Vicki Lawrence Quotes

Powerful Vicki Lawrence for Daily Growth

About Vicki Lawrence

**Vicki Lawrence** is an acclaimed American comedian, actress, and singer-songwriter, born on March 26, 1949, in Inglewood, California. Known for her versatile talents and iconic character, Mama, from the television sketch comedy series 'The Carol Burnett Show' (1975–1981), Lawrence has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Lawrence was exposed to show business at a young age, as her mother, Peggy Russell, was a singer and comedian. Inspired by her mother, Lawrence began performing in local talent shows and eventually landed a role on 'The Carol Burnett Show.' The show's sketch comedy format provided a creative platform for Lawrence, who honed her comedic skills and created the enduring character of Mama, an old Southern woman with a distinctive speech pattern. Following the success of 'The Carol Burnett Show,' Lawrence embarked on a successful solo career. In 1980, she released the comedy album 'A Woman I Am,' which included the hit single "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia." The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Lawrence's acting career continued to thrive, with notable roles in films such as 'Mama's Family' (1983–1990), 'The Three Stooges' (1990), and 'Carol & Company' (1994). She also voiced the character of Otis the Cowardly Lion in 'The Muppets Wizard of Oz' (2005) and appeared as a regular on the reality television series 'Dancing with the Stars.' In addition to her work in entertainment, Lawrence is an advocate for animal rights and supports various charities, including the Humane Society of the United States. Her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft have solidified her status as a beloved figure in American entertainment.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of a good act is having something to say."

This quote highlights that a successful performance or act requires substance, not just style or technique. A good act should convey a meaningful message or idea, engaging the audience emotionally or intellectually. It suggests that an effective performer finds their unique perspective or story to share, making their work relevant, impactful, and memorable.

"It's always fun to be a little outrageous."

The quote suggests that adding an element of the unexpected or unconventional can bring excitement, amusement, and vitality to our actions or expressions. Being "a little outrageous" can spice up our interactions, making them more interesting and memorable. It encourages us to express ourselves freely, break free from routine, and embrace creativity. However, it's essential to balance this with respect for others and circumstances, ensuring that our actions remain appropriate and do not cause harm or discomfort to anyone.

"I've had so many careers in my life that I'm practically a one-woman employment agency."

Vicki Lawrence, in this quote, humorously expresses her versatility and adaptability across various professional paths. By stating she has "practically a one-woman employment agency," she is highlighting the broad range of careers she's experienced and implying that she could potentially guide others through their career journeys due to her extensive experience. This quote, therefore, conveys Lawrence's ability to navigate different professions throughout her life.

"The only thing that makes you famous is being famous."

Vicki Lawrence's quote suggests that fame itself, rather than achievements or talents, is the primary driver of one's recognition and celebrity status in society. In other words, being famous derives from the recognition of one's fame, not the other way around. It's a statement about the self-perpetuating nature of celebrity.

"I guess I'd rather be laughed at than ignored, but I'll take being ignored any day over being criticized."

This quote suggests that Vicki Lawrence prefers to receive attention, even if it's negative in the form of laughter, over being completely overlooked or unnoticed. However, she values being ignored more than being criticized, indicating a strong dislike for harsh criticism or judgment. This can be interpreted as a desire for recognition and acceptance, but on her own terms.

Life is much too serious to be taken seriously.

- Vicki Lawrence

Serious, Seriously, Too, Taken

Tim Conway was a little different from the rest. He was always in the back of the studio building something with the prop man, rewriting his lines, or plotting our demise.

- Vicki Lawrence

Rest, Always, Studio, Plotting

Some talk shows have become so exploitive and tabloid, I wonder if I can believe some of their guests. Where do they find these guests, and why do they deserve air time?

- Vicki Lawrence

Deserve, Some, Tabloid, Guests

I had a hit talk show. I just wasn't working for the right people.

- Vicki Lawrence

Working, Hit, Show, Talk Show

What I learned was that celebrities come to me with a preconceived notion. They think I'm fun, or they've worked with me, or they know me, or we've met. So there's a lot of backstuff on the 'Vicki!' show.

- Vicki Lawrence

Think, Learned, Celebrities, Preconceived

Everybody just told me from the day I went into high school that I looked like Carol Burnett.

- Vicki Lawrence

Like, Everybody, Looked, Burnett

People would get Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence all mushed together in their brains, and, bless their hearts, it would come out Carol Lawrence.

- Vicki Lawrence

People, Bless, Come, Burnett

Most of the cast and crew on 'Mama's Family' have been together since the 'Carol Burnett' days, so we work really well together. It's like I'm being paid to pretend I'm in show business.

- Vicki Lawrence

Show, Been, Pretend, Burnett

I think the Mama people remember is from 'Mama's Family.' She really turned into a pretty cool character. The sketches from the 'Burnett' show, if people are old enough to remember, were written by writers who all hated their mothers.

- Vicki Lawrence

Show, I Think, Turned, Burnett

It took me a lot of years on the 'Burnett' show to feel like I had earned the privilege to play in the sandbox with the grown-ups.

- Vicki Lawrence

Play, Like, Took, Burnett

The thing that everybody loves about the 'Burnett Show' was that you felt like you were really there - all that fun stuff stayed in the show, and I think that's why everybody remembers it so fondly because that just doesn't happen anymore on television.

- Vicki Lawrence

Everybody, I Think, About, Burnett

Everyone has fond memories of 'The Carol Burnett Show' and the characters we did.

- Vicki Lawrence

Carol, Characters, Burnett

When I started on the 'Burnett' show, I was just out of high school, and when we went off the air, I was 28 years old, married with two kids. At that point I felt I really wanted to be mommy to my children. But I found that after a year and a half, I really missed the part of myself that was an actress.

- Vicki Lawrence

Year, Mommy, Half, Burnett

RuPaul knew details of the 'Burnett Show' that even surprised me.

- Vicki Lawrence

Show, Knew, Even, Burnett

I've really enjoyed doing 'Annie Get Your Gun' and loved Neil Simon stuff like 'Chapter Two.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Doing, Chapter, Gun, Annie

My fans were probably the most therapeutic thing for me.

- Vicki Lawrence

Me, Most, Were, Therapeutic

I am no prude, but when I watch comedy, I ask myself, 'Who wrote this? A teenage boy in the locker room?'

- Vicki Lawrence

Myself, Comedy, Wrote, Locker Room

We did a lot of those road trips, all the mandatory stuff that you should when you're a kid, like Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon and the Sequoias and the western coast.

- Vicki Lawrence

Kid, Like, Grand, Mount

It's special to have people see you and tell you, 'You make me laugh.' That makes me feel good. I think if you have the talent to do it, it's your duty to pass it on.

- Vicki Lawrence

Think, I Think, Pass, Make Me Laugh

I feel it is time to lighten up and laugh about things and enjoy ourselves a little bit more.

- Vicki Lawrence

More, Feel, About, Laugh

When I was in high school, in my generation, I thought that you got a logical, sensible job, or you got married.

- Vicki Lawrence

Generation, Thought, Got, Sensible

CIU is not something to just tolerate. It's important to find an allergist or dermatologist who can work with you to help manage your condition.

- Vicki Lawrence

Work, Something, Your, Tolerate

I flew to New York to do a commercial back in the day when people could meet you at the gate, and the little agent when I came off the plane said, 'Oh, Miss Carr, we are so happy to have you here.' I went, 'Oh, for goodness sakes.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Here, Commercial, Plane, Gate

I feel like my life has been very serendipitous and really kind of humorous. Everything that's happened to me has been like an, 'Omigod, are you kidding me?'

- Vicki Lawrence

My Life, Been, Very, Humorous

I want to be open about my condition to show others that they are not alone in dealing with this form of chronic hives. My advice for people with CIU is to talk to their doctor about their condition.

- Vicki Lawrence

Advice, Want, Dealing, Chronic

I played Miley Cyrus' grandma on 'Hannah Montana,' and the first time I was on, they said, 'We love having veterans like you on because she's like a little sponge, and she's really appreciative of all the veterans that are coming on the show, and we just love that you're teaching her.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Love, Veterans, Sponge, Montana

That's my opportunity to hide behind that old lady and say what I want to say.

- Vicki Lawrence

Behind, Hide, Old, Old Lady

Everyone has a crazy old lady in their family like 'Mama.' No one ever comes up to me and says 'Mama' is just like them, so no one is ever offended by her. Even young people like to laugh at her. I think she helps kids appreciate their own grandmothers more.

- Vicki Lawrence

Young, I Think, Grandmothers, Old Lady

I definitely go with the flow because I feel like I have been so lucky, and so many things have happened to me that just never should have happened.

- Vicki Lawrence

Lucky, Like, Been, Flow

I hear from many a man around Halloween that's dressed up as Mama for Halloween. It's a great costume.

- Vicki Lawrence

Dressed, Around, Many, Costume

I went to Vietnam during the Vietnam War to visit all the troops. We would fly into a hospital and serve mess to the guys, and we ate whatever they were eating. Then we slept there and flew out the next day to little bases where there were maybe 10 or 20 guys. Then we flew to another hospital.

- Vicki Lawrence

Next, Maybe, Another, Vietnam War

When I first got an outbreak of hives, I tried everything to find relief. I felt like no one understood what I was going through.

- Vicki Lawrence

Through, Like, Going, Relief

The fun part for me is to just really push that envelope.

- Vicki Lawrence

Me, Just, Part, Envelope

I was lucky to have my allergist who diagnosed me with CIU.

- Vicki Lawrence

Me, Lucky, Who, Diagnosed

I was trying to be Mary Tyler Moore. I loved her in 'The Dick Van Dyke Show.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Van, Dyke, Dick Van Dyke, None

I went to UCLA, my dad's alma mater, and that was his dream.

- Vicki Lawrence

Dream, His, Dad, UCLA

We all have somebody that sits down at the Thanksgiving table and says the most outrageous things, and you're doin' the dishes with your sister, and you're like, 'Omigod, can you believe she said that?'

- Vicki Lawrence

Like, Your, Dishes, Table

There's nobody telling Oprah what to do. There's no one telling David Letterman what he can and can't do. You've got to have 100 percent support from everybody who's behind the show, across the board.

- Vicki Lawrence

Behind, Everybody, Telling, Board

Even though I was in close proximity to everything, it never really dawned on me to pursue a career in show business.

- Vicki Lawrence

Career, Dawned, Though, Proximity

I don't get people baring their lives on television. Maybe it makes other people feel better about themselves. Is that what it is? You watch these people making total fools of themselves. It's like there's absolutely no privacy.

- Vicki Lawrence

Other, Maybe, About, Fools

I think the audience keeps it fresh for me. You just never know - every audience has its own personality.

- Vicki Lawrence

Think, Audience, I Think, Fresh

Harvey Korman was like a private tutor to me. He was such a mentor.

- Vicki Lawrence

Mentor, Like, Private, Harvey

We all know him: everybody has an Archie Bunker in their family, so you love to laugh at him, and you never take it personally; everybody just has a ball laughing at him.

- Vicki Lawrence

Love, Everybody, Bunker, Laughing

I much prefer doing comedy. I get a little paranoid when the audience is not laughing.

- Vicki Lawrence

Doing, Audience, Prefer, Laughing

I always tell people I went to the Harvard School of Comedy in front of America.

- Vicki Lawrence

School, Comedy, Always, Harvard

When the opportunity came along to do 'Win, Lose or Draw,' I took it selfishly to find out if I did enjoy being me on camera. And I did that for the last two years I was doing 'Mama's Family.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Doing, Last, Took, Camera

I really feel my family is my priority.

- Vicki Lawrence

Family, Feel, Really, Priority

Dick Clark and I had such a hysterical relationship with each other.

- Vicki Lawrence

Relationship, Other, Had, Clark

I've always thought George Carlin was brilliant.

- Vicki Lawrence

Always, Brilliant, Carlin, None

I wanted to study to be a dental hygienist, marry a rich dentist, and hang it up.

- Vicki Lawrence

Study, Hang, Wanted, Dentist

I love to cook. I'm a sailor. And I was the eighth-grade ping-pong champion.

- Vicki Lawrence

Love, Sailor, I Love, Champion

I am interested in a lot of the same things people are interested in. I am trying to raise kids without them self-destructing. I am trying to hold the marriage together, and I am trying to take off the same 10 pounds everyone else is.

- Vicki Lawrence

Hold, Without, Lot, Same Things

I often feel like I could fall off the face of the Earth. As long as 'Mama' was around, nobody would really miss me. People really think of her as an actual person. People all the time see me and ask, 'Where's Mama?' Like she should be with me.

- Vicki Lawrence

Long, Feel, Around, Mama

There's going to be a picture of 'Mama' on my obit.

- Vicki Lawrence

Picture, Going, Mama

Mama is my chance to be a stand-up comedian. In my mind, it's my chance to be Chris Rock.

- Vicki Lawrence

Mind, Rock, Comedian, Mama

'Mama's Family' was kind of like everyone's guilty pleasure.

- Vicki Lawrence

Guilty, Everyone, Like, Mama

I remember being totally enamored with Sid Caesar.

- Vicki Lawrence

Remember, I Remember, Being, Caesar

I do love pasta. It gets me into trouble. If I could give up pasta and bread, I'd look like Cate Blanchett.

- Vicki Lawrence

Love, Bread, Give, If I Could

My parents raised me to believe that when one door slams in your face, turn around because there's probably another door opening up somewhere.

- Vicki Lawrence

Door, Raised, Another, Opening

I think it is a universal problem that we are so often cruel to the people we love.

- Vicki Lawrence

Love, Think, I Think, Universal

It's just kinda what I did: played crazy old ladies.

- Vicki Lawrence

Crazy, Old, Kinda, Ladies

It's always good to play tennis with a better player to bring out the best in you.

- Vicki Lawrence

Play, Better, Always, Tennis

My favorite game shows were 'Password' and '$25,000 Pyramid.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Game, Shows, Were, Pyramid

I am opinionated and want to be part of the conversations.

- Vicki Lawrence

I Am, Want, Part, Opinionated

I'm very particular about what I want.

- Vicki Lawrence

Want, Very, About, Particular

I think I'm pretty average. Typical.

- Vicki Lawrence

Think, Average, Pretty, Typical

Everybody has a dysfunctional family.

- Vicki Lawrence

Family, Everybody, Dysfunctional

I didn't plan on going into show business. Show business picked me. And it's been fun. One of the best things about being in show business is people think they know me, and they feel like they grew up with me.

- Vicki Lawrence

Show, Been, About, Picked

My dad planned a road trip every summer, so we always did the road trip. We did the Eastern Seaboard and learned about the history of the United States.

- Vicki Lawrence

Always, United States, Trip

When I hosted 'Win, Lose or Draw,' it was always fascinating to me that no one knew where anything was when they had to draw a destination.

- Vicki Lawrence

Lose, Always, Knew, Draw

Anybody who has spent time with the networks - in fact, you don't even have to spend time with the networks, all you have to do is just watch primetime TV - and you think, 'What the hell are they doing? I could run the network better.' And I think everybody feels that way.

- Vicki Lawrence

Doing, Feels, TV, Network

I go out and speak to women's groups all the time, and I say, 'Guys, you gotta laugh and find the humor in things. You gotta pass it on.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Go, Pass, Gotta, Groups

I don't care about making a fool of myself on stage anymore. I don't care what people think.

- Vicki Lawrence

Think, Stage, Making, Fool

A lot of the things that loved ones say to each other, friends would never accept.

- Vicki Lawrence

Never, Other, Lot, Loved Ones

I think the older you get, the more 'let's cut to the chase' you get, 'let's quit quibbling about this, let's tell it like it is.'

- Vicki Lawrence

Think, I Think, Cut, Quit

I think coming East and doing something like Broadway would probably be a good career move.

- Vicki Lawrence

Career, Doing, Think, Broadway

I never got to Broadway. I would love to do that.

- Vicki Lawrence

Love, Never, Would, Broadway

I was married for 10 minutes into a Southern family.

- Vicki Lawrence

Family, Minutes, Married, Southern

I never intended to be in show business; I intended to be an extremely grounded person.

- Vicki Lawrence

Business, Never, Extremely, Grounded

I think for people that are dealing with this out there, the important thing to know is that this is real. It's called CIU, and there are solutions out there for you.

- Vicki Lawrence

Think, Dealing, I Think, Solutions

I really am a cockeyed optimist.

- Vicki Lawrence

Am, Really, Optimist

Things have always sort of happened for me. Something else always comes up.

- Vicki Lawrence

Always, Things, Else, Something Else

I was really a shy kid.

- Vicki Lawrence

Kid, Really, Shy

This country wants to laugh. We want to, and we need to. I'm happy to oblige.

- Vicki Lawrence

Want, Country, Need, Oblige

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