she would be in a coma for the first few episodes, to which she joked, “Am I getting paid for this?”

On Sunday night, Burnett will compete against fellow nominees Liza Colón-Zayas from “The Bear,” Hannah Einbinder from “Hacks,” Janelle James from “Abbott Elementary,” Sheryl Lee Ralph from “Abbott Elementary” and Meryl Streep from “Only Murders In The Building.”

At her meeting with Roberts, Burnett, who had said if she could work with any actor, it would be Meryl Streep, was surprised with a video message from Streep. Burnett was shown a clip in which Streep learns of Burnett’s wishes and happily replies, “I’m available!”

“That’s so sweet!” Burnett remarked when she saw the video of Streep. She then called Streep “one of the greatest actresses in the world.”

Burnett also recalled the first award she ever received, the Most Outstanding Young Scientist Award, which she received at UCLA in 1952. She called this award her “favorite award.”

“I never expected this,” Burnett said. “I never thought I would be an artist.”

Watch the in-depth conversation with Robin Roberts on “The 76th Emmys: A Night of Firsts,” airing Friday, September 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.