I Love Lucy, the iconic 1950s sitcom, remains a timeless classic, known for its unforgettable characters, the hilarious Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. However, the chemistry between the main stars was not the only thing that made the show so successful. Fred and Ethel Mertz, the lovable landlords played by Vivian Vance and William Frawley, also contributed greatly to the charm and humor of the series. Yet, behind the scenes, the off-screen dynamic between these two talented actors was far from harmonious. In fact, the tension between Vivian Vance and William Frawley became so intense that Vivian is said to have celebrated Frawley’s death when it was announced.

William Frawley: His Career and Personal Struggles

Before stepping into the role of Fred Mertz, William Frawley had a long and complicated career. Born in 1887, Frawley spent his early years singing in his church choir, but it wasn’t until adulthood that he pursued a career in vaudeville, working alongside his brother. After divorcing his first wife, Frawley found success on Broadway and later in Hollywood, starring in classic films such as Miracle on 34th Street and Going My Way. However, his personal life was plagued by alcoholism, which caused frequent clashes with his colleagues.

Frawley’s reputation as a difficult, short-tempered actor didn’t go unnoticed in the industry. His professional demeanor often spilled over into his personal life, making him a divisive figure. By the time he was cast in I Love Lucy, Frawley was in his 60s, but his behavior remained challenging for those around him.

Joining I Love Lucy: The Casting of William Frawley

Despite his problematic reputation, Frawley’s ability to portray a grumpy, curmudgeonly character made him an ideal choice for the role of Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy. Desi Arnaz, who oversaw the casting of the show, initially had reservations about hiring Frawley due to his well-known issues. However, after some consideration, Desi decided that Frawley was the best fit for the part, albeit with the condition that he maintain proper behavior on set.

Frawley agreed to the role, but he didn’t do so without demands. He requested time off whenever the New York Yankees played in the World Series, a reflection of his love for the sport. But even with these concessions, Frawley’s time on the set of I Love Lucy was marked by tension, particularly with his on-screen wife, Vivian Vance.

Video

Watch this video to learn why Vivian Vance celebrated the death of her I Love Lucy co-star William Frawley!

The Tense Dynamic Between Vivian Vance and William Frawley

Although Vivian Vance was more than 20 years younger than Frawley, their characters, Fred and Ethel Mertz, were married on the show. However, the contrast between the two actors went beyond their on-screen relationship. Vivian, known for her beauty and youth, was often required to wear heavy makeup and dowdy clothing to make her appear older and less attractive, which caused resentment between her and Frawley.

The tension between the two actors was palpable. Off-screen, their dynamic mirrored the constant bickering between Fred and Ethel Mertz. Frawley’s verbal abuse towards Vivian made the set an uncomfortable place for her. As the series went on, Vivian began to retaliate, matching Frawley’s harsh words with her own. Their animosity was clear, and their relationship deteriorated further.

The End of I Love Lucy and Frawley’s Career

When I Love Lucy wrapped up, there were talks of a potential spin-off focusing on Fred and Ethel Mertz. However, Vivian Vance had no interest in continuing to work with Frawley. She had endured her time on the show out of respect for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, but she had no intention of carrying on with her on-screen husband.

After I Love Lucy ended, Frawley continued to find work, most notably in the series My Three Sons, where he played a character similar to Fred Mertz. However, his health continued to decline due to his long battle with alcoholism. His performance became increasingly erratic, and by the 1960s, he could no longer pass his health insurance exams, leading to his departure from the show.

Sadly, Frawley’s declining health caught up with him, and he passed away from a heart attack in March 1966 at the age of 79.

Vivian Vance’s Reaction to Frawley’s Death

While William Frawley’s death was met with grief from some of his colleagues, particularly Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance had a very different reaction. Desi, who had developed a close friendship with Frawley over the years, paid tribute to his late co-star by placing an ad in a newspaper. In contrast, Vivian is said to have celebrated the news of Frawley’s death by opening a bottle of champagne.

Their deeply fractured relationship was well-known, and Vivian’s reaction was seen by many as the culmination of years of tension and frustration. Despite their differences, it’s clear that both Frawley and Vance left a lasting impact on the legacy of I Love Lucy.

Conclusion: A Complicated Legacy

The story of Vivian Vance and William Frawley is a reminder that even the most beloved TV shows can hide complex and difficult behind-the-scenes dynamics. While their on-screen bickering as Fred and Ethel Mertz was a source of comedy for millions of viewers, the actors’ real-life animosity paints a far less humorous picture. Despite their differences, however, both Frawley and Vance contributed to the timeless success of I Love Lucy, ensuring their places in television history.

In the end, Vivian Vance’s reaction to Frawley’s passing speaks to the deep and often painful personal struggles she endured while working on the show. While her professional commitment remained intact, the emotional toll of working with Frawley was something she could never fully escape.

Video

Watch this video for a rare interview with Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance from 1975, sharing behind-the-scenes stories!