Back in 1951, Vivian Vance stepped into the iconic role that would forever change her life—Ethel Mertz on the legendary sitcom I Love Lucy. Her portrayal of the quirky neighbor became a cornerstone of the show’s success. What many don't know is that Vance and Lucille Ball's friendship was no act; it was real, deep, and enduring. This 28-year bond went beyond the screen and into their personal lives. Off-screen, Vance had a complex personal life marked by four marriages before her passing in 1979.
When I Love Lucy wrapped up in 1957, Lucille Ball wasn't ready to let go of her dear friend. She insisted Vance join her for the spinoff, The Lucy Show. Vance took on the role of Vivian Bagley, a divorcee, adding depth and humor to the series. From 1962 to 1968, the two powerhouse actresses worked together, forging an even stronger bond. Behind the scenes, they weren’t just colleagues—they were collaborators. According to Ball’s former assistant, Wanda Clark, “If something in the script wasn’t working, those two ladies would put their heads together and figure it out.”
By the time Vance was approached with the idea of a spinoff focused on Ethel and Fred, she had already been through three divorces and was living with her fourth husband, John Dodds. Despite her success, Vance declined the offer. Geoffrey Mark, author of The Lucy Book, shared, “She didn’t need the money, and she’d become quite famous as Ethel Mertz. She wanted to move beyond that role.” Vance was ready for a fresh start, both personally and professionally.
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In her final days, Vance and Ball shared some heartfelt moments together. Paige Peterson, a close friend of Vance, recounted, “They spent the afternoon telling stories, hugging and loving each other. When Lucy left, it was clear it was an extraordinarily painful goodbye.” Vance passed away at the age of 70 from cancer, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond her time on I Love Lucy.
Let’s dive deeper into Vance’s four marriages and the men who were part of her journey.
Her First Love: Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr.
Vivian Vance’s first marriage took place in 1928 when she tied the knot with Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. At the time, she was just beginning her theater career and had recently relocated to New Mexico. Though details about their relationship are scarce, Danneck was also involved in the theater world, according to the 1999 book Meet the Mertzes. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last long, and they divorced in 1931.
Her Broadway Debut: George Koch
After moving to New York City in the early 1930s, Vance quickly established herself as a rising star on the stage. It was during this period that she met violinist George Koch, and they soon fell in love. The couple married in 1933. It was during their marriage that Vance landed her first major role on Broadway, replacing Kay Thompson in Hooray for What! in 1937. However, their union ended in 1940, and they divorced.
A Star is Born: Philip Ober
Vivian Vance’s career continued to soar when she was cast as Myra Strahope in Kiss the Boys Goodbye in 1939. During this production, she met her co-star Philip Ober, and they married in 1941. Ober was no stranger to the theater scene, having already made a name for himself in Personal Appearance in 1934 and making his film debut in Chloe, Love Is Calling You that same year. Interestingly, Ober also appeared on I Love Lucy alongside his wife. Despite their shared passion for acting, their marriage ended in divorce in 1959. Ober later remarried in 1961 to Jane Westover, and they remained together until his death in 1982.
Her Final Chapter: John Dodds
In 1961, Vance found love again with John Dodds, a book editor from the East Coast. The couple decided to move from New York to Belvedere, California, where Vance continued to make guest appearances on Lucy’s third spinoff, Here’s Lucy. Vance and Dodds remained married until her untimely death in 1979.
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