In 1951, Vivian Vance stepped into a role that would change her life forever. She became Ethel Mertz on the iconic sitcom, I Love Lucy. This part wasn't just any job; it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with her co-star, Lucille Ball. Their bond grew stronger over the years, both on screen and off. Despite facing personal challenges, including four marriages throughout her life, Vance remained a beloved figure in the entertainment world until her passing in 1979.
After I Love Lucy wrapped up in 1957, Lucille Ball insisted that Vance join her for the spinoff, The Lucy Show. Vance took on the role of Vivian Bagley, a divorcee, and the chemistry between the two actresses only deepened. The CBS series ran from 1962 to 1968, showcasing not only their comedic talents but also their strong partnership. According to Ball’s former assistant, Wanda Clark, "If something in the script wasn’t working, those two ladies would put their heads together and figure it out." It was this collaboration that made their performances shine.
At the time, Vance had been divorced three times and was living with her fourth husband, John Dodds. An opportunity arose for her to star in her own spinoff show featuring Ethel and her on-screen husband, Fred. However, Vance declined, stating she didn’t want to be typecast as the landlady anymore. Geoffrey Mark, author of The Lucy Book, explained, "She didn’t need the money, and she’d become quite famous as Ethel Mertz." It was a decision that reflected her desire to grow beyond her iconic role.
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Before her untimely death at the age of 70 from cancer, Vance shared some poignant moments with Lucille Ball by her bedside. "They spent the afternoon telling stories, hugging and loving each other. When Lucy left, you could tell it was an extraordinarily painful goodbye," recalled Vance’s close friend, Paige Peterson. Their friendship was a testament to the enduring bonds formed in the world of entertainment.
Let's take a closer look at the four significant relationships in Vance's life.
Vivian Vance’s First Marriage: Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr.
Vivian Vance tied the knot with her first husband, Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr., in 1928. At this point in her life, she was setting her sights on a career in theater and had recently relocated to New Mexico. While not much is known about their union, Danneck was also involved in the theater scene, as noted in the 1999 book Meet the Mertzes. Unfortunately, the marriage only lasted until 1931, when they parted ways.
Vivian Vance’s Second Marriage: George Koch
After moving to New York City in the early '30s, Vance embarked on an impressive stage career before achieving fame on I Love Lucy. It was here that she met violinist George Koch, and love blossomed between them. They exchanged vows in 1933. During their marriage, Vance landed her first major role on Broadway, stepping into Kay Thompson's shoes in Hooray for What! in 1937. However, their union ended in divorce in 1940.
Vivian Vance’s Third Marriage: Philip Ober
By 1939, Vance had secured the role of Myra Strahope in Kiss the Boys Goodbye. It was during this production that she met her co-star, Philip Ober, and they soon married in 1941. Both were rising stars on Broadway; Ober starred in Personal Appearance in 1934 and made his film debut that same year in Chloe, Love Is Calling You. Interestingly, Ober also appeared in recurring roles on I Love Lucy alongside his wife. Their marriage ended in 1959, and Ober later remarried in 1961 to Jane Westover, with whom he stayed until his death in 1982.
Vivian Vance’s Fourth Marriage: John Dodds
In 1961, the television icon married her fourth husband, John Dodds, a book editor from the East Coast. The couple moved from New York to Belvedere, California, where Vance continued to make guest appearances on Lucy’s third spinoff, Here’s Lucy. Their marriage endured until Vance’s death in 1979, marking a significant chapter in her personal life.
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