What ‘I Love Lucy’ Star Desi Arnaz Told Fred MacMurray at William Frawley’s Funeral
The golden age of Hollywood was filled with unforgettable on-screen partnerships, but few were as iconic as the one between William Frawley and Desi Arnaz. As Fred Mertz and Ricky Ricardo, they shared a comedic bond that helped make I Love Lucy a global phenomenon. Yet, their friendship extended far beyond the soundstage. This enduring loyalty was never more evident than at Frawley’s funeral, where a heartbreaking but deeply humorous exchange between Arnaz and actor Fred MacMurray revealed the true nature of their off-screen relationship.
The moment, a quiet aside between two legends mourning a friend, perfectly captured the essence of Frawley’s personality and proved that even in death, his spirit of laughter and mischief lived on. It’s a story that has been shared among Hollywood insiders for decades, offering a rare glimpse into the genuine camaraderie that existed between some of television’s most famous stars.
The End of an Era: The Passing of a Legend
On March 3, 1966, William Frawley suffered a heart attack while walking down Hollywood Boulevard. He was 79 years old. His death sent a ripple of sadness through Hollywood, where he was a beloved and respected figure. To his legion of fans, he was Fred Mertz, the grumpy but lovable landlord of the Ricardos. But to his colleagues and friends, he was a working actor whose career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, and more than 100 films before he ever stepped foot on the I Love Lucy set.
Despite his cantankerous on-screen persona, Frawley was known for his professionalism and his deep respect for his craft. He was a man who had built a long and successful career on his own terms. His death was a quiet tragedy, a final curtain call for a man who had entertained millions. His funeral was attended by many of Hollywood’s biggest stars, a testament to the respect he had earned over his decades in the business. But it was in a small, unscripted moment that his true legacy was revealed.
The Unscripted Moment: Arnaz and MacMurray’s Shared Burden
At the funeral service, Desi Arnaz was among the pallbearers, a role he took with a heavy heart. He was joined by another Hollywood icon, Fred MacMurray, with whom Frawley had starred on the hit sitcom My Three Sons as the lovable, crotchety grandfather, “Bub.” The two men, both giants in their respective careers, struggled to carry the heavy coffin out of the church.
As they moved the casket, their shared struggle was a physical manifestation of their shared grief. The moment was not just one of solemnity but of intense effort. It was a somber and difficult task, but as they sweated and strained, Arnaz looked over at MacMurray and, in a moment of candid honesty, spoke what was on both their minds.
According to Arnaz’s own recollection, he looked across at his fellow pallbearer and, with a knowing look, said, “I know Bill is up there, looking down at us struggling with this goddamn coffin, sweating, breaking our backs.” And then he added the perfect punchline: “And I’ll bet you he’s laughing like hell.”
The Meaning Behind the Words
Arnaz’s words were more than just a passing comment; they were a profound tribute to their late friend. The phrase “laughing like hell” perfectly captured the spirit of William Frawley. He was a man who, despite his on-screen grumpiness, had a mischievous and witty sense of humor. He was the kind of person who would have found immense comedy in his two friends—both hugely famous and successful—struggling to carry his coffin.
The moment speaks volumes about the respect and affection Arnaz had for Frawley. Arnaz had taken a chance on the then-64-year-old actor for the role of Fred Mertz. He had given him a chance at a career-defining role, famously telling him, “If you’re late, if you’re drunk, you’re out.” Frawley never missed a day of work. Their relationship, which was built on mutual respect and professionalism, had blossomed into a genuine friendship. Arnaz’s comment at the funeral wasn’t a joke; it was a loving nod to the man behind the character, a man who, even in death, could still make his friends smile.
The conversation also highlights the unique bond between Frawley and MacMurray. They had a shared history on the set of My Three Sons, and MacMurray’s presence at the funeral was a testament to their off-screen friendship. The fact that Arnaz felt comfortable sharing such a candid and humorous thought with him shows the genuine camaraderie that existed between these old Hollywood pros.
The Lasting Legacy of a Friendship
The story of Desi Arnaz’s conversation with Fred MacMurray at William Frawley’s funeral is a reminder that behind the cameras, these actors were more than just colleagues. They were friends. Their lives were intertwined in ways that extended far beyond their professional careers. The moment was unscripted, unplanned, and entirely authentic.
In a world filled with celebrity feuds and gossip, this story is a refreshing glimpse into a bygone era of Hollywood, one where professionalism and respect were paramount. The words Arnaz spoke to MacMurray were the perfect final tribute to a man who brought so much joy to millions of people. It was a loving and poignant farewell, and a beautiful final laugh in a friendship that will be remembered for generations to come. The legacy of William Frawley isn’t just in the reruns of I Love Lucy; it’s in the quiet, heartfelt stories his friends told about him after he was gone.
