Fred Mertz Biography

Frederick Hobart Edie Mertz was born in Steubenville, Ohio. He met his wife Ethel Mae Potter while touring on the vaudeville circuit in the 1930s. Fred's vaudeville partner was Barney Kurtz. Soon after vaudeville fell, Fred and his wife Ethel bought a reconverted brownstone apartment building at 623 East 68th Street in New York City. Fred and his wife argue and complain about each other all the time although they really love each other.

Fred and Ethel's lives were stale through the 1930s and 40, until a newly wed couple, the Ricardos move into an apartment in their building, and become their best friends. Fred's best friend, tenant, Ricky Ricardo, who is a generation younger than Fred, love to watch the fights together, play poker with Charlie and Hank, and play golf on occasions.

Tightwad, skinflint, penny pincher, all would describe Fred Mertz and money. He does not like to spend money, especially on his wife. Fred and Ethel go along with the Ricardos on trips to California, and Europe.

Upon returning to New York after Europe, the Ricardos move to Connecticut, leaving the heart broken Mertzes behind. In a short time Fred and Ethel move to Connecticut to be with their best friends and become tenants in the Ricardo's guest house.