After one performance of this play, Vivian was approached by Desi Arnaz who asked her if she would like to be in his new television show "I Love Lucy". She accepted the role and began her nine year portrayal of Ethel Mertz, the frumpy neighbor, landlady, and friend of Lucille Ball's character Lucy Ricardo. This role made her famous throughout the country and earned her an Emmy for best supporting actress. However, Vivian the actress was often confused with Ethel the homemaker, two different people all together. She and her costar, William Frawley, who played her husband on the show, were often at each other's throats. |
