Lucy's Best Friend: A Prank War Legend

The famed 'affectionate animosity' between William Frawley and Vivian Vance, who played Fred and Ethel Mertz on "I Love Lucy," stemmed from a contentious beginning. On their first read-through, Vance allegedly didn't recognize Frawley and referred to him as an 'old coot,' planting the seeds for a feud that would last for years. This real-life hostility was so palpable that "I Love Lucy" writers began integrating their characters' dislike into the show's scripts.

Following "I Love Lucy's" conclusion, both actors moved to new popular sitcoms filmed on adjacent lots. Frawley joined "My Three Sons," while Vance starred in "The Lucy Show." Frawley, still harboring resentment, enlisted his young "My Three Sons" co-stars, Stanley and Barry Livingston, to help him carry out elaborate pranks. These involved throwing heavy film cans to create loud metallic crashes near Vance's set, much to the amusement of the crew and the Livingston boys, who felt like they were part of Frawley's mischief.

Frawley's campaign to bother Vance also included making loud, negative remarks about her within earshot. This persistent animosity seemed to stem from his enduring feelings about her initial insult. Both Frawley and Vance departed their respective series in 1965. Frawley, who was experiencing health issues, passed away in 1966. His final on-screen appearance was in a 1965 episode of "The Lucy Show."