William Frawley credited Lucille Ball for the resurrection of his career

The actor was on the verge of quitting show business when he heard that Ball was developing a new television series.

January 28, 2025, 4:32PM By MeTV Staff

Everett Collection

Already in his fifties by the time he was cast in I Love Lucy, William Frawley was no stranger to the entertainment industry. The actor had previously been a vaudeville performer and had been on Broadway.

However, as he told the Marshfield News-Herald, the opportunity for auditions became scarce as he grew older. Frawley had made a name for himself as a popular character actor in film, but his roles were dwindling. In fact, he was about ready to quit the business altogether. "I was ready to get a job in the foundry," said Frawley. "I had an offer to become Mel Allen's assistant, helping him broadcast the baseball games, but I didn't like the idea of leaving Hollywood to live in New York."

On top of everything else, Frawley found that he had to compete with actors who seemed to be getting younger and younger.

"I was 59," said Frawley. "There were new faces in Hollywood. Some of the young people on TV didn't remember my name or my work."

But there was one person who knew of Frawley's talent. When the actor heard that Lucille Ball was developing a television series, Frawley reached out and asked if there might be a role available for him. "Is there?" asked Ball. "Why didn't I think of you? Get over to our office this afternoon."

Of course, it's difficult to picture I Love Lucy without Fred Mertz. Frawley, for his part, was more than grateful for the opportunity, and for Ball for offering it to him. "As an old ham I would have withered away and died if I had given up acting in 1951," said the actor. "I REALLY love Lucy. She not only gave me a job but she resurrected, rejuvenated, and rehabilitated me. Now I can go on acting as long as I feel good and I'm healthy."