Comedian Hurt When Car Goes Off Freeway

Comedian and writer Pat McCormick, who appeared in several television comedies and the “Smokey and the Bandit” film series, was listed in stable but guarded condition Saturday after his car went off a freeway in North Hollywood, authorities said.

McCormick, 65, suffered a severe concussion and three fractured ribs in the 9:30 a.m. accident, authorities said. He was being treated at Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, where he is expected to remain at least five days for observation, hospital officials said.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesmen said McCormick was trapped in his car for about 30 minutes after it went off the southbound Hollywood Freeway near Riverside Drive. The roof of the car had to be pried off before McCormick could be freed. The cause of the accident was still under investigation.

McCormick used to write and perform with comedians such as Don Rickles and Johnny Carson. He played a bumbling rich gambler in “Smokey and the Bandit” and its sequel starring Burt Reynolds.