Tim Conway of ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ Dies at 85

Tim Conway, the perennial “second banana” on “The Carol Burnett Show” who made an art out of breaking up his co-star Harvey Korman, has died at the age of 85.

Conway passed away yesterday morning in Los Angeles, according to his rep Howard Bragman. Prior to his death, he suffered complications from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH).

Born Thomas Daniel December 15, 1933 in a suburb of Cleveland, Conway rose to early fame as a featured player on ABC’s “The Steve Allen Show” in 1961 and on 1960s sitcom “McHale’s Navy.” While solo success on comedy series “Rango,” “The Tim Conway Show” (two versions), “The Tim Conway Hour” and “Tim Conway’s Funny America” never did happen, Conway joined “The Carol Burnett Show” as a series regular in 1975 (after years of appearing as a guest star) and won three Emmy awards (either as a performer or a writer) for his efforts. He won two additional Emmy Awards as a Guest Performer in a Comedy Series for “Coach” in 1996 and “30 Rock” in 2008.

Said Carol Burnett of Conway’s passing:“I’m heartbroken. He was one in a million, not only as a brilliant comedian but as a loving human being. I cherish the times we had together both on the screen and off. He’ll be in my heart forever.”  

Conway is survived by his wife of 35 years, his stepdaughter, his six biological children and two granddaughters. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would like donations to be made to The Lou Ruvo Brain Center at the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas, Nevada.