Net Worth Ranker
What Is Vicki Lawrence’s Net Worth?
Vicki Lawrence, an accomplished actress, comedian, and singer, has accumulated a net worth of $8 million. Her financial success is primarily attributed to her extensive career in television, including her iconic role as Mama on “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Mama’s Family,” as well as her ventures in music and hosting game and talk shows. While specific details regarding the breakdown of her net worth from various sources such as music royalties, television contracts, and investments are not publicly available, her consistent presence in the entertainment industry over several decades has been a significant factor.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Lawrence’s career took off when she was chosen by Carol Burnett to play her younger sister on “The Carol Burnett Show.” She became a regular cast member in 1967 and remained on the show for its entire 11-season run until 1978. During her tenure, she developed the character of Mama in “The Family” sketches, which became a fan favorite. Lawrence’s work on “The Carol Burnett Show” earned her an Emmy Award and multiple Golden Globe nominations, significantly boosting her visibility and demand in the industry.
The popularity of the Mama character led to the creation of “Mama’s Family,” which originally aired from 1983 to 1984 and was revived from 1986 to 1990. While specific salary details for “Mama’s Family” are not publicly disclosed, starring in a successful sitcom for several seasons would have contributed substantially to her income. In 1982, she also portrayed Mama in the television film “Eunice,” which garnered her another Emmy nomination.
Lawrence’s versatility allowed her to participate in numerous game shows, including “The $25,000 Pyramid,” “Password Plus,” and “Super Password.” She hosted the NBC daytime version of “Win, Lose or Draw” from 1987 to 1989, earning two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host. She further showcased her hosting abilities on the talk show “Vicki!” from 1992 to 1994, receiving multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations. Specific figures for her earnings as a game show contestant and host are not publicly accessible, but these roles undoubtedly contributed to her overall income.
In late 1972, Lawrence achieved a number-one hit with the song “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” written by her then-husband Bobby Russell. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA, and she released her debut album of the same name. While exact sales figures and royalties from her music career are not publicly available, the success of her hit single and subsequent albums would have added to her income.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Lawrence continued to appear on television, with guest roles in “Hart to Hart” and “Diagnosis: Murder.” She had a recurring role on the sitcom “Yes, Dear” in the early 2000s and played Mamaw Stewart on the Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana” from 2006 to 2011. In 2017, she had a recurring role on the NBC sitcom “Great News,” and in 2018, she starred in the Fox sitcom “The Cool Kids,” which lasted for one season. More recently, she has appeared in episodes of “The Resident,” “Call Me Kat,” and “The Really Loud House,” and alongside Carol Burnett in the 2023 television special “Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love.” While specific episode fees and contract details for these roles are not publicly available, consistent work in television has been a significant factor in maintaining and growing her net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
Vicki Lawrence and her husband, Al Schultz, have resided in Long Beach for many years. Their 5-bedroom, 4,000 square foot home, offering direct bay views, is estimated to be worth $3-4 million. While this real estate asset contributes to her overall net worth, specific details about other investments or assets are not publicly disclosed.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Vicki Axelrad on March 26, 1949, in Inglewood, California, Lawrence legally changed her family surname as a child. She attended Morningside High School, graduating in 1967, and performed with the Young Americans musical group during her time there. After high school, she attended UCLA for two years before dropping out to pursue her entertainment career. In a local newspaper article about the Miss Fireball of Inglewood contest, a reporter noted Lawrence’s resemblance to a young Carol Burnett. Encouraged by her mother, Lawrence wrote a letter to Burnett, leading to Burnett’s appearance at the contest to crown Lawrence as the winner. This encounter led to Lawrence landing the role of Burnett’s younger sister on “The Carol Burnett Show,” marking the beginning of her successful television career.
