“I Love Lucy,” one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, featured the beloved duo of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. From 1951 to 1957, audiences were captivated by the comedic antics and heartfelt moments of the Ricardo family and their neighbors, Ethel and Fred Mertz. However, the journey to finding the perfect cast was not without its challenges. In fact, Desi Arnaz hired Vivian Vance to play Ethel Mertz just one week before filming began, a decision that proved to be both crucial and fortuitous for the show’s success.
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The Urgeg Ethel Mertz
As production deadlines loomed, Desi Arnaz, who co-produced “I Love Lucy” through Desilu Productions, was under immense pressure to finalize the casting. The role of Ethel Mertz, Lucy’s confidante and partner in crime, was particularly challenging to cast. Despite meeting numerous actresses, none seemed to fit the character’s requirements. Arnaz documented this stressful period in his memoir, “A Book,” noting the difficulty in finding the right actress for Ethel. The urgency was palpable as the production schedule tightened, and Arnaz’s anxiety grew with each passing day.
The Challenges in Finding Ethel
Several factors complicated the casting process for Ethel Mertz. According to Arnaz, some actresses were not suitable as they did not complement William Frawley, who played Fred Mertz. Others lacked the necessary stage experience, which was crucial for performing in front of a live audience—a distinctive feature of “I Love Lucy.” Moreover, Lucille Ball had her own reservations about certain candidates, further narrowing the pool of potential actresses. The combination of these factors made the search for Ethel Mertz particularly daunting.
The Discovery of Vivian Vance
With only a week left before filming was set to begin, the show’s director, Marc Daniels, suggested that Arnaz check out a local play titled “The Voice of the Turtle,” starring Vivian Vance. Arnaz attended a performance and was immediately impressed by Vance’s acting skills. Despite her role in the play being vastly different from Ethel Mertz, Arnaz recognized her talent and comedic timing. “Vivian was playing the very sarcastic b**** in that play,” Arnaz recalled. Yet, her performance convinced him that she was perfect for Ethel.
The Immediate Signing
Desi Arnaz was so confident in Vivian Vance’s abilities that he offered her the role of Ethel Mertz on the spot, without consulting Lucille Ball. Arnaz admired Vance’s natural acting style and her ability to deliver lines with perfect comedic timing. “Every line, every reaction, every move she made was just perfect,” he remarked. After the show, Arnaz went backstage, met Vance, and signed her immediately. This decisive move, though risky, was driven by Arnaz’s firm belief in Vance’s suitability for the role.
### Lucille Ball’s Initial Hesitation
Upon informing Lucille Ball of his decision, Arnaz was met with skepticism. Ball’s initial reaction was one of surprise and concern: “Who the hell is that?” she exclaimed, reflecting her unfamiliarity with Vance. Arnaz later admitted that he should have introduced Vance to Ball before finalizing the casting. Despite this oversight, Arnaz was confident that Vance was the right choice.
The Chemistry Between Ball and Vance
Fortunately, any doubts Lucille Ball had about Vivian Vance quickly dissipated when they met and read lines together. Arnaz described their first meeting as “love at first sight.” The chemistry between Ball and Vance was immediate and undeniable, setting the stage for one of television’s most iconic comedic partnerships. Their on-screen rapport became a cornerstone of “I Love Lucy,” contributing significantly to the show’s enduring popularity.
The Impact on “I Love Lucy”
The addition of Vivian Vance to the cast of “I Love Lucy” proved to be a masterstroke. Vance’s portrayal of Ethel Mertz, alongside William Frawley’s Fred Mertz, created a dynamic and entertaining secondary couple that perfectly complemented the Ricardos. The interactions between Lucy and Ethel, filled with mischief and laughter, became some of the most memorable moments of the series. The success of “I Love Lucy” can be attributed, in part, to the perfect casting of its core characters, including the last-minute but inspired choice of Vivian Vance.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
The story of how Vivian Vance was cast as Ethel Mertz just days before filming began highlights the challenges and serendipity involved in creating “I Love Lucy.” Desi Arnaz’s decision, driven by intuition and a keen eye for talent, ultimately paid off, leading to one of the most beloved television shows of all time. “I Love Lucy” continues to be celebrated for its pioneering production techniques, timeless humor, and the unforgettable performances of its cast.
