Harvey Korman’s Fax to Art Nefsky

Harvey Korman was an American actor and comedian who performed in television and film productions. He is best known for his work on The Carol Burnett Show, where he won four Emmy Awards for his hilarious sketches. The following is a fax sent to Art Nefsky commenting on a magazine article he wrote called, “Tuning In: How to Focus”.

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FAX TO:  ART NEFSKY
FROM:  HARVEY KORMAN

October 6, 1997

GOOD STUFF ART!

I IDENTIFY.

COMMENTS:

OBSESSIVE (COMPULSIVE?)  A DRAG TO BE SURE BUT SURELY A JOB REQUISITE FOR PEOPLE WHO DO COMEDY –

AS FOR OBSTACLES –  THERE ARE MANY WAYS OF COPING.  ONE WAY IS TO REALIZE THE BEST PERFORMANCE IS IN US NATURALLY.  WE MUST FOCUS ON THE OBSTACLES THAT PREVENT THAT REALIZATION.

STAGE-FRIGHT TO ME IS A LOVE/HATE BATTLE.  IF YOU APPEAR TO LOVE THE AUDIENCE AND TO GIVE AND SHARE – CHANCES ARE GOOD IT’S REWARDING FOR EVERYONE.

IF YOU GO OUT TO “PROVE” SOMETHING OR, TO “KILL” ‘EM  –  OR NOT “DIE” – TO BE “PERFECT” AND UNASSAILABLE – YOU’LL BE SCARED TO DEATH.

GOOD LUCK –

Harvey Korman