Remembering Tim Conway: A Comic Legend Who Defined Generations
Tim Conway, who passed away yesterday at 85, once felt like he was everywhere. Between his long run on The Carol Burnett Show, his films with Don Knotts, and his endless guest appearances across television, he became one of the most instantly recognizable comedians of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. More importantly, he was one of the most dependable—an expert craftsman who could earn laughs from any crowd with his deadpan delivery, playful absurdity, and total dedication to the bit. He was the rare type of comedian who delighted both kids and adults, and losing him feels like the end of an era.
The Heart of The Carol Burnett Show
Conway is best remembered for his 11-year run on The Carol Burnett Show, which continued airing in reruns well into the ’90s. Before Saturday Night Live brought sketch comedy into the counterculture, Carol Burnett helmed the most beloved sketch show on TV—and Conway was one of its essential stars, alongside Harvey Korman and Vicki Lawrence.
Thankfully, many of Conway’s most iconic bits remain available through the official Carol Burnett Show YouTube channel. Below are some standout moments that showcase his brilliance.
“The Dentist”
One of Conway’s most legendary sketches. He plays a terrified dentist on his first day, desperately trying to convince his patient (Korman) to leave. Everything that follows is a masterclass in escalating incompetence, delivered with Conway’s trademark politeness and clueless sincerity.
“Sleep No More My Lady”
A perfect example of Conway’s physical comedy skills. In this sketch, he attempts to quietly prepare breakfast—only to fail at every possible step. It’s broad, chaotic, and shows how naturally he could turn slapstick into art.
“Vacuum Salesman”
Here Conway shines both as a character actor and physical performer. He plays a bumbling door-to-door salesman who somehow convinces Vicki Lawrence to do the demonstration for him. Not only that—he pockets the cash.
“Tough Truckers”
Conway and Korman show off why their chemistry is legendary. The pair bounce between macho swagger and pitiful desperation as two divorced truckers trying to talk tough. Their dynamic alone makes the sketch unforgettable.
“Airline Security”
Long before today’s airport frustrations, Conway poked fun at the old system. He plays a slow, hopelessly confused security guard, driving Korman to the brink. The bit is packed with Conway’s expert deadpan humor—like stamping each individual letter of “Los Angeles.”
“Mrs. Wiggins: The Vacation”
Mr. Tudball, Conway’s Romanian-accented boss character, often stole this recurring sketch from Burnett’s ditzy secretary. In this episode, he attempts to teach her blackjack before her Vegas trip. As expected, Tudball suffers.
“The Interrogator”
Conway plays a Nazi interrogator who is neither intimidating nor competent—he mostly destroys the room around him. Co-star Lyle Waggoner famously breaks character halfway through. Fans who think Jimmy Fallon cracks too easily on SNL should know: on The Carol Burnett Show, corpsing was practically part of the experience.
“The Oldest Man: The Captain”
Perhaps Conway’s most beloved character. The Oldest Man showcases everything that made Conway special: slow-motion physical bits, exaggerated movements, and absurd setups—balanced by a surprisingly grounded performance. Even at his most ridiculous, Conway managed to make his characters feel strangely real. That was his magic.