William Frawley | WatchedThis

William Frawley

William Frawley

Acting

Biography

William Frawley was born in Burlington, Iowa. As a boy he sang at St. Paul's Catholic Church and played at the Burlington Opera House. His first job was as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. He did vaudeville with his brother Paul, then joined pianist Franz Rath in an act they took to San Francisco in 1910. Four years later he formed a light comedy act with his new wife Edna Louise Broedt, "Frawley and Louise", touring the Orpheum and Keith circuits until they divorced in 1927. He next moved to Broadway and then, in 1932, to Hollywood with Paramount. By 1951, when he contacted Lucille Ball about a part in her TV show I Love Lucy (1951), he had performed in over 100 films. His Fred Mertz role lasted until the show ended in 1960, after which he did a five-year stint on My Three Sons (1960). Poor health forced his retirement. He collapsed of a heart attack on March 3, 1966, aged 79, walking along Hollywood Boulevard after seeing a movie. He is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.

Filmography Movies

Acting

Poster for Blondie in Society
MOVIE

Blondie in Society

6.4(0.0K)
Blondie in Society
Waldo Pincus
Poster for Blondie's Anniversary
MOVIE

Blondie's Anniversary

5.8(0.0K)
Blondie's Anniversary
Sharkey the Loen Shark
Poster for Blondie's Hero
MOVIE

Blondie's Hero

7.0(0.0K)
Blondie's Hero
Marty Greer
Poster for Lady on a Train
MOVIE

Lady on a Train

6.7(0.1K)
Lady on a Train
Desk Sgt. Brennan
Poster for The Fighting Seabees
MOVIE

The Fighting Seabees

6.3(0.1K)
The Fighting Seabees
Eddie Powers
Poster for Roberta
MOVIE

Roberta

7.1(0.0K)
Roberta
Bartender (uncredited)
Poster for The Princess Comes Across
MOVIE

The Princess Comes Across

6.3(0.0K)
The Princess Comes Across
Benton
Poster for The Lemon Drop Kid
MOVIE

The Lemon Drop Kid

6.6(0.0K)
The Lemon Drop Kid
Gloomy Willie
Poster for Miracle on 34th Street
MOVIE

Miracle on 34th Street

7.4(0.8K)
Miracle on 34th Street
Charlie Halloran
Poster for Red Light
MOVIE

Red Light

5.9(0.0K)
Red Light
Hotel Night Clerk

Gallery

William Frawley portrait
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