Vicki Lawrence (born March 26, 1949) is an American actress, comedian, and singer, best known for portraying Mama (Thelma Harper) on The Carol Burnett Show and its spin-off, Mama’s Family.
Lawrence became a one-hit wonder with her 1972 song, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”, which topped the charts. She has received multiple Emmy Award nominations, winning one in 1976, and is a Golden Globe nominee. Lawrence recently starred in the Fox sitcom The Cool Kids (2018–2019).
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Vicki Lawrence Net Worth
Vicki Lawrence has a net worth of $8 million. She was married to singer-songwriter Bobby Russell from 1972 to 1974. Later, she married makeup artist Al Schultz, with whom she has two children, Courtney and Garrett.
The couple has lived in Long Beach for many years in a 5-bedroom, 4,000 square foot home with direct bay views, valued at $3-4 million today.
Early Life
Vicki Lawrence was born Vicki Ann Axelrad in Inglewood, California. She was the daughter of Anne Alene and Howard Axelrad, a certified public accountant. Raised in a Jewish family, her surname was changed to Lawrence when she was young.
Initially planning to be a dental hygienist, Lawrence attended UCLA but dropped out to pursue theater arts. She gained early experience in The Young Americans and was discovered by Carol Burnett, who mentored her and helped her land a role on The Carol Burnett Show.
Career
In high school, Vicki Lawrence entered the Miss Fireball of Inglewood contest, where a local reporter noted her resemblance to Carol Burnett. Encouraged by her mother, Lawrence wrote to Burnett, who attended the contest and crowned her the winner.
Burnett, searching for an actress to play her younger sister, cast Lawrence on The Carol Burnett Show. Lawrence became famous for her character Mama, debuting in “The Family” sketch. She won an Emmy Award and earned multiple Golden Globe nominations for her work on the show.
Personal life
Vicki Lawrence was married to singer Bobby Russell from 1972 to 1974 and later to Hollywood makeup artist Al Schultz from 1974 until his death in June 2024. They had two children, Courtney and Garrett Schultz.
Initially a Republican, Lawrence switched to the Democratic Party in 2000, supporting Al Gore and advocating for women’s rights, animal welfare, and the environment. In 2015, she appeared on Celebrity Family Feud and later became a spokesperson for the CIU & You campaign, raising awareness about chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Did Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence get along?
Lawrence and Carol Burnett shared a professional relationship, with Lawrence noting in 1976 that they were friends, not sisters, and generally did not discuss personal problems at work.
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Conclusion
Vicki Lawrence’s career is a blend of exceptional talent, resilience, and adaptability. From her early days in “The Carol Burnett Show” to her current engagements, she continues to entertain and inspire, leaving an indelible mark in the world of comedy and television.
FAQ about Vicki Lawrence
- What is Vicki Lawrence’s net worth?
- Approximately $8 million.
- What is Vicki Lawrence best known for?
- Her roles on “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Mama’s Family.”
- How did Vicki Lawrence start her career?
- She started her career in comedy after being noticed for her resemblance to Carol Burnett.
- What other talents does Vicki Lawrence have?
- She is also a successful singer, with hits like “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”
- What is Vicki Lawrence’s current project?
- She tours with her “two-woman” show, performing as herself and her character Mama.
