Tim Conway’s hilarious performance as a weightlifter on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson had both the crowd and Johnny Carson himself laughing uncontrollably. Tim’s portrayal of his well-known character, Dorf, in one of his most unforgettable performances was so funny that fans still speak about it to this day. You will still be laughing long after this little video has finished.
Because humor is so subjective, with what makes one person laugh leaving another person unaffected, comedy is frequently thought to be more difficult than drama. This is why comedians who are able to keep audiences entertained for decades are so uncommon, and Tim Conway was definitely one of those comedians. His notorious antics on The Carol Burnett Show won him a spot in the hearts of millions, frequently leaving his co-star Harvey Korman battling to remain in character.
In this specific scene, Tim goes onto Johnny’s stage as Dorf, a pint-sized “world-class” weightlifter. As soon as he shows there, the studio crowd bursts into laughter at his over-the-top appearance, which includes a silly mustache, wavy hair, and clumsy gestures. Even Johnny can’t maintain a straight face before Tim utters a single word.
As the sketch continues, the ridiculousness increases. Dorf’s awkward movements, exaggerated mannerisms, and over-the-top accent are really hilarious. Johnny is clearly trying to keep himself from laughing, much like everyone else in the room, but he is unable to do so by the time he fails miserably at creating a “world record.”
Tim Conway’s ability to make people laugh till they cry with his easy comedy is a tribute to his brilliance—a gift that will never be forgotten.