BWW Exclusive Interview: Comedy Legend TIM CONWAY Talks Retirement Rumors, New TV Pilot & Broadway

Earlier this week, it was incorrectly reported that legendary comedian and multi-Emmy Award winner Tim Conway would be retiring from show business. An erroneous statement read:

"After completing an exhausting and extensive national book tour promoting his autobiography, "So you Think That's Funny", Tim Conway in consultation with his family, has decided that it's time to retire from performing live in concert on the road."

Today, Tim Conway spoke exclusively with BWW to clear up rumors of his retirement and reaffirm that he is as busy as ever, with upcoming TV guest spots, promotional appearances for his new book, 'What's So Funny', (which just celebrated its 5th week on the NY Times Best Seller list!) and even a new TV pilot co-starring Robert Wagner and Ron Masak. From our wacky and hilarious conversation below, it is evident that the star of stage and screen is sharp, witty and rarin' to go!

It's a thrill to speak with you today Tim.

Isn't it though? It's a thrill for me to speak.

I understand that we need to clear up some misinformation that has gotten out there.

Oh my gosh, okay, what information is that?

Well, we received an announcement that you would be retiring from performing.

Uh, I heard that was going around, yeah. No that was erroneous, or not true. I don't know where it started, but it's not true. Actually, I did retire for about an hour and I got tired of it, so I went shopping and that was pretty much it.

Well, we are certainly thrilled to hear that it is not true.

No, actually I am still performing... in my front yard. People go by in their cars and once in a while they'll even stop and pay attention, but most just applaud a little bit and move on.

Actually, it sounds like you are busier than ever right now. I understand you have some TV appearances coming up, another book in the works and a new TV pilot, so we would love to hear about all of those projects.

Yes, well, I'm working on the next book. I wrote the first one and I have three more days off so I'm going to write the next one. And this one is more on the personal end, I don't know how I can get any more personal than I did in the first one, but actually I was thinking of just taking the cover from the first book and putting it out again as something else, but people aren't that fooled anymore, you know? As far as the other projects, yes I'm going to start painting my house, so that's going to take a while. So if you drive by, please blow your horn so I can stop and wave to you.

Will do! And as far as the new TV pilot, I understand the cast includes Robert Wagner and will be called, 'Senior Class.'

Yes, we did a pilot, I say 'we' because I like to include Mr. Wagner, even though he doesn't even know my first name. So I guess they'll probably be putting it in a paper bag and carrying it around to different channels and see what they can do with it.

And what is the premise of it?

I have no idea. But I know Mr. Wagner and would certainly enjoy working with him.

And is it true you have a new one-man stage show in the works?

I do? Okay. I'm going to get on that one right away. Where am I opening?

Well, If it was up to me, I would love to see you open on Broadway.

Really, oh my gosh. I'll call Broadway after this call and see if they want it.

And actually, Billy Crystal's show is only for a limited run, so there will be a theater available soon.

Great! You know, I've never played Broadway, and the main reason is, no one's ever asked me to. I imagine that it's a rather nerve-wracking place to play and at my age and with my... well, my age, I better get to Broadway soon!

Is it something you ever considered doing?

Yes, except for the fact that no one has ever asked me. I never really had to sit down and say, 'what does it take to do this?' But I do have a little stage in my house, where I perform for my wife, and some of the kids. My wife is laughing at me right now, I guess she saw the show. So what else have you heard. How's my health?

You're in great health. I spoke to your doctor this morning.

Oh, great, good to hear.

As far as your new book, 'What's So Funny,' why did you decide to write your memoir at this point in your career?

Well, it's actually a leaflet, more than a book - but, I started writing and the next thing you know I had a book. And I gave it to a guy and he said, 'yeah this will be fine' and he published it.

I wanted to ask you about some of your most memorable characters from The Carol Burnett Show. Were they based on people you knew, or did they come out of your imagination?

Well, I think with Mr. Tudball, I had Romanian godparents, and they would come out every Sunday and eat at our house, and they talked like that so I thought it was rather humorous, and I never understood a word they were saying. So I kind of put it into the character later on. And the others are just what I imagine characters would be, janitors and things of that nature, but for the most part, Tudball was the one that really caught on.

How did you first become involved with The Carol Burnett Show?

Well, I ran into Carol Burnett... and I dented her fender. And then I said, 'Aren't you Carol Burnett? Don't you have a show?' And she said, 'yes,' and I said, 'I'd love to be on it. But I guess I have to fix your fender for you first.' So I fixed her fender and she put me on her show. But to be serious, Carol and I met on the Gary Moore Show. And when she got her own show, she said, 'can we have that creep on our show?' and they knew exactly who she was talking about, so they called me.

And the rest was history. Well thank you so much for speaking with us today and best of luck with all your upcoming projects.

Sure, and call any time. Well, actually, this is the best time to call because I'm still in bed so you'll always catch me!

About TIM CONWAY:

Conway first rose to prominance starring in the 1960s World War II situation comedy McHale's Navy as the inept Ensign Charles Parker, (opposite Ernest Borgnine). He became a regular on CBS's The Carol Burnett Show starting in the 1975-76 season where he earned five Emmy Awards. In recent years, he has lent his voice to Barnacle Boy from the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants.

He has guest-starred on ABC's Coach, for which he received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series playing Kenny Montague in the 1996 episode "The Gardener". He won another Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Bucky Bright in the 30 Rock episode "Subway Hero". Most recently he has appeared on Hot in Cleveland, Wizards of Waverly Place, Mike & Molly and Major Crimes.

About Tim Conway's WHAT'S SO FUNNY?:

Six-time Emmy Award-winning comedian Tim Conway, best known for his roles with Carol Burnett and in McHale's Navy, will publish his first major book entitled WHAT'S SO FUNNY? with Howard Books {Oct. 29, 2013 / 9781476726502 / $24.99}, an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Co-written with Jane Scovell, the new book is a highly readable and hilarious memoir about Conway's life on and off the stage. Long regarded as one of the funniest comedians in showbiz, Conway will reveal new information and inspire readers with his little-known rags-to-riches story that begins with the funny man's colorful yet challenging childhood growing up in the Great Depression.

With a foreword by Carol Burnett, What's So Funny reveals the private life of an icon who has contributed to the comic sensibilities of several generations and continues to be influential today through guest appearances on programs such as 30 Rock and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Photo courtesy of Phi Delta Theta