The program was a showcase for the comedic genius of Lucille Ball (Lucy), who was always annoying Ricky (played by Desi Arnaz) with her antics and conspiring with Ethel (played by Vivian Vance). William Clement Frawley (February 26, 1887 March 3, 1966) was an American vaudevillian and actor best remembered for playing landlord Fred Mertz in the American television sitcom I Love Lucy, "Bub" O'Casey in the television comedy series My Three Sons, and the political advisor to the judge character in the film Miracle on 34th Street. Back in June, Frawleys "My Three Sons" co-star Barry Livingston told Fox News Digital that he enjoyed working with the actor on set. Both Ball and Arnaz agreed it would be great to have Frawley, a motion-picture veteran, appear as Fred Mertz. The Lucy Show Message Board / Here's Lucy Message Board / Life with Lucy Message Board. He was quite private about the details of his diagnosis, but in a 2012 interview with Saga Magazine, he said, "I'm trying to retire. In January 2020, Ozzy Osbourne became the latest public figure to announce a Parkinsons diagnosis, helping to raise the profile of this little-understood neurological condition. Sailing Puget Sound, This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Fred Mertz was the Ricardos' landlord, and like Ethel he was a former vaudevillian, giving him a dual personality on the show as a bit of a grump but also encouraging of Lucy's showbiz ambitions. A notorious curmudgeon, by 1951 Frawley discovered that fewer and fewer actors, directors, and producers were willing to put up with him. William Frawley died at the age of 79 of a heart attack. Fox is committed to helping the foundation build Parkinson's disease awareness and raise funds for research into prevention, treatment, and a cure. William Frawley's biggest role came on 'I Love Lucy,' as Fred Mertz, the cantankerous landlord of Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz). Those of us who knew him and loved him will miss him. Life is too good. Unable to get Gale Gordon, their first choice for the role, Arnaz contacted Frawley and laid down the law. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Frawley appeared in films including Gentleman Jim (1942) with Errol Flynn, Going My Way (1944) with Bing Crosby, the Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street (1947), and Charlie Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux (1947). Desi, who found a friend in the comedian, mourned Frawleys death. 2 ago. After some successful acting gigs, his appeal in the acting world took a dive. Frawley was a big drinker whose obvious talent as a performer could never quite compensate for his offscreen (or offstage) unpleasantness. Rockhounding Moab Utah, Nobody didn't like Fred and Ethel Mertz. If you have Parkinsons disease, exercise can help improve your quality of life while boosting your mobility and strength. [16] Upon learning of his death, Desi Arnaz immediately took out a full-page ad in all the trade papers, with the words: "Buenas noches, amigo. Possessing a deep, bass singing voice, Frawley also had a successful singing career, appearing on Broadway and reportedly introducing the songs "My Mammy" and "My Melancholy Baby" to stage audiences. As a boy, he sang at the Catholic church, so it wasnt shocking when he decided to go into the entertainment arena.

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