We'll Miss You, Harvey
My two favorite Steves -- Persall and Spears -- have already offered up nice eulogies to Harvey Korman, 81, who died yesterday from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. But the Forever Fiancee and I would like to say a little something about the great comedian, too. We were huge, silly, unabashed fans. To this day, we snort at Hedley Lamarr and Count de Monet far more than any other nut in Blazing Saddles and History of the World Part I. And we sass each other with "Don't get saucy with me, Bernaise!" at least once a week.
Plus a few months ago, five days after our daughter Mai-Mai was born, I did a bleary-eyed guest spot on Fox 13's morning show. The segment was a blur, as I hadn't slept in awhile. But it remains one of my fave appearances for one very good reason. In describing my new bambina, I said, with great amounts of pride, "She looks a lot like Harvey Korman." Mean? No way. In my world, that's love right there.
Thanks, Harvey. We'll miss you.
Sean Daly is the pop music critic for the St. Petersburg Times. His CD collection -- from Journey to Dylan, Prince to U2, Public Enemy to Stan Getz -- is much bigger and better than yours.
BLAZING SADDLES was one of my Mom's favorite movies. I remember her coming home after viewing at the theater with Dad and telling us all about it. Scene by hysterical scene, she giggled so much it was hard to understand her.
Harvey Korman's style of comedy is one that can't easily be replicated. Truly geniune and genius.
How awesome is it that you and FF quote that line? Adorable!
Posted by: Marissa | May 30, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Marissa - my Mom loved that movie as well. Funny. Doesn't seem like your typical "Mom" movie. But I suppose we don't have typical Moms.
When I saw Harvey died, I knew you'd post a nice eulogy. He was a bit of an unappreciated genius. His stuff from the old "Carol Burnett Show" was priceless, as was his work in the films mentioned above.
Posted by: NickWithAnAxe | May 30, 2008 at 09:42 AM
As much as I'm thrilled to have seen Harvey in his 70's prime, I regret that it wasn't until much later that I fully appreciated the efficency and elegance of his timing and delivery.
He was straight-up genius, and a profound influence.
Posted by: Jeff in Cuba | May 30, 2008 at 09:46 AM
What I loved about Harvey is that he made comedy look absolutely effortless. No matter how silly his character, you always bought what he was selling. And his delivery was priceless – he was dry, droll, and funny as hell! And he could be politically incorrect without being offensive. That takes talent!
RIP, Harvey. Heaven gets to enjoy your “saucy” humor now!
Posted by: Forever Fiancee | May 30, 2008 at 10:55 AM
I always thought that Harvey made the shows he was in so much better than they were. He was truly a ensemble player much like the original SNL cast were. They were all funny on their own but put them together and what you got was magic.
The world is a little less funny today without Harvey. :(
Posted by: sparky | May 30, 2008 at 12:46 PM
too remember watching the carol burnett show reruns on tbs years ago. the comedy team of conway and korman was brilliant. the funniest part of their brilliance was watching korman trying his hardest not to crack up. his roles in blazing saddles and history of the world part 1 were also brilliant.
Posted by: CHAD | May 30, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I was so sad when I heard he died. He was such a funny man and just seemed so sweet. He will be sorely missed.
Posted by: Angie | May 30, 2008 at 11:34 PM
I loved watching Harvey Korman on The Carol Burnett show. First, in primetime with the whole family. Then, the reruns ended up being on in the afternoons for awhile. The best part was when Korman would just start cracking up and then the rest of them would, too. There's nobody else quite like him. He will be missed.
Posted by: Shelly | June 03, 2008 at 12:14 AM