vickilawr2Comedian Vicki Lawrence, best known for starring in the sketch comedy TV series “The Carol Burnett Show” in the 1960s and ’70s and as the lead character on the comedy spin-off “Mama’s Family” in the 1980s, graced the Congress stage Wednesday for her presentation “Life Is Much Too Serious to Be Taken Seriously,” where she discussed why having a sense of humor will always help you overcome challenges.

She also took time to recognize Tim Conway, one of the stars of “The Carol Burnett Show,” who passed away yesterday at the age of 85.

Several attendees praised Lawrence for taking the stage in the wake of Conway’s death.

“I imagine this was a very hard day for her,” said Kristi Woodward, a Solution Consultant with Ultimate Software. “She’s the epitome of a professional, going up and making people laugh.”

Lawrence travels across the United States speaking to organizations and companies about her life and career in the spotlight and about the lessons she’s learned as an award-winning performer and working mother. She also appears on television talk shows and has a touring show, “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show.”

As a part of Hollywood for more than 50 years, she uses her experience in the entertainment industry to inspire people in other fields—like payroll.

“Business is basically business,” Lawrence told Congress Today. “Show business is super fun, but there is still a business side to it.”

Lawrence talked about how throughout her life laughter was always there to help her out of the biggest ruts.

“My motto has always been that life is much too serious to be taken seriously,” Lawrence said. “When you go through the hard times, you learn to appreciate the truth in that. I lost my sense of humor for three years, and it was a horrible thing to lose. I think no matter what business you’re in, people can relate to a lot of that.”

Several attendees were particularly touched by Lawrence’s description of the depression she fell into after the cancellation of her popular talk show “Vicki!”

Tonya Teague, a Payroll Manager at PLS Financial in Chicago, was moved when Lawrence talked about her husband, Al, and how he helped pull her out of her funk—with the help of their Labrador, Hannah.

“We need to learn to lean on someone for help,” Teague said of her takeaway.

Tracie Piller, CPP, a Solution Consultant with Ultimate Software, was also impressed with how Lawrence was able to talk to her audience candidly about some of the hard times she's faced.

“I loved that she openly talked about depression,” Piller said. “It’s nice to see public people talk about personal struggles.”

Additional reporting by Greg Mellen