Tim Conway was proud to play second fiddle to Carol Burnett

"Carol is the only star I would go on as a regular with," said Conway.

January 24, 2025, 11:16AM By MeTV Staff

CBS Television Distribution

Working in an ensemble is not for the faint of art. You need to be a team player and check your ego at the door. To be a member of an ensemble is to understand that alone, you're nothing. But with your fellow members, your combined talents can achieve something more incredible than you could ever imagine.

Tim Conway understood that sort of mentality was important, and it was a mindset that made him famous. Conway was a regular cast member of The Carol Burnett Show for many years. The actor often sang the praises of his co-star, Burnett, including during an interview with the Associated Press. Conway was second fiddle, and he had no problem admitting that.

"Carol is the only star I would go on as a regular with," said Conway. "Harvey is offended by the term 'second banana,' but with Carol, you can't be anything else. She's that great."

Conway also often played opposite his friend and frequent collaborator, Harvey Korman. Both men respected each other's comedic ability, but Conway confessed that their warm relationship made it difficult not to laugh out loud at each other during scenes.

"Now Harvey and I are faced with a whole year of breaking each other up," said Conway. "It's hard for us to look at each other without busting out laughing. He was dressed in a chicken costume and I was outfitted as the Avon Lady, but we were both very serious about the conversation. Suddenly we realized that he was speaking through the beak of a chicken, and I was wearing a dress. We haven't been able to take each other seriously since."

That sort of laughter was infectious amongst the cast and was the source of joy amongst fans everywhere. "Now Carol is beginning to break up, too," said Conway. "That's all right. I think the audience likes it, as long as it seems genuine."