Harvey Korman dies at 81

[Capper]

LOS ANGELES - Harvey Korman, the tall, versatile comedian who won four Emmys for his outrageously funny contributions to "The Carol Burnett Show" and on the big screen in "Blazing Saddles," died Thursday. He was 81.

Korman died at UCLA Medical Center after suffering complications from the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four months ago, his family said in a statement released by the hospital.

His daughter, Kate Korman, said in the statement that it was a "miracle" that her father had survived the aneurysm at all, and that he had several major operations.

"Tragically, after such a hard fought battle he passed away," she said.

A natural second banana, Korman 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."
Burnett and Korman developed into the perfect pair with their burlesques of classic movies such as "Gone With the Wind" and soap operas like "As the World Turns" (their version was called "As the Stomach Turns").

Another recurring skit featured them as "Ed and Eunice," a staid married couple who were constantly at odds with the wife's mother (a young Vickie Lawrence in a gray wig). In "Old Folks at Home," they were a combative married couple bedeviled by Lawrence as Burnett's troublesome young sister.

Burnett was devastated by the news, said her assistant, Angie Horejsi.
"She loved Harvey very much," Horejsi said. She said Burnett had not yet made a statement.

Korman revealed the secret to the long-running show's success in a 2005 interview.

"We were an ensemble, and Carol had the most incredible attitude. I've never worked with a star of that magnitude who was willing to give so much away."

After 10 successful seasons, he left 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.

"It takes a certain type of person to be a television star," he said in that 2005 interview. "I didn't have whatever that is. I come across as kind of snobbish and maybe a little too bright. ... Give me something bizarre to play or put me in a dress and I'm fine."

His most memorable film role was as the outlandish Hedley Lamarr (who was endlessly exasperated when people called him Hedy) in Mel Brooks' 1974 Western satire, "Blazing Saddles."

He also appeared in the Brooks comedies "High Anxiety," "The History of the World Part I" and "Dracula: Dead and Loving It," as well as two "Pink Panther" moves, "Trail of the Pink Panther" in 1982 and "Curse of the Pink Panther" in 1983.

One of the truly underappreciated comedians ever. As I'm sure Paul and Pete can attest, Blazing Saddles is one of my all time favorite movies. If you are ever in the mood for a great comedy, and aren't too PC, then you'll love it.

'Carol Burnett' star Harvey Korman dies at 81

[screwballl]

you guys are old...

[onebxr]

HArvey Korman was a comedic genius. Blazing Saddles(best comedy ever made), and the old Carol Burnette show were awesome because he had a part in it. He and Tim Conway were my favs. growing up.
-1

[PTRMAN]

He was great on the Carol Burnett show too - but I gues that makes me old!

[drevsdre]

i loved the Carol Burnette show. I used to watch reruns as a kid(I'm 32) all the time. I loved Harvey's characters and how good the chemistry between all of the actors was a thing of beauty and some serious luck. I still watch clips on the net, and am saddened by his passing. Another great one has left us way too early, even at 81.

[stinger608]

Originally Posted by screwballl

you guys are old...

Yea, these are some old bastards

[Lead Head]

I like the Carol Burnette show, my dad and I were watching it the other day.

Blazing Saddles is also my favorite comedy of all time. IMO, thins like Blazing Saddles and the Carol Burnette show are REAL comedy, not like the garbage like SNL that we have today.

[Boy'nBlack]

Originally Posted by Capper

Blazing Saddles is one of my all time favorite movies. If you are ever in the mood for a great comedy, and aren't too PC, then you'll love it.

And probably the best therapy for those that ARE too PC :D The sheriff is near...

I was really expecting some last gag, but heard of none. Pretty surprised. Perhaps the attendees got caught at the door and had to go back for a shit load of dimes?