Vicki Lawrence: podcast appearances and interviews

Vicki Lawrence, born Vicki Ann Axelrad on March 26, 1949, is an American actress, comedian, and singer. She is best known for her portrayal of Mama, also known as Thelma Harper, a character she originated on CBS's The Carol Burnett Show, which she performed on throughout the show's entire run from 1967 to 1978. The success of the comedy sketches featuring her character led to the creation of the television sitcom Mama's Family, where Mama became the central figure and her traits were further developed. Beyond her acting roles, Lawrence has hosted an untelevised stand-up comedy routine since 2001 titled Vicki and Mama: A Two Woman Show, and has made numerous guest appearances on television in her Mama persona. In 1973, she achieved commercial success as a singer with the hit single The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, which topped the charts in the United States and Canada. The song also reached number 36 on the US country chart and was covered by Reba McEntire in 1991, whose version peaked at number 12. Lawrence also found success in Australia with the songs He Did with Me and Ships in the Night. She has received multiple Emmy Award nominations, winning one in 1976, and multiple Golden Globe nominations, all for her work on The Carol Burnett Show. Her career includes guest appearances on the Disney Channel sitcom Hannah Montana and a starring role in the Fox sitcom The Cool Kids. Additionally, she hosted The Great American Homemaker on USA Network in 1983 for over a year.