Net Worth Ranker
What Is Harvey Korman’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in May 2008, Harvey Korman, a celebrated American actor, comedian, and voice artist, had an estimated net worth of $25 million. While the precise composition of this net worth isn’t publicly detailed (e.g., specific breakdowns of earnings from acting roles versus voice-over work, or details of any real estate holdings beyond his primary residence), his prolific career in television and film undoubtedly contributed significantly to this figure. Specific details about investment earnings or other business ventures remain undisclosed.
Early Career and “The Carol Burnett Show”
Harvey Korman’s journey to stardom began long before his iconic roles in Mel Brooks films. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in February 1927, Korman honed his acting skills through various theatrical productions and smaller television roles. He began acting in smaller roles, it’s difficult to put an exact monetary value on these early experiences in terms of direct earnings. His breakthrough came with “The Carol Burnett Show,” where he starred from 1967 to 1977. This role not only catapulted him to national fame but also earned him significant critical acclaim. The specifics of Korman’s salary during his tenure on “The Carol Burnett Show” remain private. However, considering the show’s immense popularity and Korman’s central role, it is reasonable to assume that his earnings were substantial and increased over the years. He won a Golden Globe Award and four Primetime Emmy Awards for The Carol Burnett Show.
The show’s success translated into lucrative opportunities beyond his base salary. While the exact figures are not available, it’s plausible that Korman benefited from profit-sharing arrangements or bonuses tied to the show’s ratings and syndication deals. His appearances in sketches like “The Dentist” and “As the Stomach Turns” cemented his status as a comedic icon and likely enhanced his earning potential for future projects.
Film Career and Mel Brooks Collaborations
Korman’s collaboration with Mel Brooks proved to be a pivotal point in his career, significantly contributing to his overall net worth. He appeared in several of Brooks’ most celebrated films, including “Blazing Saddles” (1974), “History of the World, Part I” (1981), and “High Anxiety” (1977). While the specific financial arrangements for each film are not publicly available, these roles undoubtedly commanded substantial salaries and possibly included back-end profit participation. For example, “Blazing Saddles,” with its relatively low budget (estimated at around $2.6 million), went on to become a massive box office success, grossing over $119 million domestically. If Korman had a percentage of the film’s profits, this single role could have contributed a significant sum to his net worth.
Korman’s presence in these films was not limited to just a few scenes; he often played prominent supporting characters, which would have justified higher compensation. His role as Hedley Lamarr in “Blazing Saddles,” for instance, is one of the most memorable comedic performances in cinematic history. While the exact numbers are speculative, a leading comedic actor in a major Mel Brooks film during the 1970s and 1980s could have earned anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 per film, depending on their star power and negotiation leverage. Considering Korman’s established reputation and comedic prowess, his earnings likely fell within the higher end of this range.
Beyond the immediate salaries, these roles had a long-term impact on Korman’s career. The enduring popularity of these films has led to continued royalties and residuals over the years, contributing to his sustained income stream. DVD sales, streaming rights, and television airings of these films would have generated residual payments to Korman and his estate long after their initial release. Though the specific amounts are not publicly disclosed, these residual payments likely added up to a significant sum over time.
Other film roles, such as those in “Huckleberry Finn,” “Herbie Goes Bananas,” “Trial of the Pink Panther,” “Curse of the Pink Panther,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Radioland Murders,” and “Jingle All the Way,” would have further supplemented his income, each film contributing varying amounts depending on the size of his role, the film’s budget, and its box office success. Details of his salaries for these individual roles remain private.
Television Roles and Voice Work
Beyond “The Carol Burnett Show” and his film roles, Harvey Korman maintained a steady presence on television, further bolstering his income. He had recurring roles or provided voice work for various TV series, including “Dr. Kildare,” “The Donna Reed Show,” “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color,” “The Flintstones,” “Mama’s Family,” “The Nutt House,” “The Brothers Flub,” and more. These roles provided a consistent stream of income and helped to diversify his earnings. While the specifics of his contracts for these TV series are not publicly accessible, recurring roles typically involve guaranteed payments for each episode, as well as potential bonuses based on ratings and viewership. Voice-over work, particularly for animated series like “The Flintstones” and “The Brothers Flub,” can also be quite lucrative, with voice actors earning per-episode fees that can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on their experience and the popularity of the show.
For example, a guest appearance on a popular show like “The Donna Reed Show” in the early 1960s might have paid a few hundred dollars per episode, while a recurring role on “Mama’s Family” in the 1980s could have earned him several thousand dollars per episode. These figures are estimates, as actual salaries would have varied based on negotiation and market conditions. Even smaller roles and one-time appearances contribute to overall earnings and build industry recognition, which can lead to more significant opportunities down the line.
Residual payments from these television appearances would also have contributed to Korman’s income stream, similar to his film roles. Syndication deals and reruns of these TV series would have generated ongoing royalties for him and his estate. The specifics of these residual payments are not publicly disclosed, but they likely provided a steady source of income over the years.
Real Estate Assets
In June 2017, nearly a decade after Harvey Korman’s death, his widow, Deborah Korman, sold their long-time Bel Air estate for $13.995 million. The property had been initially listed for $19.999 million. While the purchase price provides some insights into Korman’s real estate holdings, it does not fully reflect the potential value of the property at the time of his death in 2008. Real estate values can fluctuate significantly over time, and the eventual sale price may have been influenced by market conditions, the condition of the property, and other factors. It is not known when Korman acquired the Bel Air estate, nor are there any public records available regarding the purchase price. However, owning a property in Bel Air suggests that Korman had substantial financial resources and invested in high-end real estate. The specifics of the property, such as its size, amenities, and precise location within Bel Air, would have all contributed to its overall value.
While the Bel Air estate sale is the only publicly documented real estate transaction linked to Harvey Korman, it is possible that he owned other properties as well. Real estate investments are a common way for high-net-worth individuals to diversify their assets and generate income through rentals or appreciation. Without further public information, it is impossible to determine whether Korman had other real estate holdings.
Awards and Recognition
Harvey Korman’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized through numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. He won a Golden Globe Award and four Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on “The Carol Burnett Show.” These accolades not only boosted his professional reputation but also increased his earning potential. Award wins and nominations often lead to increased demand for an actor’s services, which can translate into higher salaries and more lucrative opportunities. Furthermore, awards can enhance an actor’s brand and make them more attractive to advertisers and sponsors. While Korman’s specific endorsement deals are not publicly documented, it is plausible that he benefited from sponsorship opportunities based on his award recognition and comedic fame. Details of any income directly derived from awards is not publicly known.
The impact of these awards extends beyond immediate financial gains. They solidify an actor’s legacy and contribute to their long-term recognition and influence within the industry. This can lead to continued opportunities and earning potential even later in their career. For example, an actor with multiple Emmy Awards may be more likely to receive invitations to participate in high-profile projects or to command higher fees for appearances and speaking engagements. The prestige associated with these awards also enhances their overall net worth by increasing the value of their brand and reputation.
His contributions to comedy and acting also live on through various tributes and retrospectives, ensuring that his work continues to be appreciated by future generations. While the awards themselves did not necessarily translate into direct monetary awards, the accolades certainly solidified his reputation, contributing to his professional success and net worth indirectly.
Summary of Income Sources
Harvey Korman’s $25 million net worth was accumulated through various income streams, including his work on “The Carol Burnett Show,” his roles in Mel Brooks films, his voice work, and his appearances on television shows, which added to his overall net worth. The Bel Air estate provided an additional asset. While specific figures for each of these income sources are not publicly available, Korman’s long and successful career in the entertainment industry allowed him to build a substantial net worth. Residual payments from his film and television work continued to generate income long after the initial performances. Other details of revenue are unknown.
