Tim Conway, an American comedic actor, is dead at age 85. The actor is the voice of the Barnacle Boy on SpongeBob SquarePants and is best known for starring in The Carol Burnett Show in the 60s and 70s.
In 2018, it was reported that The Carol Burnett star was suffering from dementia after his daughter filed to be appointed his conservator. However, PEOPLE magazine reports that Conway’s cause of death is attributed to complications of normal pressure hydrocephalus and the late actor had no symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
What is normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)?
According to WebMD, Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a brain disorder in which excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain and spinal cord accumulate in chambers of the brain called ventricles. This disorder causes thinking and memory problems, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder control. The condition is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association notes that another symptom of NPH is mild dementia, which may explain why the late actor was reported to have been suffering from dementia in 2018.
Tim Conway’s legacy
Conway is survived by his wife Charlene Fusco of 35 years. Charlene and Tim share seven children: Jaime, Tim Jr., Patrick, Corey and Shawn, two daughters Jackie and Kelly. Tim Conway is also survived by his two granddaughters.
Tim Conway semi-retired from acting in 2016 — occasionally starring in guest roles. He won a Golden Globe in 1976 for his supporting role in the Carol Burnett Show. The late actor won and was nominated for Emmy’s for multiple achievements including Winner for Outstanding Guest Actor.