Two Guys Named Korman

The book is called OMG! It's Harvey Korman's Son! and that proves to be quite a fitting title for Chris Korman's memoir (with Ron Brawer), published by BearManor Media.

Young Mr. Korman, who came along around the same time as The Carol Burnett Show, was born with a learning disability that affected his speech and motor skills. He credits his father with giving him support and affection that helped him overcome the most challenging of his limitations, and build a satisfying life for himself. Though the author offers a number of behind-the-scenes anecdotes about his dad's career, the father-son relationship, over the course of some forty years, is at the heart of the story.

Much as Harvey Korman's work was lauded, he's been depicted in various books about the Burnett show as less fun off-screen, a moody man who often antagonized people. I was happy to see that this book was no Daddy Dearest; while acknowledging his father's quirks and flaws, Chris Korman also writes about him with much fondness and respect. Having originally sought a career as a dramatic actor, Harvey Korman found a niche for himself in comedy, about which he had some regrets. His son describes instances in which performers the elder Mr. Korman revered turned out to be equally big fans of his, understanding how well he did what he did.

You'll finish this book feeling that you've gotten to know the real man behind one of Hollywood's funniest players, and, as a bonus, the very likable, decent son he raised.