Among the casts of the Carol Burnett Show, Carol Burnett, Vicki Lawrence, and Dich Van Dyke are still alive, while Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, and Lyle Waggoner have passed away.
The Carol Burnett Show was an American variety and sketch comedy television series aired from 1967 to 1978. It featured a talented ensemble main cast that included the names above. Harvey Korman, the Emmy-winning actor renowned for his comedic timing, died on May 29, 2008. Tim Conway, known for his comedic brilliance and improvisational skills, sadly passed away on May 14, 2019, while Lyle Waggoner, who played various roles on the show, passed on on March 17, 2020.
Who has Passed Away from the Carol Burnett Show?
1. Harvey Korman (February 15, 1927 – May 29, 2008)
Harvey Korman was a versatile American actor and comedian whose rise to fame began with his work on The Danny Kaye Show in the early 1960s. However, he reached the height of his career as a main cast member on The Carol Burnett Show, where his impeccable comedic timing and memorable characters earned him widespread acclaim.
Korman’s brilliance in sketch comedy, especially in collaborations with Tim Conway, became a hallmark of the show. Korman’s talent was recognized with four Primetime Emmy Awards for his outstanding performances.
The Chicago, Illinois native continued to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry with roles in films like Blazing Saddles and as a frequent guest on various other television programs. Unfortunately, Harvey Korman died on May 29, 2008, at the age of 81, due to complications from abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.
Harvey Korman was survived by his wife, Deborah Korman (née Fritz), and four children – Maria, Christopher, Kate, and Laura Korman.
2. Tim Conway (December 15, 1933 – May 14, 2019)
Tim Conway was an American comedian and actor who left a mark in Hollywood. Born on December 15, 1933, in Willoughby, Ohio, Conway’s rise to fame began with his work on The Steve Allen Show in the 1960s. His unparalleled talent for improvisational comedy and the distinctive characters he played led him to become a regular on The Carol Burnett Show, where his performances, often alongside Harvey Korman, were a highlight of the show. This earned him multiple Emmy Awards.
Tim Conway’s career extended beyond The Carol Burnett Show to include successful sitcoms like McHale’s Navy and other memorable film roles. He continued to bring laughter to audiences through various television appearances and voice-acting roles until he retired in 2016.
Two years later, in 2018, Conway was diagnosed with dementia due to normal pressure hydrocephalus. Tim Conway eventually passed away on May 14, 2019, at the age of 85, from complications of normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Conway was married twice. His first marriage was to Mary Anne Dalton from 1961 to 1978. They had six children. The actor later married Charlene Fusco in 1984, and they were together until his death.
3. Lyle Waggoner (April 13, 1935 – March 17, 2020)
Lyle Waggoner was an American actor known for his good looks and versatility. He was born on April 13, 1935, in Kansas City, Kansas. He gained recognition as a regular on The Carol Burnett Show, where he played various roles and showcased his comedic talent. He left the show in 1974 to pursue other opportunities, including a role as Steve Trevor in the television series Wonder Woman.
Waggoner’s later career included acting and business ventures. He co-founded Star Waggons, a company that provides customized trailers for the entertainment industry. In 1961, he married actress Sharon Kennedy, and they had two sons together. Lyle Waggoner lived until age 84 when he passed away on March 17, 2020. He died from cancer.
Members of the Carol Burnett Show who are Still Alive
Carol Burnett
Carol Burnett is a trailblazing American actress, comedian, and writer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She was born on April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, but was raised in Los Angeles by her grandmother after her parents divorced. Carol would go on to discover her passion for performing in high school. After attending UCLA, she ventured into theater, eventually landing on Broadway and earning a Tony Award nomination.
Burnett rose to prominence with her self-titled show, which aired from 1967 to 1978. The show catapulted her to stardom and earned her numerous accolades, cementing her status as a comedy legend. Now 91 years old, Carol continues to take on various acting roles. In 2022, she guest starred in the sixth and final season of the American drama series Better Call Saul.
Vicki Lawrence
Vicki Lawrence is an American actress, comedian, and singer known for her iconic character, Thelma “Mama” Harper and her contributions to The Carol Burnett Show. Born on March 26, 1949, in Inglewood, California, her career began unexpectedly when she wrote a fan letter to Carol Burnett at 17. Burnett was impressed by Lawrence’s talents and created a character for her on the show, leading to Lawrence’s debut in 1967.
Beyond her work on The Carol Burnett Show, Lawrence, now 75 years old, pursued a successful solo career. In 1973, she released the hit single “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” showcasing her singing abilities. Lawrence’s versatility extended to acting, including roles in various television shows and films.
Dick Van Dyke
Dick Van Dyke is an American actor, comedian, and dancer with a career spanning over seven decades. He was born on December 13, 1925, in West Plains, Missouri, and is currently 54 years old. He started his career in the 1950s and got his breakthrough in the 1960 film Mary Poppins and the Dick Van Dyke Show, where he showcased his comedic talents and charm.
Van Dyke joined the Carol Burnett Show during its final season in 1977 as a replacement for Harvey Korman. His collaboration with Carol Burnett and the rest of the cast added a new dynamic to the show. However, it did not help stem the sagging ratings, and so Van Dyke departed after ten episodes.
Following his time on the Carol Burnett Show, Dick Van Dyke continued to contribute to the entertainment industry. His later career included roles in films like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Night at the Museum.
Why did Harvey Korman Leave the Carol Burnett Show?
Harvey Korman left The Carol Burnett Show in 1977 after the tenth season. His departure was primarily due to a desire to pursue other opportunities and projects. He had been with the show since its inception in 1967 and felt it was time to move on to new challenges. Korman went on to headline his own sitcom titled The Harvey Korman Show. However, the show was unsuccessful and only lasted for five episodes.
Despite the disappointment of losing his sow, Korman continued his successful career in television and film. He appeared in various TV shows, movies, and stage productions, showcasing his comedic talent and versatility.
Why did Lyle Waggoner Leave the Carol Burnett Show?
Lyle Waggoner lasted seven years as a part of The Carol Burnett Show before leaving in 1974 after the seventh season. His decision to leave the show was motivated by his desire to advance his career as a lead actor and pursue other acting opportunities and projects. His departure was amicable, and he had a varied career in television and film.
After leaving The Carol Burnett Show, Waggoner took up the role of Steve Trevor on the television series Wonder Woman. Other TV movies and series he appeared in include Charlie’s Angels, The San Pedro Beach Bums, Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, The Golden Girls, Ellen, The War at Home, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Murder, She Wrote.
