Korman, Harvey (1927—)

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Korman, Harvey (1927—)

Comic performer Harvey Korman is best known for his work as Carol Burnett's sidekick on The Carol Burnett Show from 1967-1977. Korman's talent for physical humor and knack for oddball accents made him a master sketch comic. On the show, his skills were so versatile that he could entertain audiences as a robust Yiddish mama in one skit and become a comical Rhett Butler after the commercial break. During that series, Korman garnered four Emmy Awards, and came to prominence as one of television's outstanding supporting players.

During the 1983-1984 season, Korman delighted small-screen audiences playing dual roles in Mama's Family, a situation comedy about a dysfunctional-but-funny small town Southern family. Korman introduced each episode as debonair Alistair Quince, and occasionally appeared as Ed Higgins, the husband of loudmouth Eunice (Burnett). He has appeared in more than 30 films, including several Pink Panther features and Mel Brooks farces. Korman has the ability to perform in skits without stealing scenes from stars—a gift that keeps him working in support of the top comic actors in the field.

—Audrey E. Kupferberg