We all carry a fond sense of nostalgia for the unforgettable era of The Carol Burnett Show, don’t we? The legendary trio — Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, and Vicki Lawrence — had an extraordinary ability to turn an ordinary evening into a riot of laughter. Their timing, chemistry, and fearlessness in comedy created moments that still make us smile decades later.
One episode that perfectly captures their brilliance features Peggy (Carol), the star-struck waitress who finds herself face to face with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. It’s a comedic gem that fans continue to revisit. The story begins with Peggy, the nervous but eager new waitress at an upscale restaurant, dreaming that she’ll someday get to serve a Hollywood star.
Her seasoned coworker Gladys (Vicki Lawrence) teases her, revealing that Peggy already missed a chance to meet Paul Newman and John Wayne. But Peggy’s luck quickly changes when Bing Crosby enters the restaurant, accompanied by his friend Sherwin, played by Harvey Korman.
Peggy can hardly contain herself when Crosby sits at her table. Bursting with excitement, she interrupts their attempts to order, repeatedly exclaiming in her unforgettable style, “Bing Crosby… Binggggg Crosby, Binggggggg Crosby!” Crosby fires back with perfect comedic timing: “You’re right all three times!” — sending the audience into laughter.
Soon, Peggy transforms into the ultimate superfan. She eagerly shares facts about Crosby’s life, from his birthplace to his early days singing with “The Rhythm Boys.” She even recalls his 1936 performance of “Pennies from Heaven,” mimicking his singing style with such enthusiasm that the crowd roars with laughter. Crosby joins in, touched and amused by her over-the-top admiration.
Peggy pushes her fandom to hilarious extremes when she asks Crosby for the knife he touched. Ever the gentleman of quick wit, he hands her the entire cutlery set, saying, “You can have the whole set!” The audience erupts in delight. Next, Peggy sets her sights on his pipe but settles for the ashes instead when he reveals the pipe is his favorite. Her determination is as funny as it is endearing.
She then asks for his autograph, feeding him salad while he signs, much to Sherwin’s frustration as he continues waiting to order. The absurdity of the situation leaves the audience in stitches.
Not finished yet, Peggy insists on taking pictures with Crosby. Even when he claims he doesn’t have any photos, she cheerfully responds, “That’s okay. I always take my own anyway.” Armed with her camera, she snaps multiple shots as the room fills with laughter — even Crosby can’t help but marvel at her relentless enthusiasm.
As Crosby prepares to leave, Peggy makes the moment even more memorable by inviting Bob Hope over with infectious excitement. She asks about his well-being, to which Hope humorously replies, “I’m just around looking for work, and I’m glad you found some for me.” The entire room bursts into laughter.
With effortless charm, Hope greets Crosby, joking, “You look wonderful! Did you come right from the plasters?” Their banter flows naturally, each quip building on the other, showcasing the comedic brilliance that made both men icons of their time.
This episode remains one of the most beloved moments of the series — a perfect snapshot of the comedic magic created by Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, and Vicki Lawrence, alongside the timeless charisma of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. It’s a reminder of why The Carol Burnett Show still brings joy all these years later, proving that great comedy never fades.