<P> Since the original set had been destroyed, a new set had to be constructed . This led to some significant changes in set design details . Adjustments in the show's cast occurred as well, with only Vicki Lawrence (Thelma), Ken Berry (Vinton) and Dorothy Lyman (Naomi) returning as regulars from the original era of the sitcom . Vinton's kids from his first marriage, Buzz (Eric Brown) and Sonja Karin Argoud), who were regulars in the show's first life, did not reprise their roles for the show's revival; their characters, though mentioned briefly in the first episode of the show's syndicated life, were never to be spoken of again . </P> <P> During the hiatus of the series, both Rue McClanahan and Betty White had both gone on to star in the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls, rendering them unavailable to return . White, however, did return as Ellen for one episode in 1986 while Fran was killed off in the first episode of the revival . Carol Burnett and Harvey Korman, meanwhile, did not reprise their roles either, resulting in their characters (Eunice and Ed Higgins) being written out as having moved to Florida . </P> <P> To fill the void left by Mama's grandchildren, Allan Kayser was cast as Thelma's delinquent teenage grandson Mitchel "Bubba" Higgins . Bubba was the son of Ed and Eunice . Bubba was ordered to live with his grandmother after being released from juvenile hall and placed on probation . Also added to the cast was Beverly Archer, who played the new character of Iola Boylen, the family's wildly quirky and prissy neighbor and Mama's best friend . Her catchphrase was calling out "Knock, knock!" in place of ringing the doorbell . </P> <P> According to Lawrence's autobiography, Vicki!: The True - Life Adventures of Miss Fireball, Burnett resented Lawrence for accepting the role of Mama for first - run syndication with (Burnett's) ex-husband (TV show producer). It was during this time that Burnett was involved in an acrimonious divorce with The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family producer Joe Hamilton . Burnett felt Lawrence had been disloyal to her and held a grudge against her until Hamilton's death in 1991 . By the time of Hamilton's death, Burnett and Lawrence had reconciled . Lawrence's autobiography reads: </P>

Who played the grandson on mama's family