Which My Favorite Husband actor was originally approached to play Ethel Mertz?

Bea Benaderet was the My Favorite Husband actor originally approached to play Ethel Mertz.

Benaderet had already worked with Lucille Ball on the radio comedy My Favorite Husband, in which she played Iris Atterbury. Ball initially hoped to bring both Benaderet and Gale Gordon, who played Rudolph Atterbury, into the television adaptation. The older couple was reshaped as Ethel and Fred Mertz for I Love Lucy.

Benaderet could not accept the role because she was committed to The Burns and Allen Show, where she played Blanche Morton. Vivian Vance was eventually cast as Ethel, while William Frawley became Fred. Vance's performance helped define Ethel as Lucy's loyal friend, comic partner, and occasional voice of caution.

Barbara Pepper was considered as another possibility, and Mary Wickes was offered the part but declined. Those names can create confusion, but Benaderet is the specific answer to the question about the My Favorite Husband actor initially approached for the role.