When the news broke of Tim Conway’s passing on Tuesday, everyone who had ever been touched by his humor and legacy mourned his loss. At 85 years old, Conway succumbed to complications from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). For those unfamiliar, Conway was a comedy icon throughout his career, often hailed as a genius by his peers. Fond memories of him persist, particularly from his co-star and close friend Carol Burnett.
Conway, originally from Ohio, gained prominence primarily through his role on The Carol Burnett Show. Fans of the show are grieving his loss, while others may recall him from his time on McHale’s Navy or his memoir What’s So Funny? My Hilarious Life. Regardless of how one encountered Conway, his status as one of the greatest comedians of the last century is undeniable.
Burnett spoke warmly of Conway, recalling him as “one in a million” in an interview with USA Today. She cherished their time together, both on and off-screen, stating that he would forever hold a place in her heart.
Conway passed away in the Los Angeles area at 8:45 am on Tuesday, as confirmed by his representative Howard Bragman to People magazine. His absence will be deeply felt.
Renowned for his versatility, Conway effortlessly portrayed various characters and excelled in improvisation. His portrayal of Mr. Tudball on The Carol Burnett Show remains a fan favorite, earning him accolades including a Golden Globe and multiple Emmys. In a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times, Conway reflected on his approach to the show, highlighting his penchant for inducing laughter among his fellow cast members.
Following The Carol Burnett Show, Conway continued collaborating with Burnett on subsequent projects, including Carol & Company in 1991. He later secured a regular role on Married With Children as Ephraim Wanker. More recently, Conway lent his voice to the character Barnacle Boy on SpongeBob SquarePants.
Contrary to earlier speculation, Conway displayed no signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s prior to his passing. This clarification came amid prior uncertainty about his health. Conway leaves behind a legacy survived by his seven children, including Tim Conway Jr., a radio show host on KFI Los Angeles.
Director Judd Apatow paid tribute to Conway, praising him as “pure comedy” and recounting the joy of seeing him work on The Larry Sanders Show. Apatow remembered Conway not only for his comedic prowess but also for his kindness, emphasizing the impact he left on those around him.