Harvey Korman
: Harvey Korman (1927–2008) was an American comedian and actor, best known for The Carol Burnett Show and Mel Brooks’s comedies. Learn about his early life, career highlights, comedic style, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Harvey Herschel Korman (February 15, 1927 – May 29, 2008) was a celebrated American actor and comedian whose work spanned television, film, and voice acting. He is perhaps best remembered as a core cast member on The Carol Burnett Show, where his versatility, impeccable timing, and ability to play both straight man and broad character roles made him indispensable to the ensemble.
But beyond his television fame, Korman worked in numerous Mel Brooks films, lent his voice to animated characters, and demonstrated a wide range of comedic ability. His legacy persists in the history of sketch comedy and variety entertainment.
Early Life and Family
Harvey Korman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 15, 1927. Ellen (née Blecher) and Cyril Raymond Korman, were of Russian Jewish descent, and his father worked as a salesman.
His upbringing in Chicago would later feed into his dramatic training and early acting ambitions. After high school, during World War II, Korman served in the United States Navy.
After the war, he turned to formal dramatic training. He studied at the Goodman School of Drama (then at the Art Institute of Chicago) and also at HB Studio in New York.
He also participated in summer theatre programs, such as the Peninsula Players in Wisconsin, in multiple seasons.
Youth, Education & Early Career
In his early post-war years, Korman sought a footing in theater and performance. His dramatic training included classical and character work, which later enriched his comic roles with depth and flexibility.
He began making television appearances in supporting or guest roles in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Some of his early credits include The Donna Reed Show, Route 66, Perry Mason, and The Lucy Show.
He also worked behind the scenes and in smaller venues—building experience—before breaking into more regular television work.
One of his early breakthroughs was as a supporting player on The Danny Kaye Show, helping him gain exposure and comedic direction.
Korman also did voice acting in earlier years; he voiced The Great Gazoo in The Flintstones during the 1965–66 season.
Career and Achievements
The Carol Burnett Show & Television Success
In 1967, The Carol Burnett Show premiered, and Korman became a central ensemble member, alongside Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, and Vicki Lawrence. Over the show's 10 seasons, he won four Primetime Emmy Awards and also a Golden Globe for his work.
On the show, Korman wasn’t limited to one archetype: he played a wide variety of characters, often shifting between straight man, buffoon, villain, and absurd caricature. His expressive face, timing, and ability to “sell” comedic setups made him invaluable to sketch-based comedy.
During his tenure, Korman also cultivated recurring character roles—for example, Ed Higgins, from The Family sketches, which later spun into Mama’s Family.
In 1977, he departed The Carol Burnett Show to attempt starring in his own sitcom, The Harvey Korman Show (1978), though that effort was short-lived.
In later years, Korman returned in reunions and rejoined colleagues in various television specials, spin-offs, and guest appearances (e.g. Mama’s Family, The Tim Conway Show).
Film & Comedy with Mel Brooks
Korman’s screen work includes several memorable roles in Mel Brooks’ comedies.
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In Blazing Saddles (1974), he played the memorable villain Hedley Lamarr.
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He appeared in High Anxiety (1977) as Dr. Charles Montague.
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He also featured in History of the World, Part I (1981).
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Later, he joined Brooks’ Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995) in the role of Dr. Jack Seward.
Outside Brooks films, Korman acted in comedies and family features such as Herbie Goes Bananas (1980), Trail of the Pink Panther, Curse of the Pink Panther, Alice in Wonderland, and Jingle All the Way.
He also remained active in voice acting in later years (animation, cartoons) across many shows, including Garfield & Friends, Hey Arnold!, The Wild Thornberrys, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, and more.
He and Tim Conway toured together performing comedy sketches in their later years, preserving and reviving classic bits for live audiences.
In 2002, Korman and Conway were inducted into the Television Hall of Fame for their contributions to TV comedy.
Historical Milestones & Context
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Korman’s rise coincided with the golden age of American variety and sketch comedy television in the 1960s and 1970s, where ensemble shows had significant cultural impact.
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His ability to switch between broad caricature and grounded straight-man roles reflected the evolving demands of televised comedy, which required versatility.
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Working with Mel Brooks tied him into a lineage of satirical, subversive movie comedy that challenged and parodied established genres.
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His voice work later connected him with changes in animation and children’s television becoming more valued and widespread.
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His long career spanning from the early television era through late-20th century transitions demonstrates adaptability in changing media landscapes.
Legacy and Influence
Harvey Korman left a considerable mark on comedic arts:
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Versatile ensemble talent
He showed how a comedian doesn’t always need to be the “star” — he made himself essential to the success of sketches and shows by being reliable, funny, and deeply expressive. -
Comic timing & character skill
Many comedians cite his precision—the ability to sell absurd premises, shift character rapidly, and respond to his peers—as exemplary. -
Bridge between eras
Korman links classic television sketch comedy and modern film parody, serving as a model for performers who wish to cross mediums. -
Enduring classic roles
His Hedley Lamarr, Ed Higgins, and other characters remain memorable, quoted, and referenced in comedy retrospectives and fan culture. -
Mentorship by presence
Through his later collaborations, reunions, and live tours with Conway, he helped sustain the tradition of sketch comedy for newer audiences.
Personality and Talents
Though primarily known for his comedic gifts, Korman’s background in drama and classical training added weight to his performances. He once said:
“I played Hamlet, I played Chekhov and Ibsen and all the classics.”
He also quipped:
“Funny is when you’re serious.”
That wit—hidden behind exaggeration—suggests he understood comedy as a balance of contrast.
According to biographical sources, Korman had a dignified speaking presence yet was able to stretch into ridiculousness when needed.
His off-screen persona was more reserved than his on-camera roles. He was respected, professional, and thoughtful about his craft.
Famous Quotes of Harvey Korman
Here are a few memorable lines that reflect his humor and perspective:
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“Funny is when you’re serious.”
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“I played Hamlet, I played Chekhov and Ibsen and all the classics.”
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From Blazing Saddles, as Hedley Lamarr: “Taxi! Drive me off this picture!”
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From quote collections:
“That part, eating and getting around to the hotel room and then going on.”
Though not as quote-centric as some stars, his remarks often betray the mind of an actor who understood both theater and absurdity.
Lessons from Harvey Korman
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Be versatile: Korman’s ability to shift among character types (villain, buffoon, straight man) made him indispensable.
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Training matters: His grounding in drama endowed his comedy with credibility and depth.
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Support is as important as center stage: Some of his best work was as foil—not always the “lead,” but essential.
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Stay adaptable: He moved among television, film, stage, and voice work as opportunities evolved.
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Respect peers and ensemble: His success was tightly bound to the teams he worked with (Burnett, Conway, Brooks).
Personal Life & Death
Harvey Korman was married twice. From 1960 to 1977, he was married to Donna Ehlert, and they had two children, Maria and Christopher.
In 1982, he married Deborah Fritz, and they remained together until his death. They had two daughters, Kate and Laura.
On May 29, 2008, Korman died at UCLA Medical Center due to complications from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, which he had suffered several months earlier.
He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery, Santa Monica, California.
Conclusion
Harvey Korman remains one of the great talents in American comedy: a performer who could anchor a sketch, deliver outrageous character turns, and sustain a career across multiple decades and media. From The Carol Burnett Show to Blazing Saddles, his comedic legacy is marked by precision, range, and a love for the craft.