Harvey Korman, the four time Emmy winning comedian who most of us remember from “The Carol Burnett Show” and from his role as a conniving politician in Blazing Saddles, died Thursday. He was 81.
A natural second banana, Korman first gained attention on “The Danny Kaye Show,” appearing in skits with the star. He joined the show in its second season in 1964 and continued until it was canceled in 1967. That same year he became a cast member in the first season of “The Carol Burnett Show.”
After 10 successful seasons, Korman left Burnett’s show in 1977 for his own series. Dick Van Dyke took his place, but the chemistry was lacking and the Burnett show was canceled two years later. “The Harvey Korman Show” also failed, as did other series starring the actor.
Korman went on to star in films including Blazing Saddles and many others. Korman and “Carol Burnett” co-star Tim Conway continued working together into their ’70s, touring the country with their show “Tim Conway and Harvey Korman: Together Again.” They did 120 shows a year, sometimes as many as six or eight in a weekend.
Korman died at UCLA Medical Center after suffering complications from the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four months ago, his family said. He had undergone several major operations and fought until the end.
Sad indeed…
Korman and Conway were a riot to see together. If you old like me, it was always funny to see them try so hard not to laugh on the Carol Burnett show when things were just down right funny…..
I’ve still never seen Blazing Saddles.
Very, very sad.
If you’ve never seen them, the Archive of American Television has done hundreds of interviews with television giants over the past few years. One of them is a three-part interview with Harvey Korman and Tim Conway. Here’s a link to part 1.
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Yeah, we used to watch Korman and Conway on the Carol Burnet Show and they were always our favorite part.
First off peace to you Harvey, thanks for bringing smiles and laughter all these years.
@Mike -you have to rent Blazing Saddles today! It’s without question one of the greatest comedies ever made. Probably Mel Brook’s best work.
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@Richard, great link….
Very sad. Grew up watching he and Tim, etc do just about anything to make people laugh.
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