You Got Some ‘Splainin To Do! Fun And Crazy “I Love Lucy” Facts

Age Is Just a Number

While William Frawley by far, was the oldest cast member, Lucille Ball did not make it big until after her 40th Birthday. This also made Ball so beloved by fans of all ages, as she was a seasoned actress and a full-grown, ambitious woman. Often, the most popular stars are young.

Ball was confident in her own skin and did not place some strange value on “anti-aging” like so many people do. Ball, not obsessed with her looks, was extremely intelligent and used her goofiness to her advantage. Desi Arnaz was four years younger than Lucille Ball, and Vivian Vance, who apparently lied about her age, was actually a few years older than she advertised.

Lucy and Ethel

Lucille and Vivian, who played Lucy and Ethel, seemed chummy on screen, and in real life, they were very close friends. Desi Arnaz actually hired Vivian Vance before consulting Lucy, as they were in a bind to fill her role.

Luckily, the two women hit of off immediately and became life long friends on and off the show. After I Love Lucy wrapped, the two went on to start together on the series The Lucy Show. The only pair on screen that didn’t get along in real life were Fred (William Frawley) and Vance, who thought she was too young to play his wife.