ACTOR
Tim Conway
21 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Oct 2026
All facts (21)
- #001
Tim Conway's license plate read "13 WKS," a reference to the fact that most of his solo television projects were cancelled after 13 weeks.
- #002
He earned his bachelor's degree in television and radio from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
- #003
On The Carol Burnett Show (1967), he became famous for making fellow cast members, especially star Harvey Korman, break into laughter during taping while he stayed in character. Unlike most series, these moments were usually left in the routines when the episodes aired.
- #004
Comedian Rose Marie discovered him and got him an audition for The Steve Allen Show (1956). He impressed Allen so much that Conway landed a regular spot on the series.
- #005
He worked many times with fellow cast member Harvey Korman on a comedy tour outside of The Carol Burnett Show (1967). He also worked with Carol Burnett on Touched by an Angel (1994) and Hot in Cleveland (2010). His most frequent collaborator was Vicki Lawrence, with whom he worked six times on Yes, Dear (2000) and Hermie & Friends (2004).
- #006
In 2004, he was named a Disney Legend.
- #007
He revealed that he had a great working relationship with Ernest Borgnine on McHale's Navy (1962).
- #008
He cited Ernest Borgnine as his favorite acting mentor and best friend.
- #009
Conway joined the cast of The Carol Burnett Show (1967) after Lyle Wagoner left the series over contract issues. Wagoner went on to play Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman (1975). Conway remained with the series until it was cancelled in 1979.
- #010
In his guest appearance on Subway Hero (2008), his character Bucky Bright is accompanied around the NBC office. When he introduces himself with a picture, the picture is a real promotional photo of the cast of McHale's Navy (1962). Conway appeared in "McHale's Navy" and was the person he pointed to in the photo.
- #011
He changed his name to Tim to avoid being confused with the actor Tom Conway.
- #012
His acting mentor and former neighbor Ernest Borgnine died on 8 July 2012 at the age of 95. Conway also worked with Borgnine on the popular cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants (1999), voicing Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy for 13 years.
- #013
After graduating from Bowling Green State University, he joined the United States Army and served from 1956 to 1958.
- #014
He took part in Carol Burnett's All-Star Party (1982) and the Mark Twain Prize ceremony honoring his friend Carol Burnett.
- #015
He was the father of Tim Conway Jr., Corey Conway, Jaime Conway (aka "Jake"), Pat Conway, Seann Conway and Kelly Conway.
- #016
His father was an Irish immigrant, and his maternal grandparents were Romanian. His original first name at birth was the Romanian name Toma, later changed to Thomas.
- #017
His tomb is in the Sanctuary of Prayer Mausoleum at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California. His casket was provided by the Westwood Village Memorial Park mortuary.
- #018
On 9 February 1989, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6740 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
- #019
He is best known to the public for his role as Ensign Charles Parker on McHale's Navy (1962).
- #020
Until Conway left Cleveland, he was a local television comedy team partner with Ernie Anderson (the father of director Paul Thomas Anderson).
- #021
Tim Conway had a stepdaughter named Jackie Beatty and two grandchildren.
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