Vicki Lawrence is an American actress, comedian, and singer. She is best known for her character Mama (Thelma Harper). Lawrence originated multitudes of characters beyond Mama on CBS’s The Carol Burnett Show from 1967 to 1978, the variety show’s entire series run.
Lawrence was born in Inglewood, California, on March 26, 1949. She began her career as a singer and dancer, and in 1967, she joined the cast of The Carol Burnett Show. She quickly became one of the show’s most popular cast members, thanks to her comedic timing and her ability to create memorable characters.
Lawrence’s most famous character is Mama, a loud, opinionated, and overbearing woman. Mama first appeared on The Carol Burnett Show in 1971, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Lawrence went on to star in her own sitcom, Mama’s Family, from 1983 to 1990.
In addition to her work on television, Lawrence has also had a successful career in music. She has released several albums, including “The Vicki Lawrence Show” (1974) and “Mama” (1983). She has also starred in several Broadway musicals, including “Hello, Dolly!” and “The Will Rogers Follies.”
How did Vicki Lawrence end up with Carol Burnett?
Vicki Lawrence ended up with Carol Burnett through a fan letter. In 1967, when Lawrence was 17 years old, she sent a letter to Burnett, enclosing a newspaper article in which a reporter noted their resemblance. Burnett was looking for an actress to play her younger sister on her upcoming show, The Carol Burnett Show.
After receiving the letter, Burnett found Lawrence’s father’s name in the phone book, called him, and said she would go to see the Miss Fireball contest. Lawrence won the contest and Burnett was called to the stage to crown her. Coincidentally, Burnett was looking for an actress to play her younger sister on her upcoming show. After a few months and auditions, Lawrence got the part at age eighteen, specifically for playing Chrissy in the “Carol and Sis” sketches.
After Lawrence was given the job on The Carol Burnett Show, both Burnett and Harvey Korman took her under their wings. Korman taught her various sketch comedy skills, such as listening not just for cue line, and also coached her in other areas, such as speaking in different accents. Lawrence has credited Korman and Burnett with being her mentors, and has referred to her experience on the show as the “Harvard school of comedy”. Lawrence has stated that she learned show business from Burnett and looked up to her very much, and that the two share a very close friendship.
Does Vicki have a new boyfriend?
Vicki Lawrence is not currently dating anyone. She has been married twice, first to singer and songwriter Bobby Russell from 1972 to 1974, and then to Al Schultz from 1974 to present. She has two children from her first marriage.
In 2022, Lawrence told People magazine that she is “not looking for love right now.” She said that she is enjoying being single and spending time with her family and friends.
It is possible that Lawrence is dating someone quietly, but there is no public record of her having a new boyfriend.