Harvey Korman Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Harvey Korman is a celebrated American actor and comedian, best-known for his iconic work on The Carol Burnett Show and his standout roles in classic comedies by Mel Brooks.

Introduction

Harvey Korman was a towering figure in comedy whose remarkable talent and timing made him a household name across television and film. Born on February 15, 1927, he built a long and versatile career that earned him both critical acclaim and substantial wealth — with his net worth estimated at US$25 million at the time of his passing.  Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Korman’s personal life — including his marriages and children — rounds out a full portrait of a man who found success, love, and legacy both on and off screen.

Quick Facts

From Chicago Roots to National Spotlight

Harvey Korman’s journey from a modest upbringing to comedy legend began in Chicago, where he was born to immigrant parents — his father Cyril Raymond Korman worked as a salesman, his mother was Ellen (née Blecher). Though his roots were humble, Korman’s childhood showed early promise: by grade school he was participating in drama programs, and as a teenager he reportedly worked at a local radio station.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Korman returned to civilian life with renewed focus on acting. He studied at the Goodman School of Drama (now part of DePaul University) in Chicago and later at HB Studio in New York.

He spent the late 1950s honing his craft in summer-stock theatre, while working various odd jobs — waiting tables, pumping gas — just to support his ambitions.

Defining moments in Harvey Korman’s journey include:

• Early radio and drama involvement in Chicago as a child and teen.

• Service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, followed by formal drama training.

• Years of perseverance in regional theatre and bit-parts before breaking into television.

• Landing a steady role on The Danny Kaye Show (1963–1967), which set the stage for his later fame. 

Master of Laughter — When Comedy Called

Korman’s rise to widespread fame came in 1967 when he joined The Carol Burnett Show on CBS. Over the course of the show’s run, his range — from charming romantic leads to absurd caricatures — helped define its comedic identity. 

His collaborations with longtime friend and comedic counterpart Tim Conway were especially beloved: their on-screen chemistry often led to moments of spontaneous laughter, breaking character mid-sketch, which became a signature trait of some of the show’s most memorable sketches.

On the big screen, Korman frequently worked with Mel Brooks, starring in films such as Blazing Saddles (1974), High Anxiety (1977), History of the World: Part I (1981), and Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995). In those roles, he displayed a mastery of both straight-man stoicism and over-the-top villainy — often in the same performance. 

The Core Pillars of Harvey Korman’s Wealth Include:

These pillars combined to build his estimated net worth of US$25 million at the time of his death.

Relationships & Personal Life

Harvey Korman’s personal life, though often private, was marked by stable relationships and a devoted family.

• His first marriage was to Donna Ehlert; together they had two children, Maria and Christopher. Their marriage lasted from 1960 until 1977. 

• In 1982, he married Deborah Fritz (later Deborah Korman); they remained married until his passing. They had two daughters, Kate and Laura. 

Key insights into Harvey Korman’s relationships and personal life:

• He valued privacy, rarely subjecting his family life to public spotlight despite fame.

• His second marriage endured for decades, suggesting a stable partnership.

• Through both marriages, he fathered four children, leaving a bond of family beyond his professional legacy.

Beyond Comedy — Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Harvey Korman led a lifestyle that reflected both passion and purpose, including:

• A Bel-Air estate: He lived in a 7,000-square-foot estate on 2.3 acres in Los Angeles’ Bel-Air neighborhood — a home that later drew attention in real-estate circles after his death.

• Theatre and live performance dedication: Even when not in front of cameras, Korman remained active in stage and live comedy, touring with fellow comedians, demonstrating his love for performing.

• Versatility of creative pursuits: Acting, voice work, direction, live comedy — his varied interests beyond just “on-screen” fame showcased a true devotion to the craft of entertainment.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While exact breakdowns are not always public, estimations from reliable sources provide a sense of where Korman’s wealth came from:

Analysis: The core driver of Harvey Korman’s wealth was his long-running, high-profile work in television and film — particularly his influential tenure on The Carol Burnett Show and his participation in enduring comedies. Secondary income from voice-acting, live performances, and real estate contributed to sustaining and preserving that wealth beyond his acting prime. Reports note that much of the $25 million net worth estimate reflects lifetime earnings aggregated across decades, rather than from a single blockbuster. 

Legacy: Why Harvey Korman Still Matters

In public memory, Harvey Korman remains an emblem of classic American comedy — a performer whose elegance, wit, and chameleon-like talent bridged every form of entertainment from sketch comedy, film, voice acting, live theatre, and TV specials. 

He influenced generations of comedians and actors with his timing, versatility, and willingness to be both the straight man and the absurd character. Even decades after his peak, his roles in films like Blazing Saddles and television history with The Carol Burnett Show continue to inspire appreciation for intelligent, character-driven comedy.

On a personal level, the stability of his relationships and dedication to family added depth to his public persona — showing that behind the larger-than-life laughs was a grounded individual committed to both craft and loved ones.

Conclusion

Harvey Korman’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and timeless humor. Born on February 15, 1927, he rose from modest beginnings in Chicago to become a comedy legend whose estimated net worth of US$ 25 million reflects decades of creative work and success. His personal life — marked by lasting relationships and four children — rounded out the portrait of a man who found balance between fame and family.

His legacy endures not just in reruns and film reels, but in the influence he left on comedy itself — a testament to the power of wit, timing, and the courage to be funny. Harvey Korman remains a name worthy of celebration, every February 15 — his birthday — when fans remember the man who helped define what comedic brilliance looked like.