Conway, Tim (1933—)
As the perennial comedy sidekick, Tim Conway was a television comedy mainstay for four decades. He debuted as a repertory player on Steve Allen's 1950s variety show, and co-starred as the nebbishy Ensign Parker on the popular McHale's Navy situation comedy during the 1960s. He then became a reliable second banana on The Carol Burnett Show, which ran from 1967 until 1978, where he was often paired with the lanky Harvey Korman. Conway's characters included the laconic boss to Burnett's dimwitted secretary, Mrs. Wiggins. He was also a regular performer in children's movies for Walt Disney during the 1970s. In the late 1980s, Conway created his best-known comedy persona by standing on his knees and becoming Dorf, a klutzy sportsman. As Dorf, Conway produced and starred in several popular TV specials and videos. Conway starred in a succession of short-lived TV series in his attempts to be a leading man; he good-naturedly acquired a vanity license plate reading "13 WKS," the usual duration of his starring vehicles.
Further Reading:
Allen, Steve. More Funny People. New York, Stein and Day,1982.
Brooks, Tim, and Earle Marsh. The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present. 6th ed. New York, Ballantine, 1995.
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