Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

September 5, 2008 2:47:14 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Harvey Korman: More Than a Second Banana

Posted May 31, 08 1:48 PM CDT in

(Newser) – Harvey Korman was sometimes described as the “quintessential second banana,” and he did indeed make his name in supporting roles. But Korman, who died this week at 81, was a special second banana. For Mel Brooks, he became the perfect scheming underling, hilariously worming his way through movie after movie. On the Carol Burnett show, he was renowned for cracking up at others’ gags.

“Understand this: It is a generous act by a comic actor to let the audience see him break character,” writes Frank Ahrens of the Washington Post. “That means he is comfortable enough in his skin to let the other actor have his moment. And Korman knew that sometimes the best way to get someone else to laugh is simply to let them see you doing it.”

Source Washington Post

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Comic Great Harvey Korman Dead at 81

    May 29, 08 7:23 PM CDT
    Comic Great Harvey Korman Dead at 81 Harvey Korman, who gained comic fame with his bust-a-gut sketches on the "Carol Burnett Show" in the 1960s and 70s, has died at age 81 from complications of an aneurysm, the AP reports. Korman won four Emmys for his TV work, often pairing with Burnett or Tim Conway. He had success on the big screen, too, most notably as Hedley (not Hedy!) Lamarr in Blazing Saddles. More »

  • Laugh-In Creator Dick Martin Dead at 86

    May 25, 08 11:17 AM CDT
    Laugh-In Creator Dick Martin Dead at 86 The final judge has come for Dick Martin, co-founder of the groundbreaking comedy show Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and later a prolific director, the AP reports. Martin, the wacky counterpoint to partner Dan Rowan's straight man, died last night at age 86 of respiratory problems. Laugh-In, which began in 1968, launched the careers of Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin and changed television comedy. More »

In this 1978 file photo originally provided by NBC, Buddy Hackett, portraying Lou Costello, left, and Harvey Korman, portraying Bud Abbott, go through their routine for the TV film, "Bud and Lou."   (AP Photo/NBC, file)
TV Emmy award winner, Harvey Korman performs during a comedy show at University of Texas at Tyler in this 2004 photo.   (AP Photo/Dr. Scott M. Lieberman)
In this 1985 file photo originally provided by CBS, Harvey Korman is shown in character as the White King in "Alice in Wonderland."   (AP Photo/CBS, file)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Tags

obituary  • comedian  • Mel Brooks  • Carol Burnett


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular


Other Home Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »