Vivian Vance Net Worth

Vivian Vance: A Look at Her Net Worth, Career, and Legacy

Vivian Vance, the beloved actress best known for her role as Ethel Mertz on the iconic sitcom “I Love Lucy,” led a remarkable life in the world of entertainment. This article delves into her financial standing, career highlights, and lasting impact on the world of comedy and television. We will explore her early life, stage performances, film roles, and, of course, her memorable collaborations with Lucille Ball.

Early Life and Education

Born Vivian Jones on July 26, 1909, in Cherryvale, Kansas, Vivian Vance was the second of six children. Her family later relocated to Independence, Kansas, where she attended Independence High School. From a young age, Vance possessed a fervent passion for acting, which occasionally put her at odds with her mother’s strong religious beliefs. This led to rebellious behavior, including sneaking out of the house and breaking curfew.

Career Beginnings

Vance’s professional acting career began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1930, where she participated in the inaugural production at the Albuquerque Little Theatre. She subsequently performed in various plays at the theatre, including “This Thing Called Love” and “The Cradle Song.” Thanks to the support of the local theatre community, Vance was able to travel to New York City to study under the esteemed actress and director Eva Le Gallienne.

The Rise to Fame: I Love Lucy

In 1951, Vivian Vance gained widespread recognition when she starred alongside Lucille Ball in the groundbreaking CBS sitcom “I Love Lucy.” She played Ethel Mertz, the witty and endearing landlady of Lucy Ricardo. Ethel’s husband, Fred Mertz, was portrayed by William Frawley. “I Love Lucy” was an immediate success, captivating audiences and running for six seasons until 1957. During its run, it was the most-watched show in the United States for four seasons. The series won numerous awards, including the first-ever Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, awarded to Vance. She was nominated for the award three more times before the show’s conclusion.

Salary Disparity on I Love Lucy

While “I Love Lucy” brought fame and fortune to many, Vance’s initial salary was significantly lower than that of her co-stars. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who were also the show’s producers, each earned a reported $2,000 per episode, along with substantial profit-sharing that brought their per-episode earnings to over $50,000. In contrast, Vivian Vance and William Frawley were initially paid $280 per week.

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Collaborations with Lucille Ball Beyond I Love Lucy

After “I Love Lucy” concluded in 1957, Vance continued her successful partnership with Lucille Ball. She reprised her role as Ethel Mertz in a series of hour-long specials titled “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” In 1962, she began starring alongside Ball on the new CBS sitcom “The Lucy Show,” where Ball played a widowed mother, Lucy Carmichael, and Vance played her divorced friend, Vivian Bagley. Vance departed “The Lucy Show” in 1965 but returned as a guest star for the final two seasons from 1966 to 1968. Additionally, she made several guest appearances on Ball’s third sitcom, “Here’s Lucy,” which aired from 1968 to 1974. Vance and Ball’s final on-screen appearance together was in the 1977 CBS special “Lucy Calls the President.”

Further Television Career

Beyond her notable collaborations with Lucille Ball, Vivian Vance appeared on a variety of other television programs throughout her career. In the 1960s, she had guest roles on shows such as “The Deputy,” “Guestward, Ho!,” “The Red Skelton Show,” and “Love, American Style.” In the 1970s, she appeared in several made-for-television films, including “The Front Page,” “Getting Away from it All,” and “The Great Houdini.” Her final television appearance was in a 1978 episode of the short-lived crime drama “Sam.”

Film Career

Vivian Vance made her film debut in the 1925 silent film “The Patent Leather Pug.” Her film appearances remained relatively infrequent. Her next credited role came in the 1950 psychological thriller “The Secret Fury,” where she played Leah, a streetwise chambermaid. In 1951, she played Alicia Torgersen in the historical drama “The Blue Veil.” Vance did not appear in another film until 1965, when she played Hester Goodbody in Blake Edwards’s comedy “The Great Race.” This would mark her final appearance on the big screen.

Stage Career

Vance’s acting journey began on Broadway in 1932 as a chorus member. She later progressed to supporting roles, starting with the musical “Hooray for What!” in 1937. Her longest-running stage role was in 1941, where she played Nancy Collister in the Cole Porter musical “Let’s Face It!,” appearing in 547 performances. During the rest of the decade, she performed in plays such as “The Voice of the Turtle,” “The Cradle Will Rock,” and “Springtime for Henry.” Vance did not return to the stage until 1960, in “Here Today.” Subsequently, she acted in “Over 21,” “Don’t Drink the Water,” “The Time of the Cuckoo,” and “Barefoot in the Park,” among other shows. In the 1970s, she performed in productions of “The Marriage-Go-Round,” “Butterflies Are Free,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and “Harvey.”

Personal Life and Death

Vivian Vance was married four times during her life. She was married to Joseph Danneck Jr. from 1928 until their divorce in 1931. Her second marriage was to George Koch from 1934 until their divorce in 1940. In 1941, she married actor Philip Ober; they divorced in 1959. Vance’s fourth and final marriage was to John Dodds in 1961. The couple remained together until her death 18 years later.

In 1973, Vance was diagnosed with breast cancer. Six years later, on August 17, 1979, she passed away from the disease. In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Vance was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991. In 2012, she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as a comedic icon.

Legacy

Vivian Vance’s career, marked by comedic brilliance and enduring partnerships, left an indelible mark on television history. Best known for her role as Ethel Mertz, Vance, along with Lucille Ball, created a comedic dynamic that resonated with millions. Her remarkable career, spanning stage, film, and television, has solidified her as a pioneer in entertainment. Even today, her work continues to bring laughter and joy to audiences worldwide.