
Actor
William Frawley
Born 1887 · Burlington, Iowa, USA
William Frawley was born in Burlington, Iowa. As a boy he sang at St. Paul's Catholic Church and played at the Burlington Opera House. His first job was as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. He did vaudeville with his brother Paul, then joined pianist Franz Rath in an act they took to San Francisco in 1910. Four years later he formed a light comedy act with his new wife Edna Louise Broedt, "Frawley and Louise", touring the Orpheum and Keith circuits until they divorced in 1927. He next moved to Broadway and then, in 1932, to Hollywood with Paramount. By 1951, when he contacted Lucille Ball about a part in her TV show I Love Lucy (1951), he had performed in over 100 films. His Fred Mertz role lasted until the show ended in 1960, after which he did a five-year stint on My Three Sons (1960). Poor health forced his retirement. He collapsed of a heart attack on March 3, 1966, aged 79, walking along Hollywood Boulevard after seeing a movie. He is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.
Acting

Miracle on 34th Street
Charlie Halloran · 1947

Monsieur Verdoux
Jean La Salle · 1947

I Love Lucy
Fred Mertz · 1951

Going My Way
Max Dolan, Publisher (uncredited) · 1944

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self · 1962

Rancho Notorious
Baldy Gunder · 1952

Gentleman Jim
Billy Delaney · 1942

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Invisible Man
Det. Roberts · 1951

The Lucy Show
Trainer · 1962

Desire
Mr. Gibson · 1936

Roberta
Bartender (uncredited) · 1935

The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour
Fred Mertz · 1957

Lady on a Train
Desk Sgt. Brennan · 1945

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
Byers · 1950

The Bride Came C.O.D.
Sheriff McGee · 1941

The Fighting Seabees
Eddie Powers · 1944

My Three Sons
Bub O'Casey · 1960

Ziegfeld Follies
Martin (segment "A Sweepstakes Ticket") · 1945

Roxie Hart
O'Malley · 1942

East Side, West Side
Bill the Bartender · 1949

The Lemon Drop Kid
Gloomy Willie · 1951

The Quarterback
Coach · 1940

I Love Lucy Christmas Special
Fred Mertz · 2016

Lake Placid Serenade
Jiggers · 1944