Vivian Vance Spills the Secret She Kept During I Love Lucy

Vivian Vance, a talented and versatile actress, is best known for her portrayal of Ethel Mertz on the iconic sitcom "I Love Lucy." Throughout her career, Vance faced various challenges, particularly during her time on the show, but she overcame them with resilience and left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. One significant challenge Vance encountered on "I Love Lucy" was the initial strain in her relationship with Lucille Ball. Vance had reservations about accepting the role of Ethel Mertz, feeling concerned that it might limit her career opportunities. However, Ball, recognizing Vance's comedic talent, convinced her to take on the role. Over time, Vance embraced the character and showcased her comedic timing and chemistry with Ball, making the Lucy-Ethel dynamic an integral part of the show's success.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Vivian’s Challenges
02:35 - Vivian’s Request to the Writing Staff
03:42 - Friction with William Frawley
05:28 - Vivian and Lucy
07:07 - Vivian’s Personal Life
08:41 - Outro

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Vance also faced challenges in her relationship with William Frawley, who played her on-screen husband, Fred Mertz. Despite their on-screen chemistry, Vance and Frawley had a complex relationship off-screen. Frawley, considerably older than Vance, had initial reservations about playing her husband due to the age difference. Additionally, Frawley's sometimes unpredictable behavior caused occasional tensions between the two. However, they set aside their personal conflicts during filming and delivered convincing performances as the endearing couple Fred and Ethel Mertz. Beyond the challenges, Vance's talent and comedic skills on "I Love Lucy" left an indelible mark.

Her portrayal of Ethel Mertz, a loyal and supportive friend to Lucy Ricardo, showcased her impeccable comedic timing, deadpan delivery, and ability to hold her own alongside the comedic genius of Lucille Ball. Vance's performance added depth and humor to the show, creating a beloved dynamic duo that remains iconic to this day. Vivian Vance's legacy as an actress extends far beyond her work on "I Love Lucy." Her talent and versatility were evident in her other roles, both on stage and screen. She demonstrated her range in theater productions and made notable appearances on various television shows. Vance's ability to captivate audiences with her comedic prowess, combined with her dramatic skills, solidifies her status as a versatile and accomplished actress. Join Facts Verse, as we present: Vivian Vance Spills the Secret She Kept During I Love Lucy!

Vivian Vance Spills the Secret She Kept During I Love Lucy

[thisisme]

Vivian Vance and Lucille Ball were fantastic together! They both made the show unforgettable...my favorite episode was the show featuring Lucy working at a candy factory on the conveyor belt, it was definitely one of her best! 😅

[scottburton]

Lucy & Vivian had great on screen chemistry.

[Riogi]

Vivian was beautiful and talented. May she rest in peace.

[judd]

Vivian Vance was a very wise woman! She knew when to seek help and it apparently was effective.

[peggymoreno]

I remember watching I love lucy with my mom in the mid-50’s after my siblings were off to school. It would make my mom laugh so constantly and hilariously at times that I would laugh too- not really knowing what was so funny! Here I am-70 years of age- and still watching I love lucy, not just in memory of my mom but because I grew up loving this crazy red head that made us all laugh! Since I have so many favorite episodes it’s so hard to pick just one but I’ll go ahead and pick one of my many favorites - the Europe trip where Lucy’s skirt gets caught on a bike, misses her boat and has to take a helicopter—😱🤪😩 !! can’t wait to read what other viewers have to say about this iconic crazy television show!!

[mensablonde]

I never missed an episode of "I Love Lucy". I can still laugh at the shows today, even though I've seen them all a dozen times. My favorite show was the wine making episode, with Lucy stomping on the grapes.

[traceyd.]

Brown Derby episode is my All Time Favorite ♥️

[barbarafox]

I loved Fred and Ethel. They were great as those character.

[dennisthomas]

Vivian Vance was an incredible actress and amazing woman 👠 .
Rest in Peace Miss Vance 🥰

[roberttelarket]

I Love Lucy 1952 - 1955 only not thereafter was one of the greatest programs of all I've seen all the episode re-runs since I was a pre-teen in 1963 at least 2500 times on
My favorite episode is Ricky asks for a raise where the gang(Ethel, Lucy, Fred dress up in various hilarious costumes as guests at the Copa Cabana club). Also Lucy is Ricky's agent in Hollywood, Too Many Crooks, Lucy demands a dress in Paris and goes on a phony hunger
I can never get enough of this program except for a few very bad episodes!!!

[josephineahelle]

My favorite episode was the stomping of grapes when they went to Italy.😂❤

[JennyBurkeAirSupplyAirhead]

It was Vivian Vance who complained about William Frawley being a lot older than she was. He was offended, and that started the tension between them.

[omahaw]

Vivian was the perfect actress to play opposite Lucille Ball. She was as funny as Lucy. One of my favorite episodes was when Lucy bought a wig and tried to disguise herself to see if Ricky flirted with her. Then Lucy had an idea to meet with Ricky and continue with the charade. Ricky said he was bringing his friend with him to the restaurant and they knew it was Fred so Ethel decided to contact her friend to get a costume to wear and the only one her friend had was a Geisha, Eskimo, Indian costume.

[elijahjames]

I completely understand Vivian's response to an abusive father for I had an insane mother and though I have had close women friends my romantic relationships have been a disaster.
My favorite I Love Lucy is the one where Lucy is peddling the nutritional supplement with alcohol in it. One of the best bits ever on TV; right up there with Who is On First with Abbot and Costello.

[ReneeBraxton]

The entire cast had a great work ethic and they were super professional.

[TheRatsCast]

I believe you missed something about Ball and Vance's working relationship. From the start; Lucy that Vivian Vance was too young to play the part. It was Desi and the other producer who helped to convince Ball. Some of the other reasons was hair color and Vance's size. Ball didn't want Vance to overshadow her, but Vance helped to convince Ball by changing her hair color, and telling Ball she would look a lot bigger on TV. It was all this; plus Vance's showbiz professionalism, that convinced Ball to allow her to take the role in the first place. It's also very well known; that Vance said out loud, that Frawley was too old, saying she didn't like working with "That Old Man'. Frawley overheard this, and the feud began.

[Raine]

It was Lucys show. She was the star an the rest complimented her. Great casting an unforgettable comedic talent on everyone’s part.

[kslinaz]

Ricky put Lucy on an allowance. To cut back on expenses, she decided she would do her own hair-perms and make her own clothes.
When she cut out the dress pattern on the floor, she cut the carpet as well. And her hair-perm looked like Little Orphan Annie.
Lucy was/is so funny!

[lishamarlar]

Vivian was a beautiful lady. Wirh a wonderful personality

[carco]

My favorite I love Lucy is the episode where Harpo Marx comes to their California hotel room. His harp playing is magnificent, and the mirror bit is hilarious, and priceless. Second favorite is the candy shop.