When it comes to I Love Lucy, arguably the greatest Classic TV sitcom in television history, it’s usually Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo that first come to mind. But in truth, equally important to the show were their onscreen best friends, Ethel and Fred Mertz, as played by Vivian Vance and William Frawley — and in particular Ethel, who became Lucy’s comrade-in-schemes from episode to episode.
As Geoffrey Mark, author of The Lucy Book, points out, it took several months of filming for Ms. Ball to realize the remarkable chemistry she had with Vivian. “As the show goes on, the Ethel Mertz character gets more and more prominent because she realized that as well as she and Desi worked together, actually the better team was Lucy and Ethel.” This acknowledgment highlights the crucial role that Vivian played in the series, acting as both a foil and a partner to Lucy's antics.
Despite her vital contributions, Vivian Vance has often been overshadowed. Many fans of I Love Lucy see her as a mystery. Geoffrey Mark suggests that her early life remains largely unknown because people simply don’t look for it. This article delves into her biography, revealing a story of talent, struggle, and triumph that deserves to be recognized.
Detail | Information |
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Name | Vivian Roberta Jones |
Date of Birth | July 26, 1909 |
Place of Birth | Cherryvale, Kansas |
Profession | Actress |
Notable Works | I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show |
Vivian was born into a family that did not support her dreams. Growing up in Cherryvale, she often felt oppressed, both by her hometown and her family. According to Theater Mania, when she expressed her desire to become an actress, she faced strong opposition from her mother, who believed that acting was a sinful pursuit. This struggle shaped Vivian’s determination to succeed in the performing arts.
Scroll to take a look back at Vivian’s tremendous career.