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William Frawley

Personal Info

Known For

Acting

Birthdate

1887-02-25

Day of Death

1966-03-03

Place of Birth

Burlington, Iowa, USA

William Frawley

Biography

William Frawley was born in Burlington, Iowa. As a boy he sang at St. Paul's Catholic Church and played at the Burlington Opera House. His first job was as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. He did vaudeville with his brother Paul, then joined pianist Franz Rath in an act they took to San Francisco in 1910. Four years later he formed a light comedy act with his new wife Edna Louise Broedt, "Frawley and Louise", touring the Orpheum and Keith circuits until they divorced in 1927. He next moved to Broadway and then, in 1932, to Hollywood with Paramount. By 1951, when he contacted Lucille Ball about a part in her TV show I Love Lucy (1951), he had performed in over 100 films. His Fred Mertz role lasted until the show ended in 1960, after which he did a five-year stint on My Three Sons (1960). Poor health forced his retirement. He collapsed of a heart attack on March 3, 1966, aged 79, walking along Hollywood Boulevard after seeing a movie. He is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Filmography (115)

⭐ 10.0 Role: Fred Mertz

I Love Lucy Christmas Special

2016
No Image
⭐ 7.0 Role: Self (archive footage)

Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy

2000
⭐ 5.0 Role: Bill Turner

Safe at Home!

1962
⭐ 6.5 Role: Fred Mertz

Lucy's Really Lost Moments

1956
⭐ 7.0 Role: Unknown

The Dirty Look

1954
⭐ 7.7 Role: Fred Mertz

I Love Lucy: The Movie

1953
⭐ 6.5 Role: Baldy Gunder

Rancho Notorious

1952
⭐ 5.8 Role: Len Sickles

Rhubarb

1951
⭐ 6.5 Role: Gloomy Willie

The Lemon Drop Kid

1951
⭐ 6.3 Role: Det. Roberts

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Invisible Man

1951
⭐ 6.8 Role: Corcoran

Pretty Baby

1950
⭐ 6.9 Role: Byers

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye

1950
⭐ 6.9 Role: Jimmy O'Brien

Kill the Umpire

1950
⭐ 7.0 Role: Marty Greer

Blondie's Hero

1950
⭐ 7.1 Role: Bill the Bartender

East Side, West Side

1949