Ever wondered about the man behind the iconic grumbles and penny-pinching antics of Fred Mertz? William Frawley, the actor who breathed life into the beloved landlord on I Love Lucy, was far more than just a grumpy character; he was a seasoned performer with a career spanning decades.

Before he became a household name through television, William Clement Frawley was already a veteran of the stage and screen. His journey began far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, shaping him into the multifaceted actor audiences would eventually adore. From vaudeville stages to the silver screen, Frawley's path was paved with hard work and a dedication to his craft, culminating in his unforgettable role as Fred Mertz.

William Frawley: Biographical and Career Information
Full Name	William Clement Frawley
Date of Birth	February 26, 1887
Place of Birth	Burlington, Iowa, USA
Date of Death	March 3, 1966
Place of Death	Hollywood, California, USA
Occupation	Actor (Film, Television, Theater)
Years Active	Early 1910s - 1966
Known For	Role as Fred Mertz in the television sitcom I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
Early Career	Sang at St. Paul's Catholic Church Performed at the Burlington Opera House Worked as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad Vaudeville performer with his brother Paul Act with pianist Franz Rath
Film Career	Appeared in over 100 films, starting in the era of silent movies, with significant roles in Paramount Pictures productions.
Television Career	I Love Lucy (1951-1957) as Fred Mertz My Three Sons (1960-1965) as Bub O'Casey
Spouse	Edna Louise Broe (m. 1914; div. 1927)
External Links
William Frawley on IMDb