William Frawley, best known for his role as Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy, had a complicated and somewhat tragic end. Frawley’s final years were marked by struggles with his health and heavy drinking. His relationship with his co-star, Vivian Vance (Ethel Mertz), was notably strained, largely due to their significant age difference and mutual dislike. This tension continued throughout their time on I Love Lucy and even extended after the show ended.
Despite his personal troubles, Frawley managed to stay active in television, later joining My Three Sons. However, his health continued to deteriorate, and on March 3, 1966, while walking home from a movie in Hollywood, Frawley suddenly passed away. His death came at the age of 79 and, according to reports, his former co-star Vance reportedly reacted with relief, saying, “Champagne for everyone!”