In yet another classic sketch from The Carol Burnett Show, three iconic comedic actors couldn’t resist breaking character and bursting into laughter.
Comedy is often considered more challenging than drama due to its subjective nature. What tickles one person’s funny bone might not evoke the same reaction from another.
However, the talented cast of The Carol Burnett Show effortlessly kept audiences entertained and laughing. Even after all these decades, clips from the show’s wacky skits and eccentric characters continue to bring joy to viewers. Yet, for Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, and Harvey Korman, the toughest part was trying to make it through an entire sketch without succumbing to fits of laughter themselves.
A YouTube clip perfectly showcases one such moment when the cast members couldn’t contain their laughter. The sketch begins with Carol’s character, Mary Worthless, introducing herself as a well-intentioned “do-gooder” who believes everyone has a purpose in life. However, it becomes apparent that Mary’s purpose is to disrupt a previously happy and peculiar relationship.
The following scene features Harvey Korman and Vicki Lawrence portraying a married couple unable to keep their hands off each other. They proudly proclaim themselves as the happiest couple in the world. Unfortunately, their marital bliss is short-lived as Mary Worthless enters their lives.
Within seconds, Mary manages to turn the once content couple into a bickering duo, their marriage crumbling before their eyes. As the clip progresses, Harvey finds himself with a face full of pie, causing the entire cast to burst into laughter.
At this point, Harvey and Carol struggle to deliver their lines without breaking into fits of laughter. Carol even resorts to burying her face in her hands, unable to contain her amusement any longer.
This hilarious moment serves as a reminder of the age-old proverb from Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”