### Vicki Lawrence Reflects on Mentorship with Harvey Korman During The Carol Burnett Show
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Vicki Lawrence has opened up about her early career on *The Carol Burnett Show*, recalling how veteran comedian Harvey Korman played a pivotal role in her development as a performer. In a recent interview, the 77-year-old comedian reminisced about her time on the show, which aired from 1967 to 1978, and the significant impact Korman had on her as a mentor.
Lawrence joined the iconic variety show at just 18 after being spotted by Carol Burnett during the Miss Fireball of Inglewood contest. While Burnett welcomed Lawrence with open arms, Korman, who had a wealth of experience, was initially taken aback by her youth and inexperience. “He was like, ‘Forget stage right and stage left. You can’t even find the ladies’ room.’” Lawrence laughed, recalling the enormous learning curve she faced.
Despite his initial reservations, Korman recognised that Lawrence needed guidance in the fast-paced world of sketch comedy, and he embraced the challenge. “It was as if he thought, ‘Either train me or kill me,’” she quipped. Korman dedicated himself to helping her hone her comedic skills, including supporting her with dialects, character development, and understanding the parodic roots of their sketches.
Among the notable moments during her tenure was the show’s frequent nods to classic films, which were often foreign to the young Lawrence. Korman would explain the intricate references and characters she was expected to portray, providing essential context that deepened her comedic performance. “He helped me with everything,” she said. “I really credit him for teaching me most everything I know about comedy.”
The legacy of *The Carol Burnett Show* is marked by its smart, irreverent sketches, and it launched a memorable sitcom called *Mama’s Family*, which featured Lawrence as the character Thelma Harper, affectionately known as Mama. However, after filming the initial episodes of her own show, Lawrence realised that something crucial was missing.
“Those first two episodes were so awful that I said, ‘Stop for a minute. I need Harvey,’” she remembered. Korman’s insight proved invaluable; he highlighted the need for her character to encompass humour rather than aggression. “He told me, ‘She has to laugh. She has to be silly. She can’t just be yelling at people all the time,’” Lawrence recounted, noting how Korman liberated her character to explore a wider emotional range.
*Mama’s Family*, eventually airing from 1983 to 1990, allowed audiences to witness this evolution. Lawrence credits Korman for helping her realise that the audience wanted to relate to and engage with Mama, fostering a bond that extended beyond mere comedic relief.
Today, Vicki Lawrence continues to share her journey and experiences through her touring comedy show, *Vicki and Mama: A Two Woman Show*. Scheduled for performances on November 13 and 14 at the Elizabeth Ross Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the show serves as both a celebration of her storied life and a showcase for her comedic talents.
The performance is divided into two parts: the first half consists of Lawrence recounting precious stories from her past, while the second features her beloved character, Mama, who adds a distinctive and humorous take on contemporary topics. “Mama can say everything that Vicki would never say, and she’s not politically incorrect because she’s a crazy old lady,” Lawrence joked, highlighting the unique dynamics between her personas.
Lawrence’s upcoming shows promise to be a heartfelt reflection on her life and career, with an underlying theme of resilience and humour that has defined her work. Tickets for *Vicki and Mama: A Two Woman Show* are currently available, and while these dates conclude her 2023 performances, Lawrence is set to resume touring across the country in early 2027.
As she looks back on her illustrious career, Vicki Lawrence’s fond memories of Harvey Korman highlight the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry. His guidance not only shaped her career but has left a lasting imprint on the legacy of comedy that continues to resonate with audiences today.
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