Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett are 'more united than ever' after resolving their falling-out.

Carol Burnett recently discussed her relationship with Vicki Lawrence, who stars on "Mama's Family."

For 11 seasons, from 1967 to 1978, the actresses shared the screen on the popular variety/sketch comedy TV series "The Carol Burnett Show."

Lawrence spoke with Screen Rant about how he and his friend, who shared a strong bond, had a falling-out during the filming of "The Carol Burnett Show's" spinoff series "Mama's Family." However, they were able to mend their rift and their bond has grown stronger over the years.

"Lawrence expressed his happiness about the current closeness between them, stating, "We're closer than we've ever been.""

Thelma "Mama" Harper, a character that Burnett originated on "The Carol Burnett Show," initially had a recurring role on "Mama's Family," which starred Lawrence.

Amid her divorce from Joe Hamilton, an executive producer on "Mama's Family" and "The Carol Burnett Show," Burnett stopped appearing on the spinoff series.

"I'm glad we are so close now," Lawrence said. "We're closer than we ever have been, really." — Vicki Lawrence

Burnett and Hamilton, who passed away in 1991, got married in 1963 and had three daughters - Carrie, Jodie, and Erin. Their marriage ended in 1984, the year "Mama's Family" first aired.

During her split from Hamilton, Burnett started to distance herself from the "Mama's Family" cast.

Lawrence remembered how she went through a difficult divorce. "Almost," he said, "it felt like she divorced all of us who were involved with [Hamilton] in any way. I know it was hard for her. She spent a lot of time …

The actress shared that she spoke to her husband one night during the early days of "Mama's Family." She was preparing dinner when her son answered the phone and informed her that it was Carol who wanted to speak with her husband. Despite her initial hesitation, she allowed the call, only to feel a sense of sadness when she realized that Carol did not want to speak with her.

"Lawrence remembered that his wife had promised to return to him, but he knew it was a difficult time for her and that it was more sad than anything."

Lawrence and Al Schultz, who were married for nearly 50 years, were a couple who shared daughter Courtney and son Garett. Lawrence passed away at the age of 82 in June, while Al worked as a makeup artist on "The Carol Burnett Show" and other popular series, including "All in the Family" and "Good Times."

Lawrence acknowledged in a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that Burnett was the one who introduced her to her future spouse.

"Lawrence said, "Carol found my husband for me. Al had just joined the makeup union and was walking by when Carol saw him in her dressing room. She told her secretary that he was attractive and wanted him on the show. Carol has played a significant role in my adult life.""

Lawrence mentioned during his interview with Screen Rant that Burnett faced numerous hardships in her life. Burnett and Hamilton's daughter Carrie struggled with drug addiction during her teenage years and attended rehab centers. She achieved sobriety at the age of 15, but briefly relapsed when she was 17.

Burnett and Hamilton made their daughter's struggles public to help other families and became fundraisers for the center where she received treatment, according to the Los Angeles Times. The former couple also revealed that their daughter's addiction issues were a contributing factor to their divorce.

In 2002, Carrie died of cancer at the age of 38. Erin, Burnett and Hamilton's daughter, has also struggled with drug addiction. In 2020, Burnett and her third husband, Brian Miller, became temporary legal guardians of Erin's teenage son Dylan due to Erin's substance abuse issues.

Lawrence expressed sympathy for Burnett, stating, "All she's been through makes me feel bad for her."

"Carol, despite being the best in her field, has faced challenges in her personal life, as many big performers often do."

Lawrence discussed the influence Burnett had on her career during her interview with Screen Rant, revealing how Burnett discovered her as an 18-year-old aspiring actress and encouraged her to join the cast of "The Carol Burnett Show" despite her lack of experience.

Lawrence's mentor, a seven-time Emmy Award winner, urged her to take on the starring role in "Mama's Family" despite her initial hesitation.

Lawrence stated that the most valuable lesson he gained from Carol was that the entertainment industry should be enjoyable. If it's not enjoyable, it's not being done correctly.

"Being in this business is really tough," she remarked. "I feel so fortunate to have grown up on 'The Carol Burnett Show' and to have had the best teachers in the world. As a result, my experiences don't happen to anyone else."

Lawrence will appear in the second season of "Palm Royale," a TV show starring Burnett, and the two will reunite onscreen.

"Lawrence told Screen Rant, "I haven't shot with Carol yet, but they said I will.""