Harvey Herschel Korman (February 15, 1927 – May 29, 2008) was an
American comedic actor who performed in
television and
movie productions beginning in 1960. His big break was being a featured performer on
The Danny Kaye Show, but he is probably best remembered for his performances on the sketch comedy series
The Carol Burnett Show and in the comedy films of
Mel Brooks, most notably as Hedley Lamarr in
Blazing Saddles.
Life and career
Korman, who was of Russian Jewish descent,
[All About Jewish Theatre] was born in
Chicago,
Illinois, the son of Ellen (
née Belcher) and Cyril Raymond Korman, who was a salesman.
[Harvey Korman Biography (1927-2008)] He served in the
United States Navy during
World War II.
After being discharged, he studied at the
Goodman School of Drama.
He was a member of the
Peninsula Players summer theater program during the 1950, 1957, and 1958 seasons.
[Peninsula Players 65th Anniversary Program, 1999]
