Carol Leifer, a veteran comedy writer known for her work on Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, and Hacks, 

recently shared her admiration for comedy legend Carol Burnett while promoting her new book.

Despite her decades-long career in the entertainment industry, Leifer admitted that meeting Burnett was both thrilling and intimidating.

A Career Filled with Comedy Legends

Leifer’s resume boasts an impressive array of credits, from working as a stand-up comedian to penning scripts for some of television’s most iconic shows. 

She has contributed to The Ellen Show, The Larry Sanders Show, and Seinfeld, as well as written for major events like the Academy Awards. 

Her work on Hacks earned her an Emmy in 2024, cementing her place as one of comedy’s most influential writers.

However, despite rubbing elbows with some of the biggest names in the industry, meeting Burnett was a personal milestone. “Of all the people I’ve met through my very long career, to meet her was like – check that off the bucket list,” Leifer said. She described Burnett as incredibly kind and down-to-earth, making their collaboration all the more meaningful.

An Unexpectedly Nerve-Wracking Moment

Leifer’s latest project, How to Write a Funny Speech . . . for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & More, is a guide co-written with fellow comedy writer Rick Mitchell. The book provides advice on crafting humorous and engaging speeches for special occasions.

When she approached Burnett about writing the foreword, Leifer hesitated, not wanting to impose on the comedy icon. “I’m always intimidated still, to ask a favor like that. You don’t want to overstep,” she admitted. She even downplayed the request, telling Burnett there was no pressure to read the book.

To her surprise, Burnett not only read it but did so almost immediately. “The next day, Carol came in and was like, ‘My God, I love your book!’” Leifer recalled. Burnett even referenced specific passages, proving she had thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lessons from ‘SNL’ and Beyond

Leifer’s comedy career began with one of television’s toughest proving grounds—Saturday Night Live. She was part of the show’s infamous 11th season, which featured an unusual cast that included Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Michael Hall, Joan Cusack, and Randy Quaid.

“[Downey Jr.] and Anthony Michael Hall were the kids on the show. I think they used to skateboard around the halls. It was crazy,” Leifer reminisced.

While the season was widely regarded as a chaotic period for SNL, Leifer viewed it as an essential learning experience. “You have to produce a lot, and also pretty quickly. Comedy is not a slow business. It’s fast,” she said. She described SNL as a competitive environment, even more so than Seinfeld or the other sitcoms she later worked on. “As my first writing job, it was a good one to have because it was like marine boot camp.”

Why the Book Matters

Leifer and Mitchell’s inspiration for writing How to Write a Funny Speech stemmed from their shared experiences of attending events with poorly executed speeches. “I have been to a bunch of events, a lot of weddings where people have given speeches that were so bad that it really put a damper on the whole event,” Leifer explained.

As professional comedians, they found it particularly painful to witness speeches that failed to connect with audiences. “We’re very attuned to the audience – what they respond to and what they don’t.”

Recognizing the need for a modern, practical guide, the duo decided to create a resource that would help people craft engaging and funny speeches. “We went online and saw a lot of books about writing a speech, but they were kind of old and outdated, and not necessarily how to help someone write a funny speech,” Leifer said.

A Comedy Icon’s Stamp of Approval

With Carol Burnett’s enthusiastic support, How to Write a Funny Speech now carries the endorsement of one of the most beloved figures in comedy. Leifer’s initial hesitation to ask Burnett for the foreword ultimately proved unnecessary, as Burnett’s generosity and enthusiasm shone through.

Leifer’s journey—from navigating the high-pressure world of SNL to collaborating with legends like Burnett—highlights her resilience and passion for comedy. Her book serves as a testament to her expertise, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to infuse humor into their speeches.

For comedy fans and aspiring speechwriters alike, Leifer’s latest work is a must-read, made all the more special with Burnett’s personal touch.

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