Carol Burnett has always remained as one of the most beloved female comediennes of all time - from her 11 years as star of "The Carol Burnett Show" to playing Jamie Buckman's (Helen Hunt's) mother on NBC's "Mad About You." A six time Emmy winner, Carol is constantly performing, most recently in a question and answer format with audiences across the country which developed from her own variety show, where prior to every performance she would answer questions from the audience for ten minutes or so.

Roxy makes Carol laugh during this photo shoot by Shel Secunda for the book, THE BOND.

Although it may be hard to believe, Carol Burnett had never had a pet of her own. Her children had some cats and dogs as they grew up but Carol never had her own pet.

While in New York performing in "Moon over Buffalo" she decided she needed a companion, so when she discussed it with her cast (a huge group of kitty enthusiasts), they began selling the idea of why a cat was the perfect pet. She gave in. Carol visited the Bide-A-Wee shelter where her she was to adopt a cat. Excuse me! I mean where the cat was to adopt her. "Her little paw came out, I heard a meow and that was it," said Carol.

Roxy became the mascot of the show, a perfect match for Carol; Roxy was a theater buff. "I went out, got all the cat books and began getting her accustomed to my lifestyle. If you're consistent it really works" says Carol "She makes me laugh. I'll be singing and hit a high note and she'll slap me saying, 'You're getting too loud'."

Although Carol is enjoying the company of her Roxy, when asked if she would get another pet, she replies, "I don't know. I travel so much, and Roxy doesn't know she's an animal. I don't think I could travel with more than one, and besides, as long as she isn't around other animals we have this secret about her identity. She is so very comfortable with people."

Along with Lucille Ball and Red Skelton, Carol Burnett proves America loves red headed comedians.

Since Carol got her first cat at the age of 65, we can't avoid asking, "Why no pets sooner?" Perhaps it was the fact she was on television and in movies, because of her work in the theater, her busy social calendar, or maybe it was because Carol is allergic. Will this present a problem? "I'm allergic to her, but I'm gonna keep her. I would rather get rid of my allergist than Roxy. I'm not gonna give her up. I'll take the shots if I have to, but Roxy stays," remarked Carol.

Carol will always be remembered for the memorable roles she brought to television. She was Eunice, Thelma's daughter in "Mama's Family," a show that spun off a skit on Carol's show. She played Tarzan, the cleaning lady, and countless other characters that will remain an unforgettable part of television history. She has performed with Julie Andrews in television specials from Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center, as well as a concert with opera singer Beverly Sills at the New York Metropolitan Opera.

For her extensive work in television, The National Association of Broadcasters inducted her into the Hall of Fame. She has made several contributions to various organizations including her alma matter UCLA.

If Carol Burnett where to list her various roles it would be a long list indeed. It would include mother, actress, comedian, producer, author, singer, and philanthropist. Thanks to Roxy, she can add "cat owner" and "pet lover" to the list as well.

-Kareem Tabsch is a freelance writer who specializes in celebrity interviews. He has interviewed celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Julio Iglesias, Barbara Mandrell and others. He writes frequently on animal related issues as well as on the entertainment industry.