Harvey Korman mastered the art of the slow burn, double-take, and exasperated sigh, becoming one of comedy’s greatest straight men. His timing and reactions turned ordinary sketches into legendary moments. Beyond the laughs, fans often wonder about the wealth his career brought. This look at Harvey Korman net worth explores his career, earnings, and lasting legacy.
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Who Was Harvey Korman?
Harvey Herschel Korman was more than just a comedian; he was a masterful character actor whose versatility knew no bounds. Born in Chicago in 1927, he honed his craft for years before becoming a household name. His tall, distinguished presence and incredible range—from aristocratic buffoons to bumbling everymen—made him an invaluable asset to any sketch or film.
Early Life and The Grind to Stardom
Korman’s path to comedy wasn’t an overnight success story. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he studied acting at the prestigious Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. He then embarked on the classic actor’s journey, moving to California and grinding through countless small roles in television and radio throughout the 1950s and early 60s.
He was a frequent guest on shows like The Danny Kaye Show and The Lucy Show, slowly building a reputation as a reliable and talented performer. This period of steady, if unspectacular, work laid the foundational earnings for his future financial standing.
Rise to Fame: The Carol Burnett Show Era
In 1967, Korman’s career—and his earning potential—exploded when he joined the cast of the soon-to-be-legendary The Carol Burnett Show. For 10 seasons, his chemistry with Burnett and especially Tim Conway became the stuff of television history. His salary from the show, which grew significantly as its popularity soared, became the primary engine of his wealth.
Reports from the era suggest that lead cast members on top-rated variety shows could command salaries in the range of $10,000 to $20,000 per episode (equivalent to roughly $75,000-$150,000 today) by the show’s peak. This consistent, high-level income formed the bedrock of Harvey Korman net worth.
Success in Film and Other Ventures
Korman didn’t just rest on his TV success. He brilliantly parlayed his fame into a lucrative film career, most notably through his collaborations with Mel Brooks, much like how Michael Fassbender net worth has been elevated through a mix of blockbuster roles and critically acclaimed films.
- Film Roles: He stole scenes in classics like Blazing Saddles (as the outrageously bigoted Hedley Lamarr), High Anxiety, and History of the World, Part I. These roles, while not necessarily blockbuster paydays on their own, added substantial sums to his income and kept him in the public eye, leading to more work.
- Voice Acting: His distinctive voice became another revenue stream. He voiced characters in animated features like The Secret of NIMH and The Great Mouse Detective, a field that provides generous residual payments.
- Stage Performances: Later in his career, Korman and Conway took their act on the road, performing live stage shows across the country. These tours were undoubtedly a significant and direct source of income, capitalizing on their beloved partnership.
Harvey Korman Net Worth at the Peak of His Career
At the height of his career in the late 1970s and early 1980s—with The Carol Burnett Show a ratings juggernaut, successful films in theaters, and voiceover work—Harvey Korman net worth was estimated to be in the range of $5 million to $10 million. Adjusted for inflation, that would be approximately $20 million to $40 million in today’s dollars. This placed him among the top-earning television actors of his generation, though not unlike Burt Mustin net worth, which reflected steady success built over decades of consistent work.
Sources of Income: Building the Fortune
| Source | Contribution to Net Worth |
| Television Salary | The primary source. A high, steady income from 10 seasons on a top-rated network show. |
| Film Roles | Significant supplementary income from major feature films, particularly in the comedy genre. |
| Voice Acting | Provided residual income and kept him working consistently between on-camera roles. |
| Stage Performances | Direct earnings from national tours, especially his successful shows with Tim Conway. |
Lifestyle, Philanthropy, and Legacy
Unlike many celebrities, Korman was known for a relatively private and modest lifestyle. He was married twice and had four children. There were no public tales of extravagant spending or financial mismanagement. While not much is widely documented about his philanthropy, his focus seemed to be on his family and his craft. His true legacy is imprinted on comedy itself. He was a performer’s performer, respected for his timing, generosity, and ability to elevate everyone around him.
Harvey Korman Net Worth at the Time of His Death
Harvey Korman passed away on May 29, 2008, after complications from an aortic aneurysm. At the time of his death, estimates of Harvey Korman net worth were around $5 million. While lower than his peak earnings, this still reflected a long, prosperous, and incredibly successful career. The slight decrease from his peak can be attributed to the natural scaling back of work in his later years and the division of assets through his life.
Comparison with Comedian Net Worths of His Era
How does Harvey Korman net worth compare to his peers?
- Carol Burnett: As the star and producer of her show, Burnett’s net worth was significantly higher, estimated at over $40 million.
- Tim Conway: His long career on McHale’s Navy, The Carol Burnett Show, and later as a voice in SpongeBob SquarePants led to an estimated net worth of $15 million.
- Don Rickles: The legendary insult comic had a decades-long career in nightclubs, films, and TV, amassing a net worth of around $30 million.
Korman’s wealth was substantial and respectable, fitting for a second-billed star on a massive variety show rather than its headline name, similar to how Marilu Henner net worth reflects steady success built from television prominence and long-term projects.
Lessons from a Comedy Legend’s Career
Korman’s professional journey teaches us that wealth isn’t always built by being the lone star. It can be built by being the best supporting player—the reliable, brilliant talent that makes the star shine brighter. His diverse income portfolio—from TV, film, voicework, and touring—is a model for longevity in the volatile entertainment industry.
Conclusion
While we can quantify Harvey Korman net worth in millions of dollars, his true value is immeasurable. He gifted the world with decades of timeless laughter. His performances continue to generate joy on streaming platforms, proving that the wealth of a great artist isn’t just in their bank account, but in the cultural treasury they leave behind. Harvey Korman’s net worth was a testament to his talent, but his legacy is worth so much more.
FAQs
Was Harvey Korman a millionaire?
Yes, he was worth several million dollars and remained a millionaire until his death.
How much did he make per episode on The Carol Burnett Show?
Exact figures aren’t public, but estimates range from $10,000–$20,000 per episode.
Did he have other businesses?
No, his wealth came almost entirely from acting and performing.
Who inherited his money?
His estate went to his wife, Deborah, and his four children.
Do his estates still earn money?
Yes, his heirs receive residuals from TV syndication, film royalties, and voice work.
