Vicki Lawrence

Vicki Lawrence. An American actress, comedian, singer, and television host, she rose to national fame as a regular on the groundbreaking sketch comedy series The Carol Burnett Show. She is equally renowned for her iconic portrayal of Thelma "Mama" Harper, a character she later spun off into the long-running sitcom Mama's Family. Lawrence's versatile career has also encompassed a chart-topping music single, successful daytime television hosting, and numerous guest appearances across television and film.

Early life and education

Born Vicki Ann Axelrad in Inglewood, California, she was raised in the nearby community of Hawthorne. Her mother, Alene (née Axelrad), worked as a telephone operator, and her stepfather, Howard Axelrad, was an electrical contractor. Lawrence attended Hawthorne High School, where she was an accomplished student and served as a song leader. Her big break came during her senior year when a local newspaper article comparing her to Carol Burnett caught the attention of Burnett herself, who was then preparing to launch her new CBS variety program. This connection led to an audition and, ultimately, a career-defining role.

Career

Lawrence joined The Carol Burnett Show in 1967 at age 18, quickly becoming a vital ensemble player alongside Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner, and later Tim Conway. She showcased a remarkable range in sketches, from the sharp-tongued office worker Eunice Higgins to the irascible matriarch Mama. The Mama character, created in a sketch with Burnett, became a cultural phenomenon. In 1973, Lawrence recorded "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia", written by her then-husband Bobby Russell; the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Following the end of Burnett's show in 1978, Lawrence starred in several short-lived series before Mama was revived in the 1983 sitcom Mama's Family, which enjoyed a successful six-season run in first-run syndication. In the 1990s and 2000s, she transitioned to daytime television, hosting the talk show Vicki! and later serving as a co-host on the Fox morning program The Fox After Breakfast. She has made numerous guest appearances on series such as Hannah Montana, The Cool Kids, and The Bold and the Beautiful, and has been a frequent guest on game shows like The $25,000 Pyramid.

Personal life

Lawrence married songwriter Bobby Russell in 1972; they divorced in 1974. Later that same year, she married Al Schultz, a former makeup artist for The Carol Burnett Show. The couple has two children and resides in Los Angeles. She has been an advocate for various health causes, particularly Crohn's disease awareness. In 2023, Lawrence embarked on a national theatrical tour titled "Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show," blending stand-up comedy, storytelling, and audience interaction.

Filmography and discography

Lawrence's extensive television credits include her starring role on Mama's Family (1983-1990) and recurring roles on Roseanne and Yes, Dear. Her notable television films include The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank and Eunice. Film appearances include The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking and The Parent Trap. Her primary musical release is the 1973 album The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, featuring the chart-topping title single. She has also released comedy albums related to her Mama character.

Awards and nominations

For her work on The Carol Burnett Show, Lawrence won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1976. She received additional Primetime Emmy Award nominations in 1974, 1975, and 1977 for her performances on the series. Her hosting work on Vicki! earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host nomination. In 1997, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6733 Hollywood Boulevard.

Category:American television actresses Category:American comedians Category:American game show hosts Category:Actresses from California Category:1949 births Category:Living people