Anaheim University establishes Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute with legendary Actress Carol Burnett
- 3/23/10
On March 23rd, 2010 legendary Emmy-Award winning actress and comedienne Carol Burnett joined the 2010 Green Planet Movie Awards as Guest of Honor for the establishment of the Anaheim University Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute. The Institute is named after Ms. Burnett's daughter, actress Carrie Hamilton who starred in the television show "Fame", the Broadway play "Rent", and the major motion picture "Tokyo Pop". Carrie's talents were not limited to acting. Her powerful voice and experience as a singer opened up numerous acting opportunities including her leading role in Tokyo Pop.
The daughter of comedy legend Carol Burnett and producer Joe Hamilton, and an established actress and singer in her own right, Carrie Hamilton also gained recognition as a screenplay writer, director and playwright. Born on December 5th, 1963 in New York City, Ms. Hamilton was a student of music and acting at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California before becoming an entertainer and filmmaker.
Known for her optimism, Carrie embraced and loved the field of entertainment so much that she ran acting and creativity workshops for friends in her own home. Hollywood watched Carrie as one of the up and coming stars of her time, with many entertainment experts predicting that she was on her way to becoming one of the next big names on screen and television.
In 2001, Hamilton shined as a filmmaker when she won the "Women in Film" Award at the Latino Film Festival, and in 2002 Carrie collaborated with her legendary mother on the play "Hollywood Arms", a stage version of Carol Burnett's best-selling memoir "One More Time". The production sadly premiered shortly after Carrie's life was cut short by cancer at the age of 38.
Anaheim University endeavors to launch online acting and entertainment related classes through the institute, which was established in the memory and spirit of Carrie Hamilton with the hope of inspiring young entertainers to reach for the stars and to make the most out of and be grateful for every day, every experience and every opportunity. Carrie Hamilton touched the hearts of many throughout her life and this institute was created in her honor so that her contributions to society and giving spirit will continue for generations to come.
Carol Burnett signed a citation establishing the institute with Anaheim University Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Nunan, prior to answering questions regarding her daughter Carrie Hamilton and the Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute during a Q&A session with moderator Darrell Nelson. Carol concluded the Q&A by reading the following quote from her daughter Carrie:
"About Art. . . The legacy is really the lives we touch, the inspiration we give, altering someone's plan -- if even for a moment, and getting them to think, rage, cry, laugh, argue . . . walk around the block, dazed . . . (I do that a lot after seeing powerful theater!) More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles; the ones we share with our closest and dearest, and the ones we bestow on a total stranger, who needed it then, and God put you there to deliver."
Click here to see a video of the Anaheim University Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute