Notable Iowa Families & Companies
William Frawley
The Burlington-born character actor America knew as Fred Mertz on “I Love Lucy.”
Born1887–1966
FieldFilm & television
FromBurlington, Iowa
LegacyA beloved TV character actor of the golden age
The Burlington-born character actor America knew as Fred Mertz on “I Love Lucy.”
William Frawley was born on February 26, 1887, in Burlington, Iowa. After decades in vaudeville and dozens of films, he found lasting fame on television.
He played the landlord Fred Mertz on “I Love Lucy,” one of the most popular sitcoms in history, and later Bub O'Casey on “My Three Sons.”
Frawley's gruff, comic presence made him a fixture of early television's biggest hit. His Iowa roots trace back to Burlington on the Mississippi.
He remains one of the most recognizable character actors of TV's golden age.
The Burlington-born character actor America knew as Fred Mertz on “I Love Lucy.”
William Frawley was from Burlington, Iowa.
1887–1966.
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Portrait: Wikimedia Commons (public domain or freely licensed).