Carol Burnett is known for her iconic Tarzan yell. However, during an interview with the Santa Barbara News-Press, she described a moment when the scream got her into a bit of hot water in public.

Burnett recalled that in the 1960s, she was recognized by a clerk while at a department store. The clerk, a fan of Burnett’s work, asked the actor to do her famous yell for “identity verification” purposes after the actor attempted to write a check. Never one for a lukewarm performance, Burnett obliged rather loudly. The outburst frightened a nearby security guard at the store, who rushed over to Burnett in concern.

“From then on, I don’t do my Tarzan yell unless it’s under controlled circumstances,” Burnett said during an interview with the Santa Barbara News-Press. “I could give someone a heart attack!”

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Of course, Burnett’s enthusiasm as an actor was what endeared her to a crowd and what made The Carol Burnett Show such a success in the first place. Not only did she and her co-stars love performing for an audience, but they also enjoyed playing off of each other’s energy. “The audience saw how much fun we were having and that we didn’t take ourselves seriously,” said Burnett. “We supported and admired each other.”

That being said, Burnett acknowledged that the series was a product of its time and likely could never be recreated, given its scale and scope. “It would cost too much,” said the actor. “We had a 28-piece orchestra, 50 costumes a week, and two major guest stars. You can do a reality show today for $1.98.”