Vicki Lawrence on Reuniting with Carol Burnett and Crafting Lottie’s Accent
Vicki Lawrence recently reunited with Carol Burnett in the second season of Palm Royale, where she portrays Lottie, the mother of Burnett’s character, Norma Dellacorte. This collaboration marks a significant moment as it has been since 1978 that the two stars worked together, after the conclusion of The Carol Burnett Show.
Lottie and Norma: A Dynamic Mother-Daughter Relationship
In the show, Lottie is portrayed as a lively centenarian, contrasting sharply with the often dysfunctional relationship depicted in their previous sketches. Lawrence noted that while her earlier character, Thelma Harper, was tough and unsupportive, Lottie offers a more nurturing and loving dynamic to Norma. This shift showcases a deeper emotional connection, allowing Lottie to serve as a confidante for her daughter.
A Familiar Comfort on Set
Lawrence expressed her excitement about joining the cast, emphasizing how comfortable she felt stepping back into a shared space with Burnett. She fondly recalled visiting Burnett in Santa Barbara, where laughter filled their time together. Lawrence described it as a joyful reunion filled with nostalgic memories.
Creating Lottie’s Unique Accent
To capture Lottie’s distinct personality, Lawrence had to develop a European accent. She recalled how the show’s creator, Abe Sylvia, encouraged her to adopt an accent reminiscent of the Germanic regions. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Ruth, Lawrence engaged in diligent practice to perfect this new voice for her character.
Memorable Moments from Filming
Filming at Timberline Lodge, which doubled for the Alps, provided plenty of comedic material. Lawrence shared a humorous tale of her and co-stars Mindy Cohn and Amber Chardae Robinson getting stuck in an elevator. While others panicked, Lawrence found humor in the situation, capturing their reactions on video.
Connections and Collaborations
Despite the years apart, Lawrence and her new co-stars found common ground at Burnett’s recent 90th birthday celebration. She expressed surprise at being recognized by modern-day stars like Kristen Wiig and Allison Janney, noting the strong admiration within the industry. Their mutual respect and admiration highlight the powerful legacy that comes from their earlier works together.
Tension in the Storyline
As the season progresses, viewers are left questioning Lottie’s true nature. The finale of Episode 8 hints at a darker side as Lottie may have poisoned a character named Douglas with Schnapps. This plot twist suggests that despite her nurturing demeanor, Lottie is willing to go to great lengths to protect her daughter.
Palm Royale streams on Apple TV and promises to deliver more entertaining twists every Wednesday, kicking off the New Year with fresh episodes and engaging drama.
