Vicki Ann Lawrence (born March 26, 1949, sometimes credited as Vicki Lawrence Schultz) is an American
actress,
comedienne and
singer. She is known for the many characters she originated on
CBS's
The Carol Burnett Show where she appeared from 1967 to 1978, for the entire series run. One such character,
The Family matriarch
Thelma Harper/Mama, would later be the central character of the television situation comedy series
Mama's Family on
NBC and, later, in first-run syndication.