“Carol Burnett Show” Star Vicki Lawrence Recalls Suffering from ‘Miserable’ and Debilitating Chronic Hives (Exclusive)

Vicki Lawrence Opens Up About her Battle with Chronic Hives

Vicki Lawrence, the renowned star of The Carol Burnett Show, recently shared her harrowing experience battling chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), an incurable condition characterised by prolonged hives outbreaks. Lawrence’s ordeal began in August 2012 when she woke up to an itchy sensation in the palms of her hands, which quickly escalated into a full-blown hive episode. She recalls plunging her hands into ice water in a desperate attempt to alleviate the itching, only to have the hives return, spreading across her body.

The 76-year-old Emmy nominee from Long Beach, Calif., recounted feeling as though she was “going crazy” as the hives persisted, despite rounds of high-dose steroids and antihistamines. After more than a month of agony, Lawrence was diagnosed with CSU by her allergist. She commenced treatment with injectable medication, which finally brought relief after several days. The rapid effectiveness of the treatment left Lawrence feeling amazed and grateful, describing it as a “magic answer” to her suffering.

According to a study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, CSU afflicts an estimated 2.6 million Americans, with women comprising approximately 70 percent of cases. Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, a medicine professor at the University of Cincinnati, explains that CSU can affect individuals of any age, with hives lasting six weeks or longer and often lacking a specific trigger. Lawrence has not had a major outbreak since 2012 but acknowledges the ever-present fear of a recurrence, stating that CSU can strike unexpectedly, keeping sufferers in a constant state of anticipation.

By sharing her story, Lawrence aims to raise awareness about CSU and provide support to fellow sufferers, assuring them that there is hope and management strategies available. Born and raised in Inglewood, Calif., Lawrence’s career was shaped by a serendipitous encounter with Carol Burnett, who cast her in The Carol Burnett Show as her younger sister, leading to a successful TV career that includes the sitcom Mama’s Family. Lawrence, who lost her husband Al Schultz in 2024 after nearly 50 years of marriage, emphasises the importance of retaining a positive outlook and cherishing good health.

Reflecting on her journey, Lawrence expresses gratitude for the effective treatment that has allowed her to resume a normal life free from the grip of hives. Despite the challenges she faced in coping with the loss of her husband, Lawrence finds solace in staying active, connecting with loved ones, and continuing her passion for entertainment. Her determination to persevere and enjoy life serves as an inspiration to others facing health adversities, reminding them that resilience and support can make a significant difference in their journey to wellness.

In conclusion, Vicki Lawrence’s candid account of her battle with chronic hives sheds light on the impact of such conditions and underscores the importance of perseverance, support, and effective medical intervention in overcoming health challenges. Lawrence’s story serves as a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with similar ailments, encouraging them to seek help, stay resilient, and cherish their well-being.