Which Mama's Family cast members are still alive?

The Legacy of Mama's Family

The popular sitcom Mama's Family was one of the defining series of the 1980s, but which of the show's cast members are still alive today? Devised as a spinoff of the recurring sketch 'The Family' on The Carol Burnett Show, Mama's Family further explored the hilarious world of 'Mama' Harper (Vicki Lawrence) and her wacky kinfolk. Picking up right where the characters left off from their sketch origins, Mama's Family introduced more of the Harper clan and even saw the return of popular cast members from The Carol Burnett Show. All told, Mama's Family had an impressive six-season run and was an even bigger hit in syndication.

A split image of Vicki Lawrence From Mama's Family and Hannah Montana

Lawrence, the sketch's original star, was on hand for all six seasons of the sitcom's run, and she was the glue that held the cast together through massive changes. Though Mama's Family was canceled after its first two seasons, the series found immense popularity in syndication and was revived for four more years. As is usually the case with the most rewatchable sitcoms, Mama's Family featured a strong mix of full-time cast members and one-off guest stars who helped to spice up each episode. In the end, though, it was the misadventures of the main Harper family that kept viewers tuning in for more. Three seasons of Mama's Family are available to stream on PlutoTV, but the entire series is available to purchase from Amazon, AppleTV, Vudu, and GooglePlay.

Carol Burnett and Vicki Lawrence as Eunice and Mama

The legacy of Mama's Family continues to captivate audiences, with its timeless humor and memorable characters still resonating with fans. The show's cast members have left an indelible mark on television history, and their contributions are celebrated to this day.

Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett as characters in a sketch in The Carol Burnett Show that would go on to become Mama's Family characters.

The Surviving Cast Members

Vicki Lawrence, the titular 'Mama' of the show's title, reprised her role from The Carol Burnett Show as the sassy and wisecracking Thelma 'Mama' Harper. Lawrence's big break came as a member of The Carol Burnett Show, and her years as a part of the cast of Mama's Family was an extension of the earlier show's popularity. After Mama's Family Lawrence made sporadic guest appearances in other sitcoms and even had a recurring role as 'Mamaw' Stewart on Hannah Montana. Vicki Lawrence is still very much alive and working on television today. Lawrence has continued to work into the 2020s on shows like Call Me Kat, and The Really Loud House, both in 2023.

Vicki Lawrence and Mayim Bialik in Call Me Kat

Beverly Archer, who played Iola Lucille Boylen, the Harper's kind but annoying neighbor, continued to find steady work in various TV series throughout the '80s and '90s. Archer was most recognizable for her co-starring role on the TV series Major Dad where she played the no-nonsense Sgt. Alva Bricker. The actress worked in the industry until 2002 when she quietly retired from performing.

A split image of Dorothy Lyman from Mama's Family

Dorothy Lyman, who portrayed Noami Oates Harper, Vinton's second wife, didn't miss a beat after the cancelation of Mama's Family. She continued to land TV roles throughout the '90s and into the 2020s. Besides appearing in myriad TV shows, Lyman also landed a cameo role in the 2006 Martin Scorsese film The Departed. Lyman has continued to work in the 2020s, guest-starring in The Girl from Plainville. Lyman is also a producer and director. She produced and directed 75 episodes of Fran Drescher's The Nanny during its run.

A split image of Eric Brown from Mama's Family

Allan Kayser, who played Bubba Higgins, the rambunctious teenage son of Ed and Eunice Higgins, continued to work sporadically in the decades following the show's cancelation and even appeared as Nicky's Dad in the Disney Channel original movie Double Teamed in 2002.

Split image of Carol Burnett in Mama's Family and Better Call Saul

Eric Brown, who portrayed Vinton 'Buzz' Harper Jr., Vinton's son from a previous marriage, was cast in a few parts in films and TV throughout the '80s and '90s. His biggest role came as James in the cult classic horror film Waxwork in 1988, and his latest acting credit came in 1999 when he had a cameo role as an English teacher in the film Outside Providence. He also worked as an assistant director on some of the horror movies he appeared in and acted in television commercials.

Carol Burnett and Auli'i Cravalho in All Together Now

Karin Argoud, who appeared in the cast of Mama's Family as Sonja Harper, the teenage daughter of Vinton from a previous marriage, continued to work in the industry, appearing in single-episode stints on shows like Nash Bridges and had a cameo appearance in the irreverent 2001 comedy film Bartleby. In 2022, Karin Argoud appeared as Maria in the Hallmark original movie Love in the Limelight.

Carol Burnett looks on from Law and Order SVU

Carol Burnett, who played Ellen Harper-Jackson, Thelma's antagonistic middle child, has worked steadily across film and TV, winning an Emmy for her role as Theresa Stemple in Mad About You. In recent years, Burnett has done voice work for franchises like Toy Story and Trolls. Not limited to comedy, in 2022, Burnett appeared in four episodes of Better Call Saul. The comedy legend continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry.

A split image of Ken Berry from Mama's Family

Betty White, who joined the cast of Mama's Family sporadically throughout its run, was already in her fifth decade in show business by the time she was cast in Mama's Family. In 1985, she landed the role of Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls, the part she would be most famous for. Betty White's movie and TV roles continued up until 2019. She earned a whole new generation of fans thanks to movies like The Proposal, and the Mama's Family star passed away in 2021 at the age of 99.

A split image of Rue McClanahan from Mama's Family and Golden Girls

In Memoriam

While many of the beloved cast members of Mama's Family are still with us, some have sadly passed away. Ken Berry, who was part of the cast of Mama's Family as Vinton Harper, passed away in 2018 at the age of 85. Harvey Korman, who reprised his role from The Carol Burnett Show as Ed Higgins, passed away at the age of 81 in 2008. Rue McClanahan, who played Frances Marie Crowley, passed away in 2010 at the age of 76.

Rue McClanahan as Blanche in The Golden Girls

The contributions of these talented actors live on through their work, and they are remembered fondly by fans of Mama's Family and the wider entertainment community.

Rue Mclanahan and Ben Savage lauging on the couch in Boy Meets World