Tim Conway’s comedic brilliance has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy, with countless sketches that have stood the test of time. As a standout performer on The Carol Burnett Show, Conway became famous for his ability to cause uncontrollable laughter among his castmates, particularly his frequent co-star Harvey Korman. One such legendary moment was discussed during an interview on Conan, where Conway revealed how a particularly hilarious sketch led Korman to literally wet himself with laughter. This article dives into Conway’s career, his chemistry with Korman, and the infamous story that continues to entertain generations.
Tim Conway’s Legacy
Tim Conway’s comedic genius lay in his impeccable timing and penchant for improvisation. He had a unique ability to find humor in everyday scenarios and stretch them to their most absurd extremes. A star both on screen and behind the scenes, Conway’s work extended beyond The Carol Burnett Show, yet it was this variety show where his talents truly shined.
The Carol Burnett Show itself is an essential part of television history. Running from 1967 to 1978, it became a platform for sketch comedy that paved the way for many future comedians. Conway joined as a regular during the later seasons but had appeared earlier in guest roles. His role on the show showcased his unique comedic flair, which often involved pushing skits beyond the script, resulting in spontaneous and unforgettable moments. His partnership with Harvey Korman was key to this magic.
The dynamic between Conway and Korman was electrifying. Their ability to play off each other with perfect timing often made their scenes the most memorable parts of the show. The way Korman tried to maintain his composure while Conway did everything in his power to break him became an ongoing game that delighted viewers. The audience could see Korman stifling laughter, only adding to the hilarity of the sketches.
The Conan O’Brien Interview
In a now-classic interview on Conan that aired in 2013, Tim Conway reminisced about his time on The Carol Burnett Show and shared some of the funniest behind-the-scenes stories. Conan O’Brien, a comedian in his own right, was visibly in awe as Conway recounted moments that were not only iconic but side-splittingly funny.
One particular story stood out: during the filming of the infamous Dentist sketch, Conway pushed Korman so far into laughter that he physically couldn’t control himself. The interview gave fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes camaraderie and improvisation that made the show so special. Korman’s breakdown during the sketch was not just an isolated incident—it was a pattern of Conway’s improvisation taking his co-stars by surprise(Conan Classic)(Team Coco).
The Infamous Dentist Sketch
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments in television comedy history is the Dentist sketch from The Carol Burnett Show. The premise of the sketch is simple: Conway plays a rookie dentist who accidentally injects himself with Novocain while trying to treat Korman’s character, leading to a series of physical comedy bits that spiral out of control.
What made this sketch truly iconic was Conway’s improvisation. While much of the scene was scripted, Conway took it upon himself to extend the bit, exaggerating his character’s clumsiness. His antics included numbing various parts of his own body, culminating in a performance that was both hilarious and masterfully executed.
Korman, seated in the dentist’s chair, initially attempted to stay in character, but Conway’s exaggerated movements and facial expressions became too much. He began laughing uncontrollably. At one point, Korman was laughing so hard that he actually wet himself on set, an anecdote Conway shared during his Conan interview. This breakdown, far from ruining the sketch, only enhanced its appeal. The audience could see Korman’s struggle, which only made the scene even more hilarious(Team Coco)(iComedyTV).
Tim Conway’s contributions to comedy are immeasurable. His work on The Carol Burnett Show remains a masterclass in comedic timing, improvisation, and character work. His ability to not only entertain the audience but also break his fellow castmates with laughter is a skill.
The Dentist sketch is just one example of Conway’s genius. To this day, it remains one of the most beloved moments in television history. The genuine camaraderie between Conway and Korman, paired with the brilliance of their performances, has left a lasting legacy on comedy.
If you haven’t yet watched the sketch or want to relive the brilliance, check out the Conan interview and the Dentist sketch itself. You’ll be laughing along with Korman as Tim Conway does what he does best: making people laugh until they can’t breathe. Feel free to share your favorite Carol Burnett Show moments—because comedy like this never gets old.
