When Harvey Korman took his final bow in 2008, the beloved comedian left behind more than just laughs—he had amassed a $25 million fortune throughout his illustrious career. Known for his hilarious antics on “The Carol Burnett Show” and memorable film roles, Korman built substantial wealth that reflected his status as one of America’s premier comedic talents.
What made this funnyman’s bank account so impressive? From his early days in television to becoming a household name, Korman’s financial story is as fascinating as his on-screen performances.
Let’s look at how this comedy giant built his wealth, where his money came from, and how his fortune compares to his famous co-stars.
Harvey Korman Net Worth
When Harvey Korman passed away on May 29, 2008, financial records revealed his net worth stood at approximately $25 million. This sum represented decades of work across television, film, and voice acting projects that cemented his place in entertainment history.
In today’s dollars, Korman’s fortune would be even more substantial. Adjusted for inflation, his $25 million net worth from 2008 would equal roughly $35 million in 2024—a testament to the lasting financial success he achieved during his lifetime.
What makes this figure particularly notable is that Korman built his wealth primarily through acting rather than business ventures or investments. Unlike some celebrities who doubled as entrepreneurs, Korman’s millions came almost entirely from his talents as a performer, showing just how valuable his comedic gifts were to the entertainment industry.
The bulk of Korman’s wealth accumulated during his peak years in the 1970s and 1980s, though residual payments and royalties continued to benefit him—and later his estate—well beyond his active years in show business.
Career
Harvey Korman’s path to wealth began with what would become his career-defining role on “The Carol Burnett Show.” Joining the cast in 1967, Korman quickly became an essential part of the variety show’s success, staying for ten seasons until 1977. His work on the show earned him four Emmy Awards and made him a recognizable face in millions of American homes.
On “The Carol Burnett Show,” Korman was famous for his versatility and his frequent inability to keep a straight face when performing alongside Tim Conway. These moments of breaking character became fan favorites and showcased the genuine joy he brought to his craft.
Beyond television, Korman built an impressive film resume that further boosted his earnings and fame. His collaboration with director Mel Brooks proved especially fruitful, with standout performances in classics like “Blazing Saddles” (1974), where he played the conniving Hedley Lamarr, and “High Anxiety” (1977). These films not only added to his bank account but also broadened his appeal beyond the television audience.
Other notable film appearances included “The Pink Panther Strikes Again” and “Herbie Goes Bananas.” Each role added to his growing wealth while establishing him as a versatile actor who could handle both television and film projects with equal skill.
Korman also found success in voice acting, lending his distinctive voice to animated productions including the beloved children’s film “Charlotte’s Web” (1973), where he voiced the character of the Hollowman. These voice roles provided another revenue stream that helped build his multi-million dollar net worth.
How He Built His Wealth?
Harvey Korman’s financial success story wasn’t built overnight but came through strategic career moves and consistent work across multiple decades and entertainment formats.
During his time on “The Carol Burnett Show,” Korman commanded an impressive salary that grew with the show’s popularity. While exact figures weren’t publicly disclosed, industry experts estimate he earned between $25,000 and $50,000 per episode during the height of the show’s success in the mid-1970s. With approximately 30 episodes per season, this television salary alone brought in substantial annual income.
What many don’t realize is that Korman’s contract likely included provisions for residual payments from reruns—a crucial source of long-term income. “The Carol Burnett Show” has been syndicated for decades, meaning Korman continued earning money from performances he recorded years earlier. These residuals formed a significant portion of his wealth accumulation over time.
Film work added another layer to Korman’s financial portfolio. For movies like “Blazing Saddles,” actors of Korman’s stature typically received both upfront payments and small percentages of profits. With “Blazing Saddles” becoming a cultural phenomenon and one of the most successful comedies of its era, these profit-sharing arrangements would have yielded substantial returns.
Voice acting roles, while perhaps not as lucrative individually as his live-action work, added diversity to his income streams. Voice actors of Korman’s caliber could earn anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for animated feature films in that era—less than live action work but still significant when combined with his other earnings.
Financial records suggest Korman was savvy about saving and investing his entertainment earnings, which helped his wealth grow even during periods when he wasn’t actively working. Unlike some celebrities who face financial troubles after their peak years, Korman maintained financial stability throughout his life.
Net Worth Compared to Co-Stars
How did Harvey Korman’s financial success compare to his famous colleagues? This comparison adds fascinating context to understanding his place in the entertainment economy of his era.
Carol Burnett, the star and namesake of the show that brought Korman his greatest fame, accumulated a net worth estimated at $40 million—about $15 million more than Korman had at his death. This difference makes sense considering Burnett not only starred in the show but owned significant rights to it as the creator and namesake, giving her additional revenue streams.
Tim Conway, Korman’s frequent comedy partner known for making him break character during sketches, had an estimated net worth of $15 million at the time of his death in 2019. The $10 million gap between Conway and Korman suggests that Korman either commanded higher salaries, worked more consistently across various media, or made more profitable financial decisions with his earnings.
Vicki Lawrence, another “Carol Burnett Show” co-star, has an estimated net worth of $8 million—significantly less than Korman’s fortune. This difference highlights how even cast members on the same show could experience vastly different financial outcomes based on their roles, contract negotiations, and career choices outside the show.
What’s particularly interesting about these comparisons is that they reveal how financial success in Hollywood doesn’t always correlate directly with public recognition. While Burnett was clearly the biggest star of the group, Korman’s financial achievement exceeding some of his peers shows his business acumen matched his comedic talents.
These differences also reflect the varying career paths each performer took after their time together. While Burnett continued as a major star, Korman focused on a mix of film roles and voice work that evidently paid off well financially, even if they didn’t always keep him in the spotlight.
Estate and Legacy
When Harvey Korman died in 2008 following complications from an abdominal aortic aneurysm, his $25 million estate became part of his lasting legacy. While specific details of his will weren’t made public, public records indicate his wealth was distributed primarily among his family members.
Korman was survived by his wife Deborah Fritz Korman, whom he married in 1982, and four children: Maria, Laura, Caprice, and Katherine. As the primary beneficiaries of his estate, they continued to benefit from the financial empire he built throughout his career.
What many fans don’t realize is that Korman’s estate likely continues to generate income years after his death. Reruns of “The Carol Burnett Show” remain popular on streaming services and classic television channels, generating ongoing royalty payments. Similarly, films like “Blazing Saddles” continue to find new audiences through home video sales and streaming platforms, creating a posthumous revenue stream.
The digital age has actually created new opportunities for classic content to find audiences, potentially increasing the value of Korman’s work. As streaming services compete for content, classic shows and films have become valuable assets, sometimes resulting in new licensing deals that benefit performers’ estates.
Beyond financial assets, Korman left behind an impressive catalog of work that preserves his comedic legacy. His performances continue to entertain new generations, particularly through widely available streaming platforms that have introduced his work to viewers who weren’t born during his heyday.
Harvey Korman’s career and the resulting $25 million fortune represent a masterclass in building lasting wealth through talent and strategic career choices. While he may not have been the wealthiest star of his era, his financial success allowed him to live comfortably and leave a substantial inheritance that reflects his contributions to American entertainment.
The True Value of a Comedy Legend
Harvey Korman’s $25 million net worth tells only part of his story. The true measure of his success extends beyond dollars to the lasting impact he made on American comedy and entertainment. From his unforgettable chemistry with Tim Conway to his scene-stealing roles in Mel Brooks films, Korman created moments that remain priceless to comedy fans.
What would Korman think about his financial legacy? Those who knew him often described a man more focused on perfecting his craft than building wealth. The fortune he accumulated seems almost like a happy side effect of doing what he loved rather than a pursued goal.
As younger viewers discover Korman through streaming services and YouTube clips, his work finds new appreciation—and likely generates new income for his estate. This ongoing relevance speaks to the timeless quality of his performances and his ability to connect with audiences across generations.
For aspiring performers, Harvey Korman’s career offers valuable lessons about the potential financial rewards of consistent work, versatility across different media formats, and the lasting value of creating truly memorable characters. His journey from Chicago theater to Hollywood wealth demonstrates how talent, when properly applied, can build financial security that lasts beyond a lifetime.
The next time you find yourself laughing at one of Harvey Korman’s classic sketches or film scenes, remember that you’re not just witnessing great comedy—you’re seeing the work that built a $25 million fortune and secured a performer’s place in both entertainment history and financial success.
Harvey Korman may have been famous for breaking character and laughing during sketches, but when it came to building a lasting career and fortune, he was seriously successful.