Modified On May 29, 2008
After a stint in the U.S. Navy during WWII, Korman studied at the Goodman School of Drama at the Chicago Art Institute, then hit NYC. From the Associated Press obit:
“For the next 13 years I tried to get on Broadway, on off-Broadway, under or beside Broadway,” he told a reporter in 1971.
He had no luck and had to support himself as a restaurant cashier. Finally, in desperation, he and a friend formed a nightclub comedy act.
“We were fired our first night in a club, between the first and second shows,” he recalled.
After returning to Chicago, Korman decided to try Hollywood, reasoning that “at least I’d feel warm and comfortable while I failed.”