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I Love Lucy Stars' Bitter On-Set Feud Revealed
2 Nov
Summary
- Vivian Vance and William Frawley disliked each other from day one.
- Vance found Frawley too old to play her husband on the show.
- Despite the feud, they maintained professionalism on set.
The on-screen chemistry of "I Love Lucy" masked a significant real-life feud between co-stars William Frawley and Vivian Vance. Their animosity reportedly ignited on the show's inaugural day of filming. Vance, upon meeting Frawley, questioned his age, remarking he looked old enough to be her grandfather.
This initial insult deeply offended Frawley, sparking a lasting dislike. Vance, meanwhile, reportedly felt her character's marriage to Frawley was less believable than Lucille Ball's pairing with Desi Arnaz. Despite these personal tensions, both actors exhibited remarkable professionalism.
Their on-set interactions, though strained, never compromised their performances. This dedication ensured that the audience remained unaware of the deep-seated animosity between the actors portraying Fred and Ethel Mertz. Frawley passed away in March 1966 at age 79, a fact Vance reportedly acknowledged with a celebratory toast.
