“My Name is Blond… James Blond” — The Sketch That Turned Spy Spoofs on Their Head
In a golden era of television where variety shows reigned supreme, the iconic sketch “My Name is Blond… James Blond” from the Carol Burnett Show emerges not just as a parody—but as a sparkling, joy-infused tribute to silliness, timing and the absurd one-liners that make comedy timeless.
Portrayed with gleeful exaggeration by Tim Conway, spying legend James Blond sashays into the scene with the swagger of 007, only to trip over his toupee, knock out villains with a lamp, and charm a cast of glamorous beauties who are more amused than fearful. The villain? A delightfully ridiculous Dr. Nose.
What makes this sketch stand out is how it folds in elegant homage and absurd slapstick in equal measure. The glam-filled set, the tux-dressed hero, the damsels in jumpsuits—it all nods to the classic Bond franchise. Then it pulls the rug from under you with a pratfall or a visual gag so unexpected you cough with laughter mid-scene.
The Duke of Timing—Carol Burnett herself—swivels between characters, giving just enough wink to the camera to remind you: yes, this is ridiculous, but it’s lovingly ridiculous. And that’s the magic. It’s not just a parody; it’s a comedic love letter to an era, a genre, and characters that dared to take themselves too seriously.
Decades later, viewers still click play on this clip not only to laugh—but to remember what television used to feel like: bold, imaginative, innocent in its wit. The world of “James Blond” may have been absurd, but the laughter it sparked? Totally real.
