Vicki Lawrence And Carol Burnett Have Grown Closer Despite Falling Out In The ‘80s

Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett collaborated on The Carol Burnett Show from 1967 to 1978, after which they reunited for a spin-off titled Mama’s Family, which lasted for six seasons. Both ladies found friendship beyond the set; however, they hit a rough patch and fell out at some point.

Thankfully, Vicki and Carol are back to being friends, with the former admitting they are even closer than ever. The 75-year-old also revealed how much her divorce from Joe Hamilton affected the series as she became less involved.

What happened to Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett’s relationship?

Vicki recalled how Carol distanced herself from work and loved ones, including her, during her heartbreaking split from Hamilton, who was a producer on The Carol Burnett Show. Vicki was understanding of her friend’s plight until one night when Carol called her house but did not speak with her.

Vicki felt hurt that Carol wanted to speak with her husband Al Schultz and not her, although Carol told Al that she would be back. Like Hamilton, Vicki’s late spouse also worked on the show as a makeup artiste, so he had a cordial relationship with Carol. Thankfully, Carol overcame the tough phase and returned shortly after.

Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence mended their friendship

Carol and Vicki find their way back to each other, and their friendship lasts to this day. Vicki credits much of her achievements to Carol, including meeting Al, with whom she shared a daughter, Courtney, and a son, Garrett. Carol also boosted her career via The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family.

Vicki noted that she held grace for Carol due to her personal challenges, which were aside from her divorce. The renowned TV personality lost her first of three daughters, Carrie, to cancer in 2002 after seeing her through multiple rehab cycles due to drug addiction. Her last born, Erin, was also an addict, leaving Carol to temporarily take custody of her teenage grandson Dylan.