In a clip that hadn’t been seen in nearly four decades, Harvey Korman found himself struggling to keep a straight face as Tim Conway donned a hilarious disguise as a woman in a classic The Carol Burnett Show sketch. This long-lost clip, brief as it may be, is a reminder of just how easily Conway and Korman could bring laughter to anyone watching. Although short, it’s long enough to have audiences giggling alongside the actors, proving that true comedic talent never goes out of style.
Running from 1967 to 1978, The Carol Burnett Show became one of America’s most beloved television programs. Known for its witty skits and unforgettable characters, the show regularly ranked among the top 30 most-watched shows each season during its original run. It’s been celebrated as one of the “Greatest TV Shows of All Time” on numerous lists and remains a staple in the history of American comedy. At its heart were two comedic geniuses: Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, whose on-screen chemistry brought many classic moments to life.
Though Conway and Korman weren’t a formal comedy duo like Abbott and Costello, their shared comedic timing and ability to make each other laugh were unmatched. They were often paired together for sketches on The Carol Burnett Show, where Conway’s quick-witted humor and Korman’s reactions brought endless joy to audiences. In this particular episode, available only on DVD, Conway and Korman go undercover as a couple, with Tim dressed as a woman for their scheme.
As the sketch unfolds, Tim, playing his feminine character, warns Harvey not to hold “her” too closely. Harvey, however, insists that for the sake of their ruse, they need to look like a convincing couple. Tim, reluctantly agreeing, responds that as long as they stay “professional,” everything should be fine. But of course, things are anything but professional in this skit, as Conway’s comedic antics push both actors to their breaking point.
In one of the funniest moments, Tim dramatically flicks his hair with exaggerated flair, sending both him and Korman into fits of laughter. They do their best to maintain their characters, but the laughter is contagious, and soon the entire studio audience is swept up in the hilarity. It’s the kind of unscripted, authentic humor that’s hard to find today, and it reminds us just how special these moments on The Carol Burnett Show truly were.
Harvey tries to keep his composure by turning away, even pulling out a compact powder and dabbing it onto his mustache and chin in a last-ditch effort to avoid breaking character. But the ridiculousness of the scene is too much; the audience’s laughter only adds to the chaos. Both actors are barely holding it together as they try to continue the skit, creating a genuine moment of hilarity that viewers couldn’t help but love.
Fans who’ve revisited this scene recently share similar sentiments. One viewer commented, “I don’t know which is funnier: Tim flicking his hair or Harvey making a fist to stop himself from laughing.” These reactions capture the timeless nature of their humor—words alone can’t do it justice. It’s the kind of comedy that transcends time, requiring only a quick watch to understand why it’s so hilarious.
Throughout its eleven-year run, The Carol Burnett Show garnered an impressive 25 Emmy Awards and 8 Golden Globes, an achievement that speaks to the talent and dedication of its cast and crew. The show not only entertained millions but also served as a launchpad for numerous comedians and actors who went on to become household names. Decades later, The Carol Burnett Show is still celebrated as one of the most influential programs in television history.
Conway and Korman’s performance in this sketch highlights their mastery of comedic timing and chemistry. What could have been a simple skit transformed into a masterpiece of laughter and spontaneity, all thanks to their ability to play off each other so effortlessly. It’s a testament to their talents that even decades after the show aired, scenes like these continue to bring joy to new generations.
While many comedies have come and gone, few have achieved the legendary status of The Carol Burnett Show, and even fewer comedians have left the mark that Conway and Korman did. This rare clip is just one example of the joy they brought to audiences worldwide. Thanks to moments like these, their legacy lives on, showing us that classic comedy has no expiration date. In every flick of Conway’s wig and every laugh that Korman tries to stifle, there’s a timeless quality that keeps audiences coming back for more.
This version captures the spirit and humor of the original, with language and tone adapted for an American audience.