For six unforgettable seasons, William Frawley played Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy, one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history. Alongside Vivian Vance, who played his on-screen wife Ethel Mertz, they created countless hilarious moments from 1951 to 1957. But before William found fame on this beloved show, he was married to Edna Louise Broedt, a woman who played a significant role in his early life. Let's dive into their story and see how their paths intertwined.
How Did William Frawley and Edna Louise Broedt Meet?
Born in 1887, William Frawley began his career in entertainment through vaudeville, a vibrant world of comedy and performance that eventually led him to Broadway. It was in this world that he met Edna Louise Broedt, a fellow performer also seeking her big break. Together, they formed a comedy duo and traveled across the United States, performing on various stages. Their partnership both on and off the stage blossomed into love, and in 1914, they tied the knot. For over a decade, they worked side by side, chasing their dreams in the bustling entertainment industry.
What Happened to William and Edna's Marriage?
Despite their initial happiness and success as a duo, William and Edna's marriage came to an end in 1927 after 13 years together. They did not have any children, and the reasons behind their split remain somewhat of a mystery. After their divorce, William continued to pursue his acting career, appearing in hundreds of films before landing his breakout role as Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy in 1951. While he worked well with Vivian Vance on-screen, Geoffrey Mark, author of The Lucy Book, revealed that William "detested Vivian." This tension added an interesting layer to their on-screen dynamic.
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William's Journey Before Fame
To understand William's feelings about his career and personal life, we need to look at his journey. At the time of I Love Lucy, William was in his early 60s. He had already been in countless films, worked in radio, and performed on the vaudeville stage with Edna. His background was rich and varied, and he had even introduced famous songs like 'Carolina in the Morning' and 'My Melancholy Baby.' Yet, his experiences had left him with a complex view of life and work.
Reconnecting with Edna
In the 1960s, William was featured on an episode of This is Your Life, a show that brought together people from various stages of his life. Among the guests was Edna Louise Broedt, his ex-wife. William was not prepared for this surprise, and his reaction was anything but polite. Barry Livingston recalled William's shock, saying, "He did not hold back one bit. He was not happy to see her, and all it did was revive very bad memories." The audience was stunned, and it's likely the show had to edit or censor parts of the encounter.
William's Legacy
William Frawley passed away on March 3, 1966, at the age of 79 after suffering a heart attack. Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, he left behind a remarkable legacy in the entertainment world. His portrayal of Fred Mertz has been immortalized, most recently by J.K. Simmons in the 2021 film Being the Ricardos. William's contributions to television and film remain celebrated to this day.
