Why Were William Frawley’s (Fred Mertz) Hands Always Shaking in I Love Lucy Episodes?
Ever noticed it? Ever wonder why?
When people hear the name William Frawley, the first thing that pops into people's heads is the iconic role of Fred Mertz in I Love Lucy. What most don’t know is that by the time Frawley took on this iconic role, he had already been performing in the entertainment industry for several decades.
Despite the fact that he’s been working for so long in the industry, he had a hard time reaching major star status as a result of his bad attitude and drinking habits.
Entering I Love Lucy, Frawley had already built himself a negative reputation. In fact, the industry’s top brass didn’t want him playing Fred Mertz. They insisted Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball seek someone else for the role.
Following Desi’s gut instinct, Frawley ended up being given the role — but under the strict contractual stipulation that Frawley cut down on his alcohol use.
This wasn’t the only strange stipulation. There was also said to be a clause in the contract that Frawley be relieved of work duties in the event The Brooklyn Dodgers ever make it to the World Series (hint: they actually did in 1955).
