For the last few decades, Tim Conway has been criss-crossing America with well-attended, highly-lucrative (I hear) concert appearances. Originally, he did them with Harvey Korman as his partner. Then Korman decided to take life easier and Conway began doing some with Harvey and some with Don Knotts. Then Don died and Tim began doing some with Chuck McCann. Then Harvey died and Tim began doing them all with Chuck McCann. All or most of these also featured the fine comedienne, Louise Du Art.
Recently, Tim's been on a book tour to promote his autobiography. I saw him two weeks ago and I mentioned here then that he seemed weary and unfocused. I suspect that has something to do with the announcement his reps made today…
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. Tim will truly miss this part of his performing career and will look back upon it with only very fond memories. He sincerely apologies for any inconveniences and disappointments this has caused to his fans and to the venues but believes that this is in his and his family's best interest going forward.
He had several appearances booked through March and some or all of them will not happen. I assume this means he feels he's just not up to them but will still be available for TV, movie and voiceover jobs. It's a shame because if you never saw Tim perform live — I did, several times — he was very, very funny. And I sure hope the sudden cancellation of gigs that were already scheduled doesn't mean something bad with his health. A great guy and a great talent.