“Mama’s Family” star Vicki Lawrence recently opened up about her relationship with Carol Burnett.
The actress co-starred in the variety/sketch comedy TV series “The Carol Burnett Show” for 11 seasons, from 1967 to 1978.
However, the two, who shared a strong friendship, had a falling out during the filming of “The Carol Burnett Show” spin-off series “Mama’s Family”.
Speaking to Screen Rant, Lawrence described how they managed to mend the rift and explained that their bond has grown stronger over time.
“I’m glad it’s close now,” Lawrence said. “We’re closer than ever, really.”
Burnett originally had a recurring role on “Mama’s Family,” starring Lawrence as Thelma “Mama” Harper, a character originally from “The Carol Burnett Show.”
However, Burnett stopped appearing in the spin-off series when she divorced Joe Hamilton, an executive producer on “Mama’s Family” and “The Carol Burnett Show.”
Burnett and Hamilton, who died in 1991, married in 1963 and shared three daughters – Carrie, Jodie and Erin.
The former couple’s marriage ended in 1984, a year after “Mama’s Family” aired.
Lawrence told Screen Rant Burnett began distancing herself from the “Mama’s Family” cast during her bitter split from Hamilton.
“They were going through a horrible divorce,” Lawrence recalled. “So, almost … for a while, it’s almost like he divorced everyone involved (Hamilton). I know it’s hard for him. He’s been there for a long time…”
“He spoke to my husband one night,” the actress said. “He called — it was early in the ‘Mama’s Family’ run. I was making dinner. My son answered the phone, and he said, ‘Can I talk to your dad?’ And I asked, ‘Who is that?’ And my son said, ‘That’s Carol.’ I said, ‘Does he want to talk to me?’ And he said, ‘No, he wants to talk to dad.’ And it kind of broke my heart.
“But he said to Al, my husband, ‘I promise I’ll be back. I promise.’ and when he came back, he was completely back,” Lawrence recalled. “But I know it’s a very difficult time for him. It’s sadder than anything.
Lawrence was married to makeup artist Al Schultz for nearly 50 years until his death at age 82 in June.
Schultz worked as a makeup artist on “The Carol Burnett Show” and other popular series, including “All in the Family” and “Good Times.” The couple shares daughter Courtney and son Garett.
In a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lawrence credited Burnett for introducing her to her future husband.
“Carol found my wife for me,” Lawrence said. “Al just joined the make up union. And Carol was sitting in her dressing room, and Al walked by. He told his secretary that he was very nice and wanted him on the show. Carol has generally been responsible for most everything in her adult life.
While speaking with Screen Rant, Lawrence noted that Burnett has had many difficult times in her life. Burnett and Hamilton’s daughter, Carrie, battled drug addiction during her teenage years and spent time in rehab.
He became sober at age 15, although he briefly relapsed at age 17.
Burnett and Hamilton revealed their daughter’s struggle to help other families and to raise funds for the center where Carrie was treated, according to the Los Angeles Times. The former couple also revealed that their daughter’s addiction problems led to their divorce.
In 2002, Carrie died of cancer at the age of 38. Burnett and Hamilton’s daughter, Erin, also suffered from drug addiction.
In 2020, Burnett and her third husband, Brian Miller, became the temporary legal guardians of Erin’s son, Dylan, due to Erin’s substance abuse problems.
“I feel bad for him because of everything he’s done,” Lawrence said of Burnett.
In 2002, Carrie died of cancer at the age of 38. Burnett and Hamilton’s daughter, Erin, also suffered from drug addiction. In 2020, Burnett and her third husband, Brian Miller, became the temporary legal guardians of Erin’s son, Dylan, due to Erin’s substance abuse problems.
“I feel bad for him because of everything he’s done,” Lawrence said of Burnett.
In addition to their friendship, the seven-time Emmy Award winner also mentored Lawrence and later asked her to take the lead role in “Mama’s Family” despite the young actress’s hesitation.
“I think the most important thing I learned from Carol was how show business should be done,” Lawrence said. “It has to be fun, and if it’s not fun, you’re wrong.
“It’s been a tough business,” he added. “I was just very lucky to be raised on ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ by the best teachers in the world. So what happened to me didn’t happen to other people.
The two will reunite on screen after Lawrence lands a supporting role in the second season of the Apple+ TV show “Palm Royale,” starring Burnett.
“I’ve shot a few scenes, but I haven’t shot with Carol yet,” Lawrence told Screen Rant. “But he said I would.”
