William Frawley
Name at birth: William FrawleyBorn: February 26, 1887 in Burlington, Iowa Died: March 3, 1966 in California "I've lost one of my dearest friends and show business has lost one of the greatest character actors of all time. Those of us who knew him and loved him will miss him." Lucille Ball Desi paid for an entire page in the Hollywood Reporter when Bill died. It had a picture of Frawley , the dates of his life and death and the caption, "Buenas Noches, Amigo!" ( Good Night, Friend")
This obituary appeared in the TV Star Annual #21, 1966 William Frawley, 73, was strolling down Hollywood Boulevard last March 3 when he was fatally stricken, a victim of an apparent heart attack. TV's perennial situation comedy regular (from 1951 to 1960 on I Love Lucy, then on My Three Sons)Bill started out as a Vaudevillian, introducing such standards as "Melancholy Baby" and "Carolina In The Morning". The native of Burlington, Iowa was also featured in a number of Broadway musicals before going to Hollywood in 1928 where his career spanned 100 films. An open, brisk and totally endearing man, Bill is survived by two brothers, a sister and countless friends. (The above article was contributed by Rick Swisshelm.)
Edna Louise Broedt 1914-1927 divorced
By 1951 William Frawley had appeared in over 100 films. Among them were; Miracle on 34th Street, The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope and Mother WoreTights.
I Love Lucy (1951 - 1957) The Lucy Desi Comedy Hour ( 1957 -1960) My Three Sons (1960-1965)
Record Album "Sings the Old Ones - Dot Records LP - 1958
Tidbits William Frawley was 64 years old when he got the role of Fred Mertz Bill's contract for "I Love Lucy" stated that if the New York Yankee's went to the World Series he was allowed to attend. For 7 of the 9 years I Love Lucy ran the Yankees went to the series.
Bill's Photo Album
|
