Vivian Vance made history as one of television’s first great sidekicks — but she was so much more than Ethel Mertz, Lucy’s neighbor, best friend, and reluctant partner in crime. Born in 1909 in Kansas, Vance was a seasoned Broadway actress before becoming a household name on I Love Lucy.
Ethel Mertz wasn’t glamorous, but she was fiercely loyal, bitingly funny, and entirely authentic. Vance brought warmth and wit to the role — a grounded counterpoint to Lucy’s chaos. The chemistry between Vance and Ball was magic, and their friendship continued offscreen, too. Though they had rough patches early on (partly due to studio-imposed insecurities and ageism), their bond eventually deepened into something rare and enduring.
After I Love Lucy, Vance continued working with Ball on The Lucy Show, but also fought personal battles, including depression and a later breast cancer diagnosis. Her final years were quieter, spent mostly with her second husband in California.
She passed away in 1979 at age 70. When Lucille Ball learned of her death, she reportedly locked herself in her room and cried for hours. To lose Vivian was to lose a part of herself. Because if Lucy was the star, Ethel was the soul — the quiet, steady, endlessly funny friend who always showed up, no matter how ridiculous the plan.
