Who played Ethel Mertz?

Vivian Vance played Ethel Mertz on I Love Lucy. Ethel is Lucy Ricardo’s best friend, neighbor, and frequent partner in comic schemes, while her husband, Fred Mertz, was played by William Frawley.

Vance was recommended for the role by director Marc Daniels, who had worked with her in New York theater. She already had substantial Broadway experience and had appeared in two films before joining the sitcom. Her casting followed consideration of performers including Bea Benaderet, Mary Wickes, and Barbara Pepper.

Vance and Lucille Ball became close lifelong friends, although Vance disliked being permanently associated with Ethel after the show ended. She later played Vivian Bagley on The Lucy Show and other characters named Vivian in Ball’s later programs. Vance won the 1954 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress, becoming the first winner in that category.