On I Love Lucy, they were the iconic best friends, frequently bickering but always there for each other. Ethel Mertz, played by the indomitable Vivian Vance, was the perfect foil and confidante to Lucille Ball’s zany Lucy Ricardo. While their on-screen dynamic was legendary, what many fans don’t realize is that their bond extended far beyond the soundstage, blossoming into a profound and enduring friendship that became one of Hollywood’s most beautiful and resilient.
This heartwarming piece explores the remarkable real-life camaraderie between Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance – a friendship that defied early challenges, navigated personal heartbreaks like divorce and illness, and sustained them through the final years of their lives.
“Ethel and Lucy Were Friends on the Show – And Even Closer in Real Life”
Their professional relationship didn’t begin without its bumps. Initially, Vance was hesitant about playing “Ethel,” particularly the aspect of being portrayed as older and less glamorous than Lucy. In fact, Lucille Ball herself was vehemently against the network’s insistence on emphasizing Ethel’s age, always advocating for Vance and recognizing her immense talent. Ball understood that Vance’s comedic genius was essential to the show’s success, and she fiercely protected her co-star.
Despite the initial friction and the on-screen squabbles, a deep and genuine affection quickly developed between Ball and Vance. They spent countless hours together, both on and off set, sharing meals, confidences, and the unique pressures of superstardom. Their bond grew through shared successes and personal challenges, transforming them from colleagues into true sisters of the heart.
The camaraderie was palpable behind the scenes. Adorable behind-the-scenes moments often captured them laughing uncontrollably between takes or sharing quiet, intimate conversations. These candid glimpses revealed a friendship built on mutual respect, deep understanding, and an unspoken shorthand that only true best friends share.
“The Most Beautiful Female Friendship in 1950s Hollywood?”
In an era when Hollywood friendships could often be fleeting or superficial, the bond between Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance stood out as a beacon of genuine connection. They supported each other through life’s toughest trials. Vance was a crucial support for Ball during the painful dissolution of her marriage to Desi Arnaz, offering a steady presence and a listening ear during a deeply personal and public struggle.
Later in life, as Vance battled various illnesses, Lucille Ball remained a devoted friend. Heartbreakingly, one of the most poignant testaments to their bond is a handwritten letter Lucille sent to Vivian when Vance was ill, expressing her profound love and concern, wishing her recovery, and reminding her how cherished she was. These letters, now preserved, reveal the depth of their affection and how truly intertwined their lives became.
Their friendship was a testament to loyalty, humor, and unwavering support. It defied the often-cutthroat nature of show business and proved that the magic they created on screen was an extension of the real, enduring love and respect they held for one another. Long after I Love Lucy aired its final episode, their bond remained, making them arguably one of the most beautiful and authentic female friendships in Hollywood history.
What do you think makes a friendship truly endure through all of life’s challenges?
