Harvey Korman said that he didn't look for ''comedy'' in sketches on The Carol Burnett Show

Korman was a professional.

January 13, 2025, 2:27PM By MeTV Staff

CBS Television Distribution

Apparently, comedy is actually not the most important thing to every comedian. Where good comedians are focused on where their next laugh is coming from during a performance, those who are truly great are interested in supporting those around them.

Harvey Korman was well known as a second banana in shows like The Danny Kaye Show. In fact, it was his work on the series that caught the attention of Carol Burnett, who immediately understood Korman's range and talent, inviting him to join the cast of The Carol Burnett Show.

As a veteran actor on the stage and screen, Korman understood that a show like The Carol Burnett Show didn't necessarily rely on one actor alone to serve as the star.

If anything, the show was an ensemble, and actors like Korman, Tim Conway, and Vicki Lawrence would have to be able to check their egos at the door to work together and make the audience laugh.

For his part, Korman immediately understood the assignment. Not only was he able to support his fellow costars, but he also knew when it was time to help actors like Carol Burnett shine.

"I don't look for comedy in the sketches," said Korman during an interview with the Associated Press. "The thing an actor always looks for is the give and take with the other performers. In the case of Carol, there is plenty of it."

Likewise, Burnett was always ready and willing to support Korman in a scene, should the situation call for it.

If I can find someplace in the sketch that I can make a statement of some sort, Carol adores it," said Korman. "But of course, not all performers like to work that way when they are stars."