A Timeless Laugh: Remembering Tim Conway’s Unforgettable Humor

I’ll never forget the first time I watched this sketch with my dad when it originally aired. We laughed so hard we had tears streaming down our faces. That kind of laughter — the kind that leaves you gasping for breath — doesn’t come around often. But watching this again brought it all back. I’m so glad I could find it and share it here, even if it took some serious digging on YouTube.

Tim Conway truly was the master of deadpan comedy. His ability to deliver lines with a calm, straight face somehow made everything he said ten times funnier. There were countless times when his performances were so hysterical that they literally brought the show to a halt. Even seasoned actors couldn’t keep a straight face around him — they’d break character and burst out laughing, often right in the middle of a live sketch.

Born and raised near Cleveland, Conway’s Midwestern roots may have played a role in shaping his unique sense of humor. By his mid-20s, he was already working in local television, crafting material for comedy sketches. It didn’t take long for the national stage to call. He landed a spot on “The Steve Allen Show,” followed by a breakout role as the bumbling Ensign Parker on “McHale’s Navy.”

But it was his time on “The Carol Burnett Show” in the 1970s that truly allowed Conway to shine. The show became an iconic part of American television, running from 1967 to 1978 and earning 25 Primetime Emmy Awards. Over the course of 279 episodes, it featured some of the biggest stars in entertainment history — and Conway was one of the brightest.

One of the most beloved recurring sketches on the show was “Mama’s Family.” In a particularly unforgettable episode, Conway’s character began telling a bizarre story about elephants — or at least he tried to. The result? Complete chaos. Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Carol Burnett couldn’t hold it together. They burst into uncontrollable laughter, eventually dragging Conway along with them until he collapsed on the floor in laughter himself.

The clip shared below is a gem directly from Tim Conway himself. In his own words: “The quality of this video is a little low and when I find a better version I will upload it. This is one of my favorite sketches and Harvey loved this one, too.” It’s a moment of pure comedic brilliance that still holds up decades later. Watch it, enjoy it, and share the laughter with someone else who could use a smile today.

And if you’re still in the mood for more, scroll down for a bonus feature — a clearer video uploaded by a fan that captures another hilarious moment from Conway’s career. Rare as they are, these clips remind us why Tim Conway’s humor remains unmatched.