Actor Allison Janney receives a daily text message from comedy legend Carol Burnett to verify their ongoing Wordle streak, according to an interview Janney gave on CNN’s Coming Up podcast. The two actors, who starred together in the Apple TV series Palm Royale, have maintained this digital routine for four years.
The Four-Year Wordle Routine Between Costars
According to Janney, the daily texts serve a simple purpose: letting her know Burnett has successfully completed the New York Times word game for the day. “I play Wordle with her every day, so I get a text from Carol Burnett every day of my life for the last four years,” Janney stated during her podcast appearance. She added that the experience has not lost its novelty, noting that she routinely reacts with excitement when the message arrives.
Burnett previously acknowledged the daily competition during a 2024 appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark. At the time, Burnett noted that she and Janney were closely matched players, though she highlighted a rare personal achievement in the game. According to Burnett’s earlier remarks, she has guessed the correct word on her first try—known as a Wordle-in-one—on seven separate occasions.
Building Friendship on the Set of Palm Royale
The daily gaming habit developed out of a professional relationship formed on the set of Palm Royale, an Apple TV series that concluded its run earlier this year. The period comedy also features Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Ricky Martin, and Leslie Bibb. For Janney, working alongside Burnett marked a significant milestone, as she identifies the comedy icon as a primary inspiration for her career.
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Did you know?
Allison Janney has frequently cited Carol Burnett as her biggest acting idol, noting that watching Burnett’s television work as a child inspired her to pursue performance alongside her mother, who was also an actress.
“Carol Burnett is probably the reason why I wanted to be an actress,” Janney said on the podcast. Describing the transition from childhood fan to adult peer, the Oscar winner admitted she still has to pinch herself when realizing Burnett is now a personal friend. In previous interviews with PEOPLE, Janney joked that her father finally considers her Hollywood career legitimate now that she has worked directly with Burnett.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Allison Janney and Carol Burnett been playing Wordle together?
According to Allison Janney, they have played the daily word game and exchanged texts about it for four years.
Which television show did Allison Janney and Carol Burnett star in together?
The pair starred together in the Apple TV comedy series Palm Royale.
What rare Wordle achievement has Carol Burnett accomplished?
During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Burnett shared that she has guessed the daily Wordle answer in a single try seven times.
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