Emmy-winning Comedian Harvey Korman Dead at 81
Harvey Korman by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Multiple Emmy-winner
Harvey Korman, known for his work on
The Carol Burnett Show and
Blazing Saddles, died on Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 81.
In a statement, Korman's family said his death was related to complications from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm that occurred four months ago.
Korman got his start on TV in 1964 with
The Danny Kaye Show. When it was canceled three years later, he joined
Carol Burnett. Korman went on to have his own, eponymous series - which did not last long - and eventually began working in film, too. Perhaps his most famous role was in
Mel Brooks' 1974 Western satire,
Blazing Saddles, but Korman also appeared in numerous other movies, including Brooks'
High Anxiety and
History of the World Part I, as well as two
Pink Panther movies and
Gypsy, among others.
On TV, Korman's guest appearances spanned a range of shows, such as
Perry Mason,
Roseanne ,
The Muppet Show and
The Love Boat.
In a 2005 interview, says the AP, Korman commented on his career, and mused why his own show didn't succeed. "It takes a certain type of person to be a television star," he said. "I didn't have whatever that is. I come across as kind of snobbish and maybe a little too bright.... Give me something bizarre to play or put me in a dress and I'm fine."
Korman is survived by his wife and four children.
- Anna Dimond
Use our Online Video Guide to see Harvey Korman's work, appearances and more.
