William Frawley was born in Burlington, Iowa, where his early life was marked by a passion for music and the performing arts. As a young boy, he would often sing at St. Paul's Catholic Church and even performed on stage at the historic Burlington Opera House. After completing his education, Frawley's first job was as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad, a position that would later serve as a stepping stone for his future endeavors.
In his early twenties, Frawley began his career in vaudeville, teaming up with his brother Paul to form a successful act. The duo's performances were well-received, and they eventually joined forces with pianist Franz Rath to create a trio that toured the country. In 1910, they made their way to San Francisco, where Frawley's talents as a performer and entertainer continued to grow.
Four years later, Frawley met his future wife, Edna Louise Broedt, and the two formed a light comedy act called "Frawley and Louise." The duo's hilarious antics and witty banter quickly gained popularity, and they went on to tour the Orpheum and Keith circuits, becoming one of the most beloved and respected comedy teams of their time.
However, Frawley's personal life was not without its challenges. His marriage to Broedt ended in divorce in 1927, and he was left to rebuild his life and his career. It was during this period that he made the bold decision to transition to Broadway, where he quickly established himself as a talented and versatile performer.
In 1932, Frawley made the move to Hollywood, where he began working with Paramount Pictures. Over the next two decades, he would go on to appear in over 100 films, solidifying his status as a Hollywood icon. His impressive filmography includes a wide range of genres, from comedy to drama to musicals.
In the 1950s, Frawley's career received a significant boost when he landed the role of Fred Mertz on the hit TV show I Love Lucy. The show's immense popularity, coupled with Frawley's undeniable charm and wit, made him a household name. He went on to play the lovable curmudgeon for nearly a decade, until the show's conclusion in 1960.
After I Love Lucy, Frawley continued to work in television, appearing in a five-year stint on the popular show My Three Sons. However, his health began to decline, and he was eventually forced to retire due to poor health. Tragically, Frawley's life was cut short when he suffered a heart attack on March 3, 1966, while walking along Hollywood Boulevard. He was just 79 years old at the time of his passing.
Despite his untimely death, Frawley's legacy lives on through his impressive body of work. He is remembered as a talented and beloved performer, whose contributions to the world of entertainment continue to delight audiences to this day.
