Tim Conway, the legendary comedian at the heart of The Carol Burnett Show has tragically passed away. A representative for Conway told Variety that he passed due to water on the brain. He was 85.
Conway is without a doubt best known for his run on The Carol Burnett Show during the 1970s. He was nominated for the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ Emmy a total of six times, winning three of those. He was also nominated for his work behind the scenes in the series. Alongside the rest of the show’s loaded writing staff, he was nominated a total of three times, winning once in 1978. On the series, he was known as the ‘wild card’ of the sorts. Often he would ad lib lines so funny that the entire cast would break out in hysterics mid-skit. He also earned two Emmys as an Outstanding Guest Actor in 1996 in Coach and 2008 on 30 Rock.
His Carol Burnett Show co-stars Vicki Lawrence and Burnett herself released statements regarding Conway’s passing. “I’m heartbroken. He was one in a million, not only as a brilliant comedian but as a loving human being,” said Burnett. “I cherish the times we had together both on the screen and off. He’ll be in my heart forever.”
“Hysterical, crazy, bold, fearless, humble, kind, adorable… all synonyms for Tim Conway,” said Lawrence in her own statement. “I am so lucky to ever have shared a stage with him. Harvey and Tim are together again… the angels are laughing out loud tonight.”
Conway is survived by 6 children and his wife, Charlene.
