Why Vivian Vance Celebrated the Death of William Frawley

Did you know that Vivian Vance was said to have broken out the champagne upon hearing the news of former on-screen husband William Frawley’s passing and that Desi Arnaz was initially hesitant about hiring William because the veteran vaudeville performer had such a negative reputation as an alcoholic curmudgeon in the industry? William Frawley had already been working in the entertainment industry for several decades before he was cast on I Love Lucy to play the role of Fred Mertz. However, the actor didn’t start out in the industry at a very young age. Instead, he worked as a stenographer and court reporter before eventually venturing into vaudeville alongside his brother later in his adulthood.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Body
07:58 - Outro

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William found modest success with his brother as a vaudeville duo and found even more success when he formed a vaudeville duo alongside his first wife, Edna Louise Broedt. After their divorce, William ventured to Broadway, and then to Hollywood. While William continued finding work thanks to his talent, his rampant alcoholism caused him to burn bridges in the industry wherever he went.

By the time William was hired onto I Love Lucy, he was in his 60s and had a terrible reputation. Desi was hesitant to hire him but ended up deciding he was right for the role. William treated Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz with respect, but he was verbally abusive towards his on-screen wife, portrayed by Vivian Vance. Join Facts Verse as we explore why Vivian Vance celebrated the death of William Frawley.

Why Vivian Vance Celebrated the Death of William Frawley