SHORT TAKES : Burnett, Andrews Share Bond

NEW YORK — Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews say that coming from homes with alcoholic parents gives them a shared emotional background that has made them great friends.

In Sunday’s issue of Parade magazine, Burnett and Andrews say they have discovered an almost spiritual tie between them.

“If I believed in reincarnation, I’d say we were sisters in a previous life,” Andrews said.

“Whaddaya mean, chum? I think we’re sisters now!” Burnett replied.

“We’re both caretakers,” Burnett said. “You see, what Julie and I now realize is that we were initially drawn to each other because . . . I hope I’m not talking out of turn, but we’re both adult children of alcoholics.”

Andrews confirmed the link between them, saying: “I know Carol’s family situation was far, far worse, but I think both of us grew up with the same kinds of needs and insecurities.”

“As adults, Julie and I both try to control situations because as children we were trying to cope with what was essentially an uncontrollable problem,” Burnett said.

The two will appear in a television special to be broadcast Dec. 13 on ABC.