Harvey Korman Net Worth

What was Harvey Korman's net worth?

Harvey Korman was an American actor, comedian, and voice artist who had a net worth of $25 million at the time of his death. Harvey Korman died on May 29, 2008, at the age of 81.

Harvey Korman was best known for his longtime association with "The Carol Burnett Show," where his brilliant sketch work and impeccable timing made him a household name. Over the course of a five-decade career in television, film, and stage, Korman showcased a mastery of character-driven comedy, whether playing a hapless foil or a smug villain. His collaborations with Mel Brooks in films like "Blazing Saddles" and "High Anxiety" brought his talents to an even wider audience, cementing his place among the most versatile comedic actors of his generation. Whether paired with Tim Conway for unforgettable sketch comedy routines or stealing scenes as Hedley Lamarr in one of the most irreverent Westerns ever made, Korman consistently delivered memorable performances that blended intelligence, absurdity, and grace.

Early Life and Education

Harvey Herschel Korman was born on February 15, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in a Jewish household of Russian heritage, Korman served in the United States Navy during World War II before pursuing acting. He studied at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago and later at the HB Studio in New York City. Early in his career, Korman took on minor stage and television roles as he honed his craft and developed his comedic instincts.

The Carol Burnett Show

Korman's major breakthrough came in 1967 when he joined the cast of "The Carol Burnett Show." Over ten seasons, he became the show's resident leading man, known for his sharp character work and chemistry with Burnett and fellow cast members like Vicki Lawrence and Tim Conway. Korman's ability to oscillate between the ridiculous and the refined made him a vital element of the show's success.

Whether portraying a Shakespearean ham, a fussy butler, or a harried husband, Korman had a rare ability to elevate material while also delighting in the silliness of sketch comedy. He was also famous for breaking character on occasion—often dissolving into laughter mid-sketch due to Conway's unpredictable antics. For his work on the show, Korman earned six Emmy nominations and won four, as well as a Golden Globe.

(Photo by Matthew Peyton/Getty Images)

Film Success and Collaborations with Mel Brooks

After establishing himself on television, Korman transitioned to film, where his collaborations with Mel Brooks became iconic. In the 1974 classic "Blazing Saddles," Korman played the oily and corrupt State Attorney General Hedley Lamarr, a role that showcased his ability to play villains with a deliciously comic twist. He reprised similar comic personas in Brooks's other films including "High Anxiety" (1977) as the sinister Dr. Montague and "History of the World, Part I" (1981) as Count de Monet.

Korman's theatrical timing and his commanding screen presence made him an ideal foil in Brooks's satirical worlds. He also voiced The Great Gazoo in later episodes of the animated series "The Flintstones," adding voiceover to his resume.

Post-"Burnett" Career and Stage Work

After leaving "The Carol Burnett Show" in 1977, Korman starred in his own series, "The Harvey Korman Show," though it was short-lived. He remained active through numerous guest appearances on shows like "The Love Boat," "Mama's Family," and "ER." In the 1980s and 1990s, Korman found renewed popularity touring with Tim Conway. Their stage act, full of sketches and improvisation, brought beloved characters back to audiences across the country. Their comedic rapport remained intact, and they released multiple direct-to-video comedy specials.

Korman also appeared in Broadway and regional theater productions, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to performance in all its forms.

Getty

Personal Life and Death

Korman was married twice and had four children. In interviews and memoirs, he often credited his long career to a combination of discipline, adaptability, and luck. In later years, he focused on live comedy shows with Tim Conway and remained a beloved figure among classic television fans.

Harvey Korman passed away on May 29, 2008, at the age of 81 due to complications from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. His death was widely mourned in the entertainment world, where peers and fans alike remembered him for his generosity, elegance, and enduring humor.

Bel Air Estate

In 1976, Harvey completed construction on a 7,000-square-foot estate set on 2.3 acres in LA's Bel Air neighborhood. His estate listed the property for sale in 2016 for $20 million. It ultimately sold in June 2017 for $14 million. The buyer was Honey co-founder George Ruan. Honey, an e-coupon company, was acquired by PayPal in 2020 for $4 billion. George already owned the property next door. Here is a video tour of the former Harvey Korman estate:

Who's Richer?

Harvey
Korman

Compare!

Tim
Conway