Harvey Korman was the undisputed king of the straight man, a comedic genius whose greatest gift was reacting to the chaos around him. From 'The Carol Burnett Show' to classic films, he shared the screen with some of the best in the business.
Carol Burnett
No list of
Harvey Korman's collaborators could begin anywhere else. As the unflappable star of 'The Carol Burnett Show,' Carol Burnett created a playground for comedic actors to shine, and her chemistry with Korman was its bedrock. For eleven seasons, they played bickering spouses, quirky characters, and foils in countless sketches, including the legendary 'Family' and 'Went with the Wind' parodies. While their show is endlessly rewatchable, don't miss Burnett's Tony-nominated Broadway debut in 'Once Upon a Mattress' or her dramatic turns in films like 'The Four Seasons' and 'Annie.' She proved time and again that her talent extended far beyond a single variety show.
Tim Conway
If Korman was the king of the straight man, Tim Conway was the master of breaking him. Their partnership on 'The Carol Burnett Show' is the stuff of legend, with Conway's ad-libs and physical comedy frequently causing Korman to dissolve into laughter mid-sketch. The 'Dentist' sketch is a masterclass in this dynamic. But their collaboration wasn't limited to that show. They later starred in films together, including 'The Longshot,' and toured the country for over a decade with a successful stage show. To see Conway's solo genius, check out his 'Dorf on Golf' series or his starring role in the Disney film 'The Apple Dumpling Gang.'
Madeline Kahn
Harvey Korman's villainous Hedley Lamarr in 'Blazing Saddles' needed an equally memorable counterpart, and he found her in Madeline Kahn's Lili Von Shtupp. Their scenes together are comedy gold. Kahn, a two-time Oscar nominee, had a unique ability to blend seduction with absurdity. They reunited in Mel Brooks' 'History of the World, Part I,' where Kahn played Empress Nympho. For a deeper dive into Kahn's brilliant but tragically short career, her Oscar-nominated role in 'Paper Moon' is essential viewing, as is her hilarious performance as Mrs. White in the cult classic 'Clue.'
Mel Brooks
Though more of a director-actor pairing, Mel Brooks was a crucial Korman collaborator, casting him in some of his most iconic film roles. Brooks recognized Korman's ability to play the pompous, slightly unhinged authority figure perfectly. He cast him as the scheming Hedley Lamarr in 'Blazing Saddles,' the delightfully anxious Dr. Montague in 'High Anxiety,' and a Roman courtier in 'History of the World, Part I.' Korman was an essential member of Brooks' unofficial repertory company. To appreciate Brooks' own on-screen work, watch his lead performance in 'High Anxiety' or his hilarious turn as Governor Le Petomane in 'Blazing Saddles.'
Vicki Lawrence
Vicki Lawrence joined 'The Carol Burnett Show' as a teenager after writing a fan letter to Carol, who noted their resemblance. She grew into a formidable and versatile comedian right before America's eyes, holding her own alongside veterans Korman and Burnett. Harvey served as a mentor to her, teaching her the art of accents and character work. She is best known for creating the character of Thelma 'Mama' Harper in 'The Family' sketches, a role she would later carry into the successful sitcom 'Mama's Family,' which Korman also appeared in and directed episodes for. Lawrence also had a number one hit song in 1973 with 'The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.'
Gene Wilder
Another key member of the Mel Brooks universe, Gene Wilder shared the screen with Harvey Korman in the classic 'Blazing Saddles.' While Korman’s Hedley Lamarr plotted and schemed, Wilder’s 'Waco Kid' provided a laconic, world-weary cool. Their on-screen time together was limited, but they were part of a legendary ensemble cast. Wilder’s brand of gentle, neurotic, and occasionally explosive comedy was a perfect fit for the era. For the essential Gene Wilder experience, you can me wrong with his iconic title role in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' or his brilliant collaboration with Brooks, 'Young Frankenstein.'
Buddy Hackett
While not as frequent a collaborator as others on this list, Buddy Hackett shared a specific and memorable project with Korman :the 1978 TV movie 'Bud and Lou.' In a dramatic turn for both ,Korman played the straight man Bud Abbott to Hackett’s Lou Costello .Both actors were part of the same generation of comedians who honed their craft in nightclubs and on variety shows .Hackett was known for a thicker ,more raucous style of comedy .To see him in his prime ,watch his performance as the mechanic Tennessee Steinmetz in Disney’s 'The Love Bug _or as Benjy Benjamin in the epic comedy 'It’s a Mad ,Mad ,Mad ,Mad World.'
