Let's talk about William Frawley, the legendary actor who stole our hearts as Fred Mertz in the iconic '50s sitcom I Love Lucy. His hilarious banter with co-star Vivian Vance became a fan favorite, and his on-screen presence was unmatched. But what about his personal life? William married Edna Louise Broedt, and though they shared a life together, they didn’t have any children. Despite that, his career was filled with memorable roles, many of which showcased him as the quintessential family man.
So, Did William Frawley Have Kids?
Let me break it down for you. William tied the knot with Edna in 1914, and the two even performed a vaudeville act together. But their marriage came to an end in 1927, right around the time William started landing more film roles. Even though they didn’t start a family, it’s fascinating to note that many of the roles that made the Iowa native famous involved him playing a family man. It’s almost like he became the father figure we all wished we had on screen, even if it wasn’t his reality off-screen.
Now, let’s talk about William’s career. The Broadway star graced the screen on I Love Lucy from 1951 to 1957. By that time, he was already a seasoned film star, having appeared in classics like Night Work, Untamed, Roxie Hart, and Pretty Baby. After his time on I Love Lucy, William joined the cast of the ABC comedy My Three Sons in 1960, playing the role of Bub, the grandfather and housekeeper. Can you imagine the shock his co-stars must have felt when they found out he'd be playing a grandfather?
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One of those co-stars, Stanley Livingston, who played Chip on the show, shared some fascinating insights with Closer. “I didn’t know what he was like when he was younger, but by the time I met him, he was in his early 70s,” Stanley recalled. “I knew him from watching TV, especially I Love Lucy. I never thought I’d get the chance to work with him. When I found out he’d be playing the grandfather, I was blown away. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I liked him. He was my favorite character on I Love Lucy because of his quirky grumpiness, which was both funny and genuine. Honestly, what you saw on the show was pretty much how he was in real life—minus the swearing, of course!”
Interestingly, Stanley noticed a stark contrast between William’s on-screen persona and his personal life. “It always struck me that Bill wasn’t married and didn’t have any kids or grandkids,” he said. “For him, My Three Sons was more than just a job—it was his family. And when the show ended, it was like he lost everything.”
William passed away on March 3, 1966, after suffering a heart attack. But even in his final days, he remained close with his I Love Lucy co-stars, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Their friendship was a testament to the lasting impact he had on those around him, both on and off the screen.
