These two actors were so talented. Hard to imagine anyone else playing these roles. Vance and LB became very close and Frawley and Desi were drinking and horse racing buddies. Think these relationships kept it going all those years even though Vance and Frawley never were friends. Just a talented group of actors.
shareIsn't it true that William Frawley and Vivian Vance hated each other?
shareYes. I think THAT would make a more interest biopic than this crapfest.
shareShe hated him more than he did her.
She didn't like playing wife to a guy old enough to be her father. But he was hired first, and she was hired to fill the role when Lucille Ball's first choice for Ethel was unavailable.
When the original series ended, the producers were looking at making a Mertz series. Frawley was willing but Vance was not.
Who was first choice? Movie implied Desi chose Vivian.
shareBea Benederet was the first choice. In real life she was Lucille Ball's best friend. She was also closer to Frawley in age. She couldn't get out of her contract with another studio.
shareThere was another woman too. I can't remember the name. On all the new Lucys. Something like Mary Jane Croft?
shareToo bad they couldn't make that Mertz series, sounds interesting. Vance was able to continue to work with Lucy on The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. I guess Frawley was out in the cold.
shareThey really were talented. And their lives so fascinating.
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