Vivian Vance! - Perhaps the most underrated actress in all show biz. She was - without a doubt - the best second banana in television comedy. Casting Viv as Ethel Mertz was a stroke of genius as she was the PERFECT foil for Milady Ball
Thank you Dave for this great video in honor of Vivian Vance! She never got the recognition she deserved! I have always heard about the turmoil between her and William! I also loved him too! It's too bad they never got along. But oh what joy they all still give me to this day. I can never get enough of I Love Lucy ❤ I'm watching the whole series AGAIN!!!
@@jdsundstrom Like I said I can rewatch over and over and never get tired of them! Have you seen Being the Ricardos yet? I'm having problems streaming it as I just moved and waiting on internet!!
I actually think that the fact that they hated each other made their iconic chemistry what it was. If they got along the chemistry wouldn't have worked the same way. It's the same with Ed O'Neill and Amanda Bearse on Married with Children.
@@kendallrivers1119 You're right about that. It also shows what professionals they were to put their performance ahead of their personal feelings. It takes real character to pull that off! /:-)
OMGoodness, I remember that Maxwell House Coffee commercial, but I don't think I knew it to be Viv... interesting. That duo could sure make me laugh, and I miss them!!! 🌼
An older friend of mine worked for Maxwell House coffee. Vivian Vance spoke at many annual sales meetings and my friend had several photos of her posing with him. I was shocked at how beautiful she was. He confirmed that all the men felt the same.
Even with then age difference with Vivian Vance and William Frawley they never looked mismatched (like you Dave I never knew as a child about their mutual dislike of each other). Thanks for sharing the Maxwell House commercial. I have not seen those commercials in decades. I Love Lucy is my all-time favorite TV show. I still watch at least one episode every day. Everyone in that show was perfect and unlike other sitcoms all of the character was likable and able to hold their own and they never needed an "Urkel" (no offense to Urkel) to keep views watching. Vivian Vance was an incredible actor who managed to convince the audience that Fred and Ethel really loved one another.
I loved Vivian Vance. She was wonderful. The casting worked. I remember seeing Lucy in an interview after Vivian passed away where Lucy broke down. They had become very close friends. I, too, wish she lived to see her star on the Hollywood walk of Fame.
An interesting tidbit, my understanding is that Gale Gordon was Lucy's first choice for Fred Mertz but he was not available take the part at the time. You might remember him as Mr. Mooney, Lucy's boss, on The Lucy Show. There was only three years difference between his and Vivian's ages.
Great job, Mr Dave. Watching Lucy and Ethel as a little girl was very empowering. I know there are a lot of "sexist" things in the show, but what I got from it was....don't be afraid to go for what you want, always think outside of the box, and making a fool of yourself is not fatal.
Dave, I just want to say that you do a fantastic job on this channel, your voice is warm and perfect for the warm feelings of nostalgia you evoke and I’m in awe of your ability to remember so much in vivid detail. My memory is not as sharp so I get to remember things as you bring them up. Thank you for sharing your memories and creating this channel so we can tag along with you!
A true testiment to Vivian Vance was that as I've watched some of those famous Maxine the Maxwell House lady commercials the only thing that wasn't believable entirely as her playing basically a blue collar service worker was her elegant diction that she naturally had. A Shirley Booth as Hazel would have pulled those off a bit moreso, but you still have to give credit to Vivian for creating another warm and loveable character.
Mr. Sundstrom, (in my mother's vernacular) YOU ARE THE CATS MEOW! I am an "old" radio DJ but I still have an ear for good journalism. Thank you for your great presentations. It helps that I grew up in the NY, NJ area and greatly connect with shows that measure up to the real deal. I am from the generation that "gave a hoot" for real talent. Comedy in any era is a very demanding art and as I look back on this showmanship, I am a consummate fan. I very much learned most of my radio personality from these great actors who were my role models. Now with the internet, I can actually relive my experience in the business. Thank you for your contribution on keeping it alive by helping us to reconnect in our looking back. This is my 84th year and my birth month of January. My mother and family called me Jan January and so I use to use it for intros. It is another case of "Thanks, for the memories" that we can give the eternal comedy of Bob Hope credit for. As long as you're there to inform us, I'll be there. jan
I just watched that Nicole Kidman movie(Being The Ricardo’s). You forget The amount of precidents That show started. You look back. and laugh at how the producers were actually considering putting I love Lucy on hiatus because they were afraid to explain how Lucy was having A baby.
Great tribute Dave! I also read that when Vivian was on Lucy's second show, she stated that she wanted to be more glamorous and it worked! Also, did you hear about the death of Sidney Poitier.....R.I.P.
Vivian Vance was truly an important element to I Love Lucy. Everyone really was, but Vance had a specific timing that was truly unique and her own. Great video Dave!
What makes these stories so interesting is all the drama, which is probably what made the show so good! The four personalities portraying the main characters were characters themselves, who rose above their weakness of character to work their craft with uncompromising skill to produce the best show on TV. Thanks, Dave, for another look back. /:-)
Loved Vivian from the i love Lucy show the memories of remembering Vivian Vivian was a attractive woman in her younger years So was lucy Lucille ball was a attractive woman in her younger years then together was a good match loved watching I love Lucy thanks for sharing the memories and what went on differences and all Dave 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hi Dave. I'm sure you know by now, there were two deaths earlier today, on what would have been Bob Denver's 87th birthday: Dwayne Hickman, who was the title character, Dobie Gillis (Denver played his best friend, Maynard G. Krebs), and Bob Saget, Danny Tanner from Full House. May they both Travel In Peace. 2022 is starting off with a bang.
Some times, I wish we didn't know about the behind the scenes drama on these shows! Be nice to think everyone was friends, and the couples on the show got along so well, they could have been in love!
Meh with t.v. it doesn't matter if They get along personally or not as long as they can work together and their chemistry still works which it did with Vivian and William spectacularly. Unlike Moonlighting with Bruce and Cybill couldn't keep it professional and killed the show.
I knew Vivian Vance had a major problem with the character who played Fred. Every time I see and hear about the age difference was made to played for the series.
So I went down a rabbit hole the other day and one thing I read that rang so true was that I Love Lucy was really about Lucy and Ethel. Watching it I always thought the show was about the two of them and the husbands were peripheral characters. Another thing I read is one of the reasons Ed Frawley didn’t like her. Vivian and Frawley were offered a spin off tv show. She said no because she didn’t want to work with him anymore than she had to. This IMO was really short sighted because later on the Lucy Show she asked for more money, the ability to direct, and more input on her character. Had she helmed her own show she could have had all of that in spades. Just from the short articles I was reading she really seemed to have a chip on her shoulder about being seen as older and took it out on Frawley.
Great video, Dave. Vivian was more than a "second banana," she was really a secret weapon! She could sing well. Lucy could really sing but had to sing poorly on I Love Lucy. That often exasperated some of the co-stars. I'll bet all 3 of them truly enjoyed filling her mouth with shaving cream! Anyone who's stopped talking to a friend for any reason should be required to watch the episode where Lucy and Ethel stop talking to each other- until they see a play of 2 friends who also stop talking. Hilarious and tear jerking!
I read Dave that producers wanted a I Love Lucy Spinoff with Vivian Vance and William Frawly aka Ethel and Fred but due to there constant feuding on I Love Lucy the spinoff never reached frution and Vivian refused to work with William Frawly again!🤔😮
Loved Viv. I watch the Christmas episode of the lucy show every year. Both she and Lucy have some great lines and reactions to the other's holiday traditions. As always, thanks for this.
Ethel was my fave and I remember when i heard on the radio she passed away. My family and i were getting ready to play Monopoly and my dad had the radio on and there was the announcement i was only 7. 20 years to the day my mom would passaway
There's a story (don't know if it's true) about when Vivian learned that William Frawley died. She was at lunch with her friends, and then ordered "drinks for everyone."
Vivian would always have her arm on Bill’s shoulder in many episodes. Who knew that they hated each other! Desi is the one who found Vivian and wanted her for I Love Lucy. Lucy didn’t want her for the show at first. She wanted her friend Ann Southern. Dave did you catch the podcast on TCM The Plot Thickens Lucy? It’s 12 episodes but you’ll be glued to each one. It’s the definitive place for Lucy information that I’ve ever heard. Thanks Dave.
Hey Dave How about doing a segment on Lucille Ball's other second banana Gale Gordon. He was great as Lucy's gruff boss Mr Mooney. He and Ball knew each other since the late 1930s and was great to replace Vivian Vance when she left Lucy's show. Also he did great cartwheels in his 60s and 70s
@@jdsundstrom Thanks Dave. Also Gale did a radio show with Bea Benederet called Ganbys Green Acres which was the basis for the TV show. Ironic the two who first choice for Fred and Ethel Mertz.
One of my favorites growing up as well. Dave, have you watched the Nicole Kidman film "Being the Ricardos?" I'm tempted to, being an Aaron Sorkin fan, but I'm also a little worried about how it might tarnish the legacy of Lucille Ball and everyone involved in bringing her show to life.
😊this is like what happened with the classic 60s tv show that was remade in 2004 called Thunderbirds the co creator was involved and was dismissed by Gerry anderson fans including me the 2015 remake was even more worse why cant they stop remaking shows
Vivian Vance was a true professional, you would never have known she disliked William Frawley so much on the I Love Lucy Show.😏Thanks for sharing Dave.🙋🗽🍎
That's so true. Never a hint, even when the characters were fighting, it never occurred to me that they were really at odds! I was so surprised when the news of their animosity came out, because they work together for so long. /:-)
Thank you Dave for your great job doing this! Its so cool. I love the I love Lucy show! I have full set but lost quite a bit of dvds, but I love certain ones the best, the one where they go to Florida with that lady so hysterical. Thank you Dave you awesome. I love the pictures you find of Vivian Vance, she so pretty. Was it true that he hit on her too??
Ah, Vivian Vance. I read some mini biographies on her. She was brought up in a time where women were considered second rate citizens, someone to be kept in the kitchen......even though women were gaining their foothold on male dominated jobs, getting out into the world, and hell.......she even worked alongside one of THE most top-notch business women at that time! Sadly, she never realized the power, prestige, and position she had. She was a victim of being bullied and kept down, and not realizing the powerful woman she could be. She wanted to do good in the world. She like helping people. She wanted to be more than Lucy's sidekick. But she was forced "down" by her counterparts....yes, even Lucy. Years of therapy, psycho analysis, and even psychic and spiritual readings and counseling....and she still never found herself. She was chronically depressed, never sure about herself, and always allowed herself to be bullied and coerced......and again, even by Lucy. I don't think, in all the articles and resources I read about Vivians life, did she ever stand up for herself. Even to Lucy. And this kept her spirit and personality crushed. She had the power to do anything she wanted, say anything she liked, go anywhere she pleased, and control her own life. But nobody ever told her that, and she never discovered this on her own. She could have been Lucys equal, but Lucy was a very jealous and greedy person.....not that she meant to be, but because of being a strong woman in a male dominated society and business. And unfortunately, it led Lucy to being that way with everyone, even her female friends and co-workers. I'm sure if Vivian had ever sat Lucy down and explained everything to her, Lucy would have realized what she was doing to her friend. It's one thing to be in charge of a TV show and be "the boss" like Lucy was..........it's something different to crush your friends soul and spirit, especially when they aren't the kind of person that is confrontational. Vivian Vance, another one of Hollywoods sweet souls that never got the chance to show the world what she really could do. It's my opinion that Lucy really effed up by not realizing she had a "sister" she could mentor and help develop her skills and acumen in the business world and in the world of man. But Vivian has her place in our history and our hearts. And I hope at some point in her life, she realized at least that much.
How much better could I Love Lucy have been had the primary actors had exemplified better character? We, of course, can only wonder. We can be glad, however, that they rose above their idiosyncrasies to make it one of, if not the, greatest TV shows of all time! Given the time period in which these actors grew up and this show was produced, it's amazing that they pulled it off so well. All hail Viv, Lucy, Desi, and Bill! /:-)
Long b4 Lucy, Vivian Vance was always admired as a star, at least in her circles, since she was a girl. She had that something - and people knew it. And while you talk about her having to brave such a harsh, male dominated society - - The only real villain of her younger years, wasn't those "Males", but was, in fact, her own Mother.
I remember as a little kid watching I Love Lucy with my older sister. As I said I was just a little kid so when I saw Fred and Ethel together I thought Fred was Ethel's grandpa. 😆
Can hardly think of one without thinking of the other. Ethel Mertz and Lucille McGillicuddy! They go together like a hand in a glove. Sure Ms. Ball may have been the star of the show but without Vivian Vance's stellar contributions I think the show would have been a flop. Ms. Vance played an invaluable supporting character.
Did you know that after her divorce from Desi, Lucy had a hard time trying to balance her checkbook? That also led to bad choices she would make. She at one time was almost flat broke until royalties began coming in from her I Love Lucy tv show. Also, did you know at some point it was heard quoted" I have to go and throw up just before each episode of the show just to get through it?" By Vivian Vance.
Dave Sundstrom, are you a fan of the early ‘80s Dave Coulier TV show Out Of Control? It was Nickelodeon’s first original series. If you have seen it, then it would be great if you did a video about it to bring it to people’s attention. Not many people have heard of it. Krazy Joe of Megapodtastic is a big fan of Out Of Control and he even interviewed a few of the cast members. I understand that your videos take a lot of effort and you probably have a very busy schedule, but it would be great if you could do a video about it and make people aware of this forgotten gem. But I would not be surprised if you haven’t seen it, because it is rather obscure.
she got upset with the age difference but a lot of sitcoms did that in the 1950s. like Father knows Best. he looked like he should be playing the grandfather and not the father. in them days there wasn't too many career choices for women it was things like secretaries and nurses and for most women it was her husband and kids that were her career. That being said it wouldn't be uncommon for a woman to pick a older man if she was desperate.
I will agree with Vivian that I always had thought her and William Frawley were a bit oddly "aged matched" ,and I have always thought this since even I was a little kid watching ILL for the first times. I could NOT even imagine ILL with out Vivian Vance ever ! She was very funny and an equal to Lucy in every aspect for sure ... ;)
I never felt there was that much chemistry at all between Vivian and Frawley, even thru their great acting I could tell something just wasn't right there. And I feel Vivian was right, Desi should have casted someone MUCH younger for the role of Fred Mertz, either that or casted someone older as Ethel.
@@jerrygillespie1214 I could totally see Gale Gordon playing Fred Mertz, at that point in time (in the 50s) he and Vivians age was alot closer than frawleys, so it would have fit better, plus the chemistry would have been stronger.
And if they had done that the show wouldn't have ever been what it became. You change one thing when it's perfect already and it all falls apart. Nobody else could've done those four roles, that's blasphemous lol. That's like saying that you could've just cast anybody else as Ralph Kramden, Alice Kramden and Ed Norton. Impossible.
They fooled me and lots of others! Besides, even though Viv had a point on the age dif, it's a fact that there have been age differences between couples throughout history. Even one as big as was the case in question. I saw no problem and agree with Dave, Jerry, and kendall. We got what we got and should be glad for it. /:-)
She will be forever missed.
I am grateful for watching this colorful comedy.
Vivian Vance! - Perhaps the most underrated actress in all show biz. She was - without a doubt - the best second banana in television comedy. Casting Viv as Ethel Mertz was a stroke of genius as she was the PERFECT foil for Milady Ball
that nick at nite promo is iconic
Love those Nick@Nite promos!
I believe my grandkids' grandkids will be watching I Love Lucy.
I hope my grandkids' grandkids will be doing that as well! 🙂
Vivian was a real trooper to put up with what she had to deal with. I’m glad she and Lucy worked together again. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you Dave for this great video in honor of Vivian Vance! She never got the recognition she deserved! I have always heard about the turmoil between her and William! I also loved him too! It's too bad they never got along. But oh what joy they all still give me to this day. I can never get enough of I Love Lucy ❤ I'm watching the whole series AGAIN!!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Justine! It's time for me to go back and watch the entire series again.
@@jdsundstrom Like I said I can rewatch over and over and never get tired of them! Have you seen Being the Ricardos yet? I'm having problems streaming it as I just moved and waiting on internet!!
I actually think that the fact that they hated each other made their iconic chemistry what it was. If they got along the chemistry wouldn't have worked the same way. It's the same with Ed O'Neill and Amanda Bearse on Married with Children.
@@kendallrivers1119 You're right about that. It also shows what professionals they were to put their performance ahead of their personal feelings. It takes real character to pull that off! /:-)
OMGoodness, I remember that Maxwell House Coffee commercial, but I don't think I knew it to be Viv... interesting. That duo could sure make me laugh, and I miss them!!! 🌼
An older friend of mine worked for Maxwell House coffee. Vivian Vance spoke at many annual sales meetings and my friend had several photos of her posing with him. I was shocked at how beautiful she was. He confirmed that all the men felt the same.
Thanks for sharing Jim!
@@jdsundstrom th-cam.com/video/k1uvcaCPnqY/w-d-xo.html
Even with then age difference with Vivian Vance and William Frawley they never looked mismatched (like you Dave I never knew as a child about their mutual dislike of each other). Thanks for sharing the Maxwell House commercial. I have not seen those commercials in decades. I Love Lucy is my all-time favorite TV show. I still watch at least one episode every day. Everyone in that show was perfect and unlike other sitcoms all of the character was likable and able to hold their own and they never needed an "Urkel" (no offense to Urkel) to keep views watching. Vivian Vance was an incredible actor who managed to convince the audience that Fred and Ethel really loved one another.
I loved Vivian Vance. She was wonderful. The casting worked. I remember seeing Lucy in an interview after Vivian passed away where Lucy broke down. They had become very close friends. I, too, wish she lived to see her star on the Hollywood walk of Fame.
Thanks for sharing Thea!
🤗🤗
An interesting tidbit, my understanding is that Gale Gordon was Lucy's first choice for Fred Mertz but he was not available take the part at the time. You might remember him as Mr. Mooney, Lucy's boss, on The Lucy Show. There was only three years difference between his and Vivian's ages.
He also played her husband on her pre-I Love Lucy radio show.
When I was a kid watching I Love Lucy I never thought that Ethel and Fred were of the same age, I imagined that there was some decades between them.
Great job, Mr Dave. Watching Lucy and Ethel as a little girl was very empowering. I know there are a lot of "sexist" things in the show, but what I got from it was....don't be afraid to go for what you want, always think outside of the box, and making a fool of yourself is not fatal.
Can you imagine "The Me Too" movement supporting that Maxwell House Coffee Commercial today!? HA! Thanks Dave!
I thought the same thing when the male co-worker told the woman in the commercial that she was looking "fresh". 🙂
Dave, I just want to say that you do a fantastic job on this channel, your voice is warm and perfect for the warm feelings of nostalgia you evoke and I’m in awe of your ability to remember so much in vivid detail. My memory is not as sharp so I get to remember things as you bring them up. Thank you for sharing your memories and creating this channel so we can tag along with you!
Thanks for your kind words Leslie!
Very nice video on Vivian. I love Lucy would not have been the same without Vivian's talent and humor in the show. She was an amazing actress.
I can't imagine "I Love Lucy" without Vivian...or William for that matter.
Lucy and Ethel inspired so many female comedic actors on television. Case in point, Laverne & Shirley.
Very true!
A true testiment to Vivian Vance was that as I've watched some of those famous Maxine the Maxwell House lady commercials the only thing that wasn't believable entirely as her playing basically a blue collar service worker was her elegant diction that she naturally had. A Shirley Booth as Hazel would have pulled those off a bit moreso, but you still have to give credit to Vivian for creating another warm and loveable character.
Mr. Sundstrom, (in my mother's vernacular) YOU ARE THE CATS MEOW! I am an "old" radio DJ but I still have an ear for good journalism. Thank you for your great presentations.
It helps that I grew up in the NY, NJ area and greatly connect with shows that measure up to the real deal. I am from the generation that "gave a hoot" for real talent. Comedy in any era is a very demanding art and as I look back on this showmanship, I am a consummate fan. I very much learned most of my radio personality from these great actors who were my role models. Now with the internet, I can actually relive my experience in the business. Thank you for your contribution on keeping it alive by helping us to reconnect in our looking back. This is my 84th year and my birth month of January. My mother and family called me Jan January and so I use to use it for intros. It is another case of "Thanks, for the memories" that we can give the eternal comedy of Bob Hope credit for.
As long as you're there to inform us, I'll be there. jan
Thanks for the kind words, Janet!
I just watched that Nicole Kidman movie(Being The Ricardo’s). You forget The amount of precidents That show started. You look back. and laugh at how the producers were actually considering putting I love Lucy on hiatus because they were afraid to explain how Lucy was having A baby.
Great tribute Dave! I also read that when Vivian was on Lucy's second show, she stated that she wanted to be more glamorous and it worked! Also, did you hear about the death of Sidney Poitier.....R.I.P.
Yep, I heard about Sidney's passing. Truthfully, I haven't seen a lot of his movies...but I did love him in "Sneakers".
The Original Dynamic Dou!
So true!
Valerie Harper played second fiddle to Mary Tyler Moore on The Mary Tyler Moore Show!
Vivian Vance was truly an important element to I Love Lucy. Everyone really was, but Vance had a specific timing that was truly unique and her own. Great video Dave!
What makes these stories so interesting is all the drama, which is probably what made the show so good! The four personalities portraying the main characters were characters themselves, who rose above their weakness of character to work their craft with uncompromising skill to produce the best show on TV. Thanks, Dave, for another look back. /:-)
Loved Vivian from the i love Lucy show the memories of remembering Vivian Vivian was a attractive woman in her younger years So was lucy Lucille ball was a attractive woman in her younger years then together was a good match loved watching I love Lucy thanks for sharing the memories and what went on differences and all Dave 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for sharing Cade!
Your welcome Dave my pleasure buddy
Gotta agree, both ladies were indeed beautiful in their younger years, but neither aged quite so well in their later years..
Hi Dave. I'm sure you know by now, there were two deaths earlier today, on what would have been Bob Denver's 87th birthday: Dwayne Hickman, who was the title character, Dobie Gillis (Denver played his best friend, Maynard G. Krebs), and Bob Saget, Danny Tanner from Full House. May they both Travel In Peace. 2022 is starting off with a bang.
Some times, I wish we didn't know about the behind the scenes drama on these shows! Be nice to think everyone was friends, and the couples on the show got along so well, they could have been in love!
Meh with t.v. it doesn't matter if They get along personally or not as long as they can work together and their chemistry still works which it did with Vivian and William spectacularly. Unlike Moonlighting with Bruce and Cybill couldn't keep it professional and killed the show.
I loved William as Bub on My 3 Sons...a real Vaudeville act 😃
I'm a huge fan of Bill Frawley. 🙂
@@jdsundstrom
A very natural sense of humor..
Agree. /:-)
Awesome video 😌 As always nice use of commercials!
Thanks John! 😃
I knew Vivian Vance had a major problem with the character who played Fred. Every time I see and hear about the age difference was made to played for the series.
Thanks for sharing Georgia!
Now that is good stuff
Very nice tribute for Vivian Vance!
Thanks Don!
Always enjoy, thanks, Dave!
Thank you Tammy!
Never knew she did a Maxwell House commercial! I loved her and Lucy together
So I went down a rabbit hole the other day and one thing I read that rang so true was that I Love Lucy was really about Lucy and Ethel. Watching it I always thought the show was about the two of them and the husbands were peripheral characters. Another thing I read is one of the reasons Ed Frawley didn’t like her. Vivian and Frawley were offered a spin off tv show. She said no because she didn’t want to work with him anymore than she had to. This IMO was really short sighted because later on the Lucy Show she asked for more money, the ability to direct, and more input on her character. Had she helmed her own show she could have had all of that in spades. Just from the short articles I was reading she really seemed to have a chip on her shoulder about being seen as older and took it out on Frawley.
Being 57, I guess the Maxwell House commercial is what I remember the most!
Great video, Dave. Vivian was more than a "second banana," she was really a secret weapon! She could sing well. Lucy could really sing but had to sing poorly on I Love Lucy. That often exasperated some of the co-stars. I'll bet all 3 of them truly enjoyed filling her mouth with shaving cream!
Anyone who's stopped talking to a friend for any reason should be required to watch the episode where Lucy and Ethel stop talking to each other- until they see a play of 2 friends who also stop talking. Hilarious and tear jerking!
I enjoyed it. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it Jason!
I read Dave that producers wanted a I Love Lucy Spinoff with Vivian Vance and William Frawly aka Ethel and Fred but due to there constant feuding on I Love Lucy the spinoff never reached frution and Vivian refused to work with William Frawly again!🤔😮
Can't say I blame her, it's been well documented that Frawley was a heavy drinker and a nasty drunk, and was never easy to work with on any set..
Loved Viv. I watch the Christmas episode of the lucy show every year. Both she and Lucy have some great lines and reactions to the other's holiday traditions. As always, thanks for this.
That episode is so good!
She was just as funny as Lucy. Two comedic geniuses.
I must agree! I can hardly think of Lucille McGillicuddy sans ETHEL MERTZ.
They were hilarious together. Equal partners in crime.
@@ROHM53 Agree!
Vivian is definitely a legend
Whoever wrote that Nick-at-Nite Beatles ad! 😆
I know...genius!
@@jdsundstrom I remember it, and thought it was funny,.
Ethel was my fave and I remember when i heard on the radio she passed away. My family and i were getting ready to play Monopoly and my dad had the radio on and there was the announcement i was only 7. 20 years to the day my mom would passaway
Oh wow! Thanks for sharing RP.
There's a story (don't know if it's true) about when Vivian learned that William Frawley died. She was at lunch with her friends, and then ordered "drinks for everyone."
I've heard that story as well.
How ironic was that, given Bill's proclivity for the sauce! /:-)
Vivian would always have her arm on Bill’s shoulder in many episodes. Who knew that they hated each other! Desi is the one who found Vivian and wanted her for I Love Lucy. Lucy didn’t want her for the show at first. She wanted her friend Ann Southern. Dave did you catch the podcast on TCM The Plot Thickens Lucy? It’s 12 episodes but you’ll be glued to each one. It’s the definitive place for Lucy information that I’ve ever heard. Thanks Dave.
I haven't listened to the podcast. Thanks for the recommendation Cindee!
I watched Being the Ricardos and I really liked it! Nicole Kidman was incredible - she truly channelled Lucille Ball.
I'm glad you liked it Nicki!
Another Great Vid Dave! Thanks!
Thanks TP!
Hey Dave
How about doing a segment on Lucille Ball's other second banana Gale Gordon. He was great as Lucy's gruff boss Mr Mooney. He and Ball knew each other since the late 1930s and was great to replace Vivian Vance when she left Lucy's show. Also he did great cartwheels in his 60s and 70s
Great suggestion Jerry. I'll add Gale to my potential topics list.
@@jdsundstrom Thanks Dave. Also Gale did a radio show with Bea Benederet called Ganbys Green Acres which was the basis for the TV show. Ironic the two who first choice for Fred and Ethel Mertz.
I'd actually say that Art Carney's Ed Norton is the greatest and most definitive second banana but Vivian is easily in the top five.
Thanks for sharing Kendall!
Don Knotts would be in the running too!
Let's see. For top 5, I'd list Ed Norton, Ethel Mertz/Vivian Bagley, Barney Fife, Ed McMahon, and Barney Rubble.
@@paulcarpenter999 oh yes Don is easily after Carney.
@@jdsundstrom always a pleasure, Dave. 👍
One of my favorites growing up as well. Dave, have you watched the Nicole Kidman film "Being the Ricardos?" I'm tempted to, being an Aaron Sorkin fan, but I'm also a little worried about how it might tarnish the legacy of Lucille Ball and everyone involved in bringing her show to life.
Yep. I've seen it Scott. Here's my review: th-cam.com/video/E_P7fRbYCWY/w-d-xo.html
@@jdsundstrom cool, I'll check it out!
I just watched it and having grown up in the 60's I was hesitant, but it's a must see. Let us know your opinion,
😊this is like what happened with the classic 60s tv show that was remade in 2004 called Thunderbirds the co creator was involved and was dismissed by Gerry anderson fans including me the 2015 remake was even more worse why cant they stop remaking shows
Vivian Vance was a true professional, you would never have known she disliked William Frawley so much on the I Love Lucy Show.😏Thanks for sharing Dave.🙋🗽🍎
That's so true. Never a hint, even when the characters were fighting, it never occurred to me that they were really at odds! I was so surprised when the news of their animosity came out, because they work together for so long. /:-)
Sidney Poitier died yesterday Dave. He was 94. Please do a video about his life!🙏
Thanks for the suggestion Charlie!
Vivian Vance (1909-1979) was 42 when she was cast as Ethel Mertz.
Thank you Dave for your great job doing this! Its so cool. I love the I love Lucy show! I have full set but lost quite a bit of dvds, but I love certain ones the best, the one where they go to Florida with that lady so hysterical. Thank you Dave you awesome. I love the pictures you find of Vivian Vance, she so pretty. Was it true that he hit on her too??
Glad you enjoyed it, blue chicken!
Ah, Vivian Vance. I read some mini biographies on her. She was brought up in a time where women were considered second rate citizens, someone to be kept in the kitchen......even though women were gaining their foothold on male dominated jobs, getting out into the world, and hell.......she even worked alongside one of THE most top-notch business women at that time!
Sadly, she never realized the power, prestige, and position she had. She was a victim of being bullied and kept down, and not realizing the powerful woman she could be. She wanted to do good in the world. She like helping people. She wanted to be more than Lucy's sidekick. But she was forced "down" by her counterparts....yes, even Lucy.
Years of therapy, psycho analysis, and even psychic and spiritual readings and counseling....and she still never found herself. She was chronically depressed, never sure about herself, and always allowed herself to be bullied and coerced......and again, even by Lucy.
I don't think, in all the articles and resources I read about Vivians life, did she ever stand up for herself. Even to Lucy. And this kept her spirit and personality crushed.
She had the power to do anything she wanted, say anything she liked, go anywhere she pleased, and control her own life. But nobody ever told her that, and she never discovered this on her own.
She could have been Lucys equal, but Lucy was a very jealous and greedy person.....not that she meant to be, but because of being a strong woman in a male dominated society and business. And unfortunately, it led Lucy to being that way with everyone, even her female friends and co-workers.
I'm sure if Vivian had ever sat Lucy down and explained everything to her, Lucy would have realized what she was doing to her friend. It's one thing to be in charge of a TV show and be "the boss" like Lucy was..........it's something different to crush your friends soul and spirit, especially when they aren't the kind of person that is confrontational.
Vivian Vance, another one of Hollywoods sweet souls that never got the chance to show the world what she really could do. It's my opinion that Lucy really effed up by not realizing she had a "sister" she could mentor and help develop her skills and acumen in the business world and in the world of man. But Vivian has her place in our history and our hearts. And I hope at some point in her life, she realized at least that much.
Hogwash.
@@you2449 I'll pass on your idiocy to the authors of her biographies.
How much better could I Love Lucy have been had the primary actors had exemplified better character? We, of course, can only wonder. We can be glad, however, that they rose above their idiosyncrasies to make it one of, if not the, greatest TV shows of all time! Given the time period in which these actors grew up and this show was produced, it's amazing that they pulled it off so well. All hail Viv, Lucy, Desi, and Bill! /:-)
Long b4 Lucy, Vivian Vance was always admired as a star, at least in her circles, since she was a girl. She had that something - and people knew it.
And while you talk about her having to brave such a harsh, male dominated society - - The only real villain of her younger years, wasn't those "Males", but was, in fact, her own Mother.
@@you2449 Often the true enemy is the one that should be the greatest ally.
Apparently, her and William Frawley hated each other??
There wasn't a whole lotta love, that's for sure.
I remember as a little kid watching I Love Lucy with my older sister. As I said I was just a little kid so when I saw Fred and Ethel together I thought Fred was Ethel's grandpa. 😆
Hey Dave how are you today my friend hope you are well and happy 2022🎉🎉🎉
Doing well Lance. Happy 2022 to you as well!
Can hardly think of one without thinking of the other. Ethel Mertz and Lucille McGillicuddy! They go together like a hand in a glove.
Sure Ms. Ball may have been the star of the show but without Vivian Vance's stellar contributions I think the show would have been a flop. Ms. Vance played an invaluable supporting character.
Well said ROHM58!
Did you know that after her divorce from Desi, Lucy had a hard time trying to balance her checkbook? That also led to bad choices she would make. She at one time was almost flat broke until royalties began coming in from her I Love Lucy tv show. Also, did you know at some point it was heard quoted" I have to go and throw up just before each episode of the show just to get through it?" By Vivian Vance.
Nope. I didn't know that.
Awesome stuff 👏👌👍🙌
Dave Sundstrom, are you a fan of the early ‘80s Dave Coulier TV show Out Of Control? It was Nickelodeon’s first original series. If you have seen it, then it would be great if you did a video about it to bring it to people’s attention. Not many people have heard of it. Krazy Joe of Megapodtastic is a big fan of Out Of Control and he even interviewed a few of the cast members. I understand that your videos take a lot of effort and you probably have a very busy schedule, but it would be great if you could do a video about it and make people aware of this forgotten gem. But I would not be surprised if you haven’t seen it, because it is rather obscure.
I'm a big fan of Mr. Coulier's work...but I must admit that I've never seen "Out of Control". I'll check it out. 🙂
she got upset with the age difference but a lot of sitcoms did that in the 1950s. like Father knows Best. he looked like he should be playing the grandfather and not the father. in them days there wasn't too many career choices for women it was things like secretaries and nurses and for most women it was her husband and kids that were her career. That being said it wouldn't be uncommon for a woman to pick a older man if she was desperate.
Good point Thomas!
Agree. /:-)
I will agree with Vivian that I always had thought her and William Frawley were a bit oddly "aged matched" ,and I have always thought this since even I was a little kid watching ILL for the first times. I could NOT even imagine ILL with out Vivian Vance ever ! She was very funny and an equal to Lucy in every aspect for sure ... ;)
*Dave Sunstrum I love Lucy Vivian Ethyl encouraged her increase her weight Listening from Mass USA TYVM 💙 Dave*
Thanks for sharing Cheryl!
Is it true that Vivian Vance considered Desi Arnaz to be an amateur actor and was upset that she had to work with him?
Nope. That's not true.
@@jdsundstrom Thanks. Good to know.
Hearing Fred poke at her about her weight was crazy
Yeah. He was one to talk, what with his washboard abs and all 😒
Vivian Potter Mertz 😘 loved her some kinda Sugar Pappy Freddie Mertz.
I never felt there was that much chemistry at all between Vivian and Frawley, even thru their great acting I could tell something just wasn't right there. And I feel Vivian was right, Desi should have casted someone MUCH younger for the role of Fred Mertz, either that or casted someone older as Ethel.
I love Fred and Ethel Mertz and really can't imagine anyone else in those roles...but, Vivian did have a point.
Lucille Ball originally wanted Gale Gordon but he was comitted to Our Miss Brooks
@@jerrygillespie1214 I could totally see Gale Gordon playing Fred Mertz, at that point in time (in the 50s) he and Vivians age was alot closer than frawleys, so it would have fit better, plus the chemistry would have been stronger.
And if they had done that the show wouldn't have ever been what it became. You change one thing when it's perfect already and it all falls apart. Nobody else could've done those four roles, that's blasphemous lol. That's like saying that you could've just cast anybody else as Ralph Kramden, Alice Kramden and Ed Norton. Impossible.
They fooled me and lots of others! Besides, even though Viv had a point on the age dif, it's a fact that there have been age differences between couples throughout history. Even one as big as was the case in question. I saw no problem and agree with Dave, Jerry, and kendall. We got what we got and should be glad for it. /:-)
Don't care I'll stick with Bob Barker.🙂
Always a good choice Jon!
Thanks for the memories.
Today is political correctness crap.
I love Vivian.