The entertainment world still celebrates Harvey Korman, a comedy genius who made millions laugh through his incredible performances. Today, his estate continues to grow, reaching an impressive $25 million in 2025. But how did this talented performer build such wealth? Let’s dive into the story of how a Chicago kid became one of television’s richest comedy stars.
Quick Bio: Harvey Korman
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Harvey Herschel Korman |
| Birth Date | February 15, 1927 |
| Death | May 29, 2008 (age 81) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Voice Artist |
| Years Active | 1950-2008 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $25 Million |
| Famous For | The Carol Burnett Show, Blazing Saddles |
| Major Awards | 4 Emmy Awards, 1 Golden Globe Award |
| Notable Roles | Hedley Lamarr (Blazing Saddles) Various characters (The Carol Burnett Show) |
| Family | Wife: Maria Korman Children: Katherine, Laura, and Christopher Korman |
| Notable Collaborators | Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Mel Brooks |
Who Was Harvey Korman? A Quick Look at the Comedy Legend
Harvey Korman started his journey in Chicago, where he discovered his love for making people laugh. Born with natural comedic timing, he worked his way up from small stages to become one of television’s brightest stars. His big break came when he joined The Danny Kaye Show, but it was The Carol Burnett Show that made him a household name.
For eleven years, Korman’s partnership with Carol Burnett created some of TV’s funniest moments. His ability to play different characters and his famous breaks into laughter with Tim Conway made him unforgettable. Along the way, he picked up four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award, proving he wasn’t just funny – he was one of the best in the business.
But Korman wasn’t just a TV star. He brought his talent to movies too, especially in Mel Brooks films like Blazing Saddles and High Anxiety. His voice acting in The Flintstones showed everyone he could make people laugh even when they couldn’t see his face. From Broadway performances to guest appearances on Hollywood Squares, Korman built a career that would last for decades.
Breaking Down Harvey Korman’s Wealth Sources
Korman didn’t just rely on one paycheck. He was smart about making money from different places. The biggest chunk came from The Carol Burnett Show, where he earned top dollar for each episode. But that was just the beginning.
His work in Mel Brooks movies brought in big film salaries, and he kept earning money through syndication rights. This meant that every time someone watched reruns of his shows, more money went into his pocket. Voice acting for cartoons like The Pink Panther Show added another steady stream of income.
And Korman was clever with his money too. He bought properties in Beverly Hills and other prime locations when prices were lower. These real estate investments grew in value over time, making him even wealthier. His smart choices with both his career and his money helped build his fortune.
Harvey Korman’s Salary History: From Stage to Screen
When Korman first started in show business, the pay wasn’t great. He worked in small theaters and did stand-up comedy, sometimes making just enough to get by. But his talent and hard work soon paid off.
His salary jumped when he joined The Danny Kaye Show. Then came the golden years with The Carol Burnett Show, where he became one of television’s highest-paid performers. Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists regulations helped ensure he got fair pay for his work.
In his later years, Korman could pick and choose his projects. He did voice work, made guest appearances, and even tried his hand at directing. Each new project added to his growing wealth, proving that talent and versatility pay off in show business.
The Carol Burnett Show: Korman’s Biggest Money Maker
The Carol Burnett Show wasn’t just fun and games – it was serious business for Harvey Korman. During his time at CBS Television City, he earned an impressive salary for each episode. And this wasn’t just regular pay. The show had special bonus arrangements for its stars, especially when ratings were high.
But the real money came later. When the show went into syndication, the deals got even better. Every time a TV station played reruns, Korman earned residuals. These syndication rights turned out to be like a money tree that kept growing. Even today, his estate still gets paid when people watch those classic episodes.
Working with Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, and Vicki Lawrence wasn’t just about making people laugh – it was about making smart career moves. The show’s success on CBS Television led to other opportunities and helped Korman negotiate better contracts for future projects.
Mel Brooks Movies: A Profitable Partnership
Korman’s work with Mel Brooks was another goldmine. Blazing Saddles, made by Warner Bros, became a huge hit. His role as Hedley Lamarr earned him both fame and a nice paycheck. High Anxiety and History of the World Part I added more to his bank account.
These movies did more than just pay well at first. They became classics, which meant more money through film royalties. Every time someone bought or streamed these movies, some money went to Korman’s estate. His partnership with Mel Brooks proved that being funny could also be very profitable.
Harvey Korman’s Real Estate Portfolio
Smart performers know that real estate can be a great investment, and Korman was no exception. His main home in Beverly Hills became worth much more than what he paid for it. But he didn’t stop there. He bought other properties too, including ones in Palm Springs and Los Angeles.
Over the years, these properties grew in value. The Beverly Hills real estate market especially helped grow his wealth. His investment portfolio in real estate showed that he understood the importance of putting money into property that would become more valuable over time.
Comparing Korman’s Worth to Other Comedy Legends
When you look at comedy legends from the golden age of television, Korman stands among the wealthy ones. While stars like Dick Van Dyke also did well, Korman’s mix of TV, movies, and smart investments helped him build impressive wealth.
Industry earning standards were different back then, but Korman usually earned top dollar. His entertainment contracts often included perks and bonuses that other performers didn’t get. Being part of hit shows and movies during television’s golden age meant bigger paychecks than many modern TV actors make.
Current Estate Value and Ongoing Revenue (2025)
Today, Harvey Korman’s estate keeps growing. The updated estate worth of $25 million in 2025 comes from different sources. His wife Maria Korman and children – Katherine, Laura, and Christopher Korman – benefit from continuing royalties from his work.
The estate still earns money from:
- Television residuals when his shows air
- Film royalties from his movies
- Voice acting replays from shows like The Flintstones
- Real estate investments that have grown in value
- Syndication deals that keep paying
How Harvey Korman Built His Fortune
Korman’s path to wealth wasn’t just luck. He made smart moves throughout his career in show business. Instead of spending all his entertainment fortune, he invested in real estate and made sure his pension benefits were solid.
His career decisions showed good judgment too. He didn’t just stick to one type of performance. He did sketch comedy, voice acting, comedy films, and even tried directing. This variety meant he always had work, even when some parts of show business weren’t doing well.
When it came to money management, Korman worked with top professionals. He understood showbiz earnings could be unpredictable, so he planned ahead. His performance fees and endorsement deals were carefully negotiated, often with help from the Screen Actors Guild.
And he kept building his career smartly. From roles in Mama’s Family to guest spots on Hollywood Squares, each appearance added to both his fame and his bank account. His Hollywood Walk of Fame Star showed he had made it big, but his growing net worth proved he knew how to turn fame into lasting wealth.
Conclusion
Harvey Korman’s journey from Chicago stages to a $25 million estate shows how talent, smart choices, and good financial planning can build lasting wealth. His legacy lives on not just in laughs, but in the valuable entertainment empire he created. For aspiring performers and investors alike, Korman’s story proves that success comes from diversifying your talents and investing wisely.
Want to learn more about Hollywood’s financial success stories? Check out our other celebrity net worth articles at InsightsJournal, where we break down the wealth-building strategies of entertainment’s biggest stars.
