Vicki Lawrence: A Legendary Star With Talent And Heart

What’s the Scoop on Vicki Lawrence’s Net Worth and Career?

If you’re a fan of laughter, music, and iconic television moments, then Vicki Lawrence is a name you know well. With a net worth of $8 million, Vicki Lawrence has carved out a legendary career in entertainment. Best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Mama on “The Carol Burnett Show” and later in the sitcom “Mama’s Family,” Vicki’s talent extends far beyond acting. She’s also a gifted singer, comedian, and musician. Her chart-topping single “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” in 1972 proved she could captivate audiences with her voice just as easily as she did with her comedy.

Early Days: Where It All Began

Growing up in Inglewood, California, Vicki Lawrence, born Vicki Axelrad on March 26, 1949, had a rich cultural background. With Austrian Jewish and German Jewish roots, she was shaped by a diverse heritage. Her family legally changed their last name to Lawrence when Vicki was young, setting the stage for her future in the spotlight. As a teenager, Vicki attended Morningside High School, where she honed her performing skills with the Young Americans musical group. Although she started college at UCLA, she eventually dropped out to chase her dreams in show business.

Breaking Into “The Carol Burnett Show”

It all started with a beauty pageant. Vicki entered the Miss Fireball of Inglewood contest as a high school senior. A local reporter noticed her striking resemblance to Carol Burnett and encouraged Vicki to write to her idol. Carol Burnett not only responded but showed up to crown Vicki as Miss Fireball. That chance encounter led to Vicki landing a role on “The Carol Burnett Show” as Carol’s younger sister. On the show, Vicki became a comedy powerhouse, especially through her iconic character Mama—a cantankerous, no-nonsense mom who stole the hearts of viewers. Her chemistry with Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman made her a staple on the show for all 11 seasons, earning her an Emmy Award and multiple Golden Globe nominations.

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Building on Success: The Era of “Mama’s Family” and Beyond

Vicki’s Mama character was such a hit that it inspired its own sitcom, “Mama’s Family,” which aired in the 1980s. The show originally ran from 1983 to 1984 and was later revived from 1986 to 1990. Fans couldn’t get enough of Mama’s sharp wit and larger-than-life personality. Alongside her sitcom success, Vicki continued to appear on other popular shows like “The Love Boat” and “Laverne & Shirley.” She also became a familiar face on game shows, including “The $25,000 Pyramid” and “Password Plus.” In the late '80s, she even hosted the game show “Win, Lose or Draw,” earning two Daytime Emmy nominations for her hosting skills. Her talk show, “Vicki!,” which aired from 1992 to 1994, further showcased her versatility and charm, earning her additional Daytime Emmy nominations.

Throughout the '90s and 2000s, Vicki remained a beloved presence on TV. She appeared in shows like “Hart to Hart” and “Diagnosis: Murder” and took on a recurring role as Mamaw Stewart on Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana.” In 2017, she joined the cast of NBC’s “Great News” and later starred in Fox’s “The Cool Kids.” Even today, Vicki continues to appear in projects like “The Resident,” “Call Me Kat,” and “The Really Loud House.” Her career has been nothing short of remarkable, and she even reunited with Carol Burnett for a special in 2023 celebrating Carol’s 90th birthday.

Music Magic: Vicki’s Chart-Topping Hits

While Vicki is best known for her comedic roles, her musical talent is equally impressive. In 1972, she released “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” which became a massive hit and topped the charts. The song, written by her then-husband Bobby Russell, earned her a Gold certification from the RIAA. Vicki followed up with other singles like “He Did With Me,” which hit number one in Australia, and “Ships in the Night.” Over the years, she released three albums, including her disco-inspired “Newborn Woman” in 1979. Her music career proved that Vicki was a true multi-talented star.

Life Beyond the Spotlight: Family and Home

Vicki’s personal life is just as fascinating as her career. She was married to singer-songwriter Bobby Russell from 1972 to 1974, and later tied the knot with makeup artist Al Schultz. Together, they have two children, Courtney and Garrett. Vicki and Al have called Long Beach home for many years, living in a stunning 5-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot house with breathtaking bay views. Today, the property is estimated to be worth between $3-4 million, reflecting Vicki’s success and comfort in her later years.