WILLIAM FRAWLEY: Diamond in the Gruff

Bill’s passion for the New York Yankees often filtered into his movie roles. Such was the case in his last film, SAFE AT HOME! (1962), with Yankee stars Roger Maris (left) and Mickey Mantle, here swinging with young Bryan Russell.

Bar none, the most cherished quartet of a TV sitcom is the cast of I LOVE LUCY (1951-1957). Flawless work from (left) Vivian Vance, William Frawley, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball.

Films of the Golden Age,
Issue Number 111,
Winter 2022/23

”I don’t give much thought to television as a field of endeavor. It’s a place – an art let’s call it – where I’m making a livelihood. If some-thing happens to television, I’ll tend bar, something I enjoy doing.”

A belovedly balding, pudding-faced character curmudgeon and stalwart Paramount stock player during the 1930s, WILLIAM FRAWLEY (1887-1966) graced many light comedies and musical films before achieving immorality on a single television series classic. His background was in vaudeville as a song-and-dance man and introduced such songs as “My Melancholy Baby” and “Carolina in the Morning” before turning to Broadway. An obsessive sports fan, he played coaches and managers in several sports films although his irascible personality and penchant for booze put a damper on his reputation. He redeemed it considerably on TV as Fred Mertz on I LOVE LUCY and Bub on MY THREE SONS.

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