William Frawley
ActingAbout William Frawley
William Frawley was born in Burlington, Iowa. As a boy he sang at St. Paul's Catholic Church and played at the Burlington Opera House. His first job was as a stenographer for the Union Pacific Railroad. He did vaudeville with his brother Paul, then joined pianist Franz Rath in an act they took to San Francisco in 1910. Four years later he formed a light comedy act with his new wife Edna Louise Broedt, "Frawley and Louise", touring the Orpheum and Keith circuits until they divorced in 1927. He next moved to Broadway and then, in 1932, to Hollywood with Paramount. By 1951, when he contacted Lucille Ball about a part in her TV show I Love Lucy (1951), he had performed in over 100 films. His Fred Mertz role lasted until the show ended in 1960, after which he did a five-year stint on My Three Sons (1960). Poor health forced his retirement. He collapsed of a heart attack on March 3, 1966, aged 79, walking along Hollywood Boulevard after seeing a movie. He is buried in San Fernando Mission Cemetery.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of William Frawley reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of William Frawley's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 52% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William Frawley remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in I Love Lucy Christmas Special, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best William Frawley Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William Frawley's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William Frawley.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | I Love Lucy Christmas Special | Fred Mertz | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Lucy's Really Lost Moments | Fred Mertz | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | I Love Lucy: The Movie | Fred Mertz | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Rancho Notorious | Baldy Gunder | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Lemon Drop Kid | Gloomy Willie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Invisible Man | Det. Roberts | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Pretty Baby | Corcoran | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye | Byers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Kill the Umpire | Jimmy O'Brien | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Blondie's Hero | Marty Greer | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | East Side, West Side | Bill the Bartender | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Chicken Every Sunday | George Kirby | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Joe Palooka in Winner Take All | Knobby Walsh | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Good Sam | Tom | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | My Wild Irish Rose | William Scanlon | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Monsieur Verdoux | Jean La Salle | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | Miracle on 34th Street | Charlie Halloran | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Rendezvous with Annie | General Trent | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Virginian | Honey Wiggen | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Ziegfeld Follies | Martin (segment "A Sweepstakes Ticket") | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | Lady on a Train | Desk Sgt. Brennan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | The Fighting Seabees | Eddie Powers | Average | Similar → |
| 1944 | Going My Way | Max Dolan, Publisher (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Whistling in Brooklyn | Detective Ramsey | Average | Similar → |
| 1942 | Gentleman Jim | Billy Delaney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Roxie Hart | O'Malley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1942 | Treat 'Em Rough | 'Hotfoot' | Average | Similar → |
| 1941 | Blondie in Society | Waldo Pincus | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | The Bride Came C.O.D. | Sheriff McGee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Footsteps in the Dark | Det. 'Hoppy' Hopkins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Rhythm on the River | Mr. Westlake | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Night Work | Bruiser Brown | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | Ex-Champ | Mushy Harrington | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn | The 'Duke' | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | St. Louis Blues | Major Martingale | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Professor Beware | Snoop Donlan | Average | Similar → |
| 1938 | Mad About Music | Dusty Turner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Something to Sing About | Hank Mayers | Average | Similar → |
| 1937 | Double or Nothing | John Pederson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | High, Wide and Handsome | Mac | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Rose Bowl | 'Soapy' Moreland | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The General Died at Dawn | Brighton | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Princess Comes Across | Benton | Average | Similar → |
| 1936 | Desire | Mr. Gibson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Strike Me Pink | Mr. Copple | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Hold 'Em Yale | Sunshine Joe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Roberta | Bartender (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Here Is My Heart | James Smith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | Bolero | Mike DeBaere | Average | Similar → |
| 1925 | Should Husbands Be Watched? | Beat Cop | Average | Similar → |
William Frawley - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William Frawley?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Frawley is "I Love Lucy Christmas Special" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has William Frawley acted in?
William Frawley has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William Frawley?
Other notable films include "Monsieur Verdoux", "Blondie in Society", and "Miracle on 34th Street".