William Frawley, a renowned individual, was born in Burlington, Iowa, where his early life was marked by his involvement in the performing arts. As a young boy, he would often sing at St. Paul's Catholic Church and take to the stage at the Burlington Opera House. His first foray into the professional world was as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad, a role that would serve as a precursor to his future endeavors.
As he grew older, Frawley's passion for performance only intensified, and he began to tour the vaudeville circuit with his brother Paul. This experience would ultimately lead him to form a light comedy act with his new wife, Edna Louise Broedt, known as "Frawley and Louise." The duo would go on to tour the Orpheum and Keith circuits, entertaining audiences with their unique brand of humor.
However, their marriage would ultimately come to an end in 1927, and Frawley would soon find himself on the Broadway stage. It was here that he would hone his craft, eventually making the move to Hollywood with Paramount in 1932. Over the course of his long and illustrious career, Frawley would go on to appear in over 100 films, solidifying his status as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
One of Frawley's most iconic roles was that of Fred Mertz on the hit TV show I Love Lucy, a part he would play until the show's conclusion in 1960. Following this, he would go on to appear in the popular sitcom My Three Sons, a role he would hold for five years. Despite his continued success, Frawley's health would eventually begin to decline, and he would be forced to retire from the stage.
Tragically, Frawley's life would come to a close on March 3, 1966, when he suffered a heart attack while walking along Hollywood Boulevard after seeing a movie. He was just 79 years old at the time of his passing. Frawley would be laid to rest in the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, his legacy as a talented and dedicated performer forever etched in the annals of entertainment history.
