Vicki Lawrence has been playing Thelma Harper (a.k.a. “Mama”) for so long that she’s pretty much caught up with her in age.
Yet no matter how much time goes by, Mama will still be that cantankerous, tell-it-like-it-is old lady while Lawrence, at 64, remains as youthful and vibrant as ever. Lawrence, who first played the perpetually scowling Southern matriarch in a 1974 episode of The Carol Burnett Show, has been making the rounds promoting a new, comprehensive Mama’s Family DVD set that includes the entire 1983-90 series as well as a bounty of extras sure to please fans everywhere. She also tours the country onstage with “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show,” and she has seen the broad range of fans the character attracts and the memories she evokes.
1. You’re at a magazine rack and can only pick three titles. Which ones do you choose?
Vanity Fair, Coastal Living and Bon Appetit.
2. Your DVR can only carry three shows. Which ones do you want?
The Good Wife, I’m definitely hooked on her right now. I haven’t seen it yet, but Robin Williams’ new show is one I think I want to watch. The Crazy Ones. I’m a huge fan of his, but I’m a ginormous fan of [writer] David E. Kelley. I would’ve said Modern Family awhile back, but I’m not sure it hasn’t run its course. I’ll just say Saturday Night Live, so I can keep up with what’s going on with the young people.
3. What has been your strangest fan encounter?
Well, I had a large man charge the stage one night dressed as Eunice. That was kind of frightening. I bet he was about 6 feet tall. He kind of looked like Ichabod Crane but he was in full Eunice drag. We had a little conversation up on the stage.
4. Tell me about a time when you were starstruck.
I got to meet Fred Astaire. I was pretty starstruck the night I met him. It was the Golden Globes Awards and The Carol Burnett Show was nominated. I wasn’t dating anyone at the time, so I asked our lead dancer to go with me, and of course I’m sitting there with Don, and he’s a beautiful dancer, and I went, “Don, it’s Fred Astaire and I have to go say hi.” I was probably incredibly rude, I interrupted the poor man right when he was eating. But he was totally charming and kissed my hand, which I don’t think I washed for a week. I’m still sorry we didn’t get to go across the dance floor together, but I did get to meet him, and he was lovely.
5. What are three things you must have in your fridge or pantry?
There’s probably always salsa, yogurt and fresh coffee.
6. I’m sure when you did that first sketch as Mama, you had no idea you’d be playing her 30 years later. How have you kept it fresh and entertaining?
It’s really fun to push her into the new century. That half of the show changes a lot, so I try to keep her very topical. For me, she’s my chance to go out and be Chris Rock and just say whatever is on my mind, even if it’s politically incorrect. Things that Vicki would never say, Mama can say because she’s a crazy old lady and she gets away with it.
7. Was there ever a time throughout the years when you didn’t want to play her anymore?
Yeah, I kind of have a love-hate [relationship] with her. I kinda do. Because she’s more popular than I am. People always want to talk to her. If I’m going to do a show, people will want to know if Mama will come instead of me, and it’s like, “Really? She’s not a real person; you can’t do a real interview with her.” She’s much funnier than I am. She’s much cleverer. She’s much quicker. So I get jealous of her. I remember when Michael Jackson died, I said to my husband while we were watching the memorial, “Couldn’t we have a big memorial for Mama and put her to rest? Then I’d never have to see her again.” (laughs) Yeah, I get jealous of her. On the other hand, it’s pretty nice to be able to just dress up and be comfortable and say whatever the hell you’re thinking.
Photo: Robert Phillips/Everett Collection
