Vivian Vance
Vivian Vance (born Vivian Roberta Jones; July 26, 1909 – August 17, 1979) was an American actress best known for playing Ethel Mertz on the sitcom I Love Lucy (1951–1957), for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, among other accolades. She also starred alongside Lucille Ball in The Lucy Show from 1962 until she left the series at the end of its third season in 1965.
Date of Birth: July 26, 1909
Date of Death: August 17, 1979 (70)
Birth Place: Cherryvale, KS, USA
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BIO
Vivian Vance (born Vivian Roberta Jones; July 26, 1909 – August 17, 1979) was an American actress best known for playing Ethel Mertz on the sitcom I Love Lucy (1951–1957), for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, among other accolades. She also starred alongside Lucille Ball in The Lucy Show from 1962 until she left the series at the end of its third season in 1965. In 1991, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is most commonly identified as Lucille Ball’s longtime comedic foil from 1951 until her death in 1979.
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1932
Contralto/Choral Society, Contralto/Walking Club
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News
CHILD'S POSE To Receive Industry Reading Starring Katie Finneran, Taylor Trensch & Brian J. Smith
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 29, 2026
This fall the industry-only presentation of Kim Powers, Child’s Pose, directed by Noah Himmelstein (Conversations with Mother). The new play will have the presentation at Open Jar Studios.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 29, 2026
This fall the industry-only presentation of Kim Powers, Child’s Pose, directed by Noah Himmelstein (Conversations with Mother). The new play will have the presentation at Open Jar Studios.
MUSI-CAL to Showcase Five New Musicals at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 15, 2026
The Foundation for New American Musicals will present MUSI-CAL at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, featuring selections from five works-in-progress by Southern California composers and writers.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 15, 2026
The Foundation for New American Musicals will present MUSI-CAL at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, featuring selections from five works-in-progress by Southern California composers and writers.
LIGHT SWITCH To Have Florida Premiere At Island City Stage Will Present
by A.A. Cristi - May 18, 2026
Island City Stage will present the Florida premiere of LIGHT SWITCH, a comedy by autistic playwright Dave Osmundsen following a young, gay, autistic man navigating modern dating through the lens of 19th-century romantic literature.
by A.A. Cristi - May 18, 2026
Island City Stage will present the Florida premiere of LIGHT SWITCH, a comedy by autistic playwright Dave Osmundsen following a young, gay, autistic man navigating modern dating through the lens of 19th-century romantic literature.
INCITATION TO THE DANCE Has World Premiere at Theatre West in February
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2025
Incitation to the Dance will have its World Premiere engagement, written and directed by Michael Van Duzer. Performanaces run February 13- March 15, 2026 at Theatre West.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 12, 2025
Incitation to the Dance will have its World Premiere engagement, written and directed by Michael Van Duzer. Performanaces run February 13- March 15, 2026 at Theatre West.
Review: LUCIE ARNAZ: I GOT THE JOB!- SONGS FROM MY MUSICAL PAST at Feinstein's At The Nikko
by Steve Murray - Oct 31, 2024
A sold out two-night engagement at Feinstein’s at the Nikko was a testament to the enduring draw power of veteran actor/director/song stylist Lucie Arnaz. Those in attendance were treated to a reprise of her well-crafted, autobiographical concert performed and recorded live at the Purple Room in Palm Springs last year.
by Steve Murray - Oct 31, 2024
A sold out two-night engagement at Feinstein’s at the Nikko was a testament to the enduring draw power of veteran actor/director/song stylist Lucie Arnaz. Those in attendance were treated to a reprise of her well-crafted, autobiographical concert performed and recorded live at the Purple Room in Palm Springs last year.
Paramount to Release I LOVE LUCY: THE COMPLETE SERIES For the First Time on Blu-ray
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 4, 2024
Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that they will bring the iconic television series I Love Lucy to the Blu-ray format for the very first time. The collection will be available on November 5. Check out the new special features!
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 4, 2024
Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that they will bring the iconic television series I Love Lucy to the Blu-ray format for the very first time. The collection will be available on November 5. Check out the new special features!
Kim Powers' SIDEKICKED to be Presented at Boca Stage in September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 6, 2024
Boca Stage’s first production of the 2024-2025 season will be playwright Kim Powers’ Sidekicked. Learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 6, 2024
Boca Stage’s first production of the 2024-2025 season will be playwright Kim Powers’ Sidekicked. Learn how to purchase tickets.
VIVIAN VANCE ALIVE AND WELL RUNNING CHINESE TAKE-OUT Premieres at Hollywood Fringe
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2024
Experience the premiere of the new musical fantasy, VIVIAN VANCE ALIVE AND WELL RUNNING CHINESE TAKE-OUT, at the Hollywood Fringe on June 7. Don't miss this unique theatrical event.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2024
Experience the premiere of the new musical fantasy, VIVIAN VANCE ALIVE AND WELL RUNNING CHINESE TAKE-OUT, at the Hollywood Fringe on June 7. Don't miss this unique theatrical event.
Kristine Nielsen Joins Maxine Linehan and Kelly McAndrew in the Dorset Theatre Festival
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2024
Dorset Theatre Festival has announced full casting for The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh and Sidekicked by Kim Powers in their upcoming 2024 Main Stage season, scheduled from June 21 through September 7, 2024 at the Dorset Playhouse.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2024
Dorset Theatre Festival has announced full casting for The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh and Sidekicked by Kim Powers in their upcoming 2024 Main Stage season, scheduled from June 21 through September 7, 2024 at the Dorset Playhouse.
Dorset Theatre Festival Reveals 2024 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Mar 15, 2024
Dorset Theatre Festival has announced its 47th Main Stage Summer Season beginning June 21, 2024. Learn more about the full season lineup here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 15, 2024
Dorset Theatre Festival has announced its 47th Main Stage Summer Season beginning June 21, 2024. Learn more about the full season lineup here!
Fine Arts Theatre Beverly Hills Celebrates 86th Anniversary With 1937 Ticket Prices
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2023
The Fine Arts Theatre Beverly Hills with celebrate the 86th Anniversary of the historic theatre with retro 1937 ticket prices of twenty-five cents per movie ticket and fifty cents for Double Features during a month-long celebration screening of 11 classic films from April 2 – 30, 2023.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2023
The Fine Arts Theatre Beverly Hills with celebrate the 86th Anniversary of the historic theatre with retro 1937 ticket prices of twenty-five cents per movie ticket and fifty cents for Double Features during a month-long celebration screening of 11 classic films from April 2 – 30, 2023.
Review: LUCY LOVES DESI: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE SITCOM at Reynolds Performance Hall
by Theresa Bertram - Feb 20, 2023
What did our critic think of LUCY LOVES DESI: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE SITCOM at Reynolds Performance Hall?
by Theresa Bertram - Feb 20, 2023
What did our critic think of LUCY LOVES DESI: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE SITCOM at Reynolds Performance Hall?
Theatre Aspen Grant Program Established to Support Solo Flights Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 6, 2022
Theatre Aspen announced that, beginning this season, $10,000 grants will be awarded to two of the Solo Flights selections, to support their further development, underwritten by Rachel and Rick Klausner.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 6, 2022
Theatre Aspen announced that, beginning this season, $10,000 grants will be awarded to two of the Solo Flights selections, to support their further development, underwritten by Rachel and Rick Klausner.
James Naughton, Beth Malone & More Join Theatre Aspen's SOLO FLIGHTS Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 16, 2022
Theatre Aspen has announced the cast and directors for its third annual Solo Flights, including two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton (Broadway’s Chicago). Solo Flights is Theatre Aspen’s developmental one-person show festival, running September 10-15, 2022, at the Hurst Theatre in Aspen, Colorado.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 16, 2022
Theatre Aspen has announced the cast and directors for its third annual Solo Flights, including two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton (Broadway’s Chicago). Solo Flights is Theatre Aspen’s developmental one-person show festival, running September 10-15, 2022, at the Hurst Theatre in Aspen, Colorado.
BWW Review: GABRIELLE STRAVELLI TRIO at Birdland Theater by Guest Reviewer Andrew Poretz
by Stephen Mosher - Jun 13, 2022
The Gabrielle Stravelli Trio has a regular gig at Birdland Theater and Theater Pizzazz reviewer Andrew Poretz (on loan to Broadway World Cabaret) thinks they are the bees knees.
by Stephen Mosher - Jun 13, 2022
The Gabrielle Stravelli Trio has a regular gig at Birdland Theater and Theater Pizzazz reviewer Andrew Poretz (on loan to Broadway World Cabaret) thinks they are the bees knees.
Broadway Streaming Guide: December 2021- Where to Watch AND JUST LIKE THAT... & More New Releases!
by Michael Major - Dec 1, 2021
2021 closes with new soundtracks, including West Side Story and Annie LIVE!, and new musical films, including Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas and Encanto, hitting streaming services. This month also features new livestream concerts from Seth Rudetsky and Jessica Vosk, with RHONY's Countess Luann streaming from 54 Below.
by Michael Major - Dec 1, 2021
2021 closes with new soundtracks, including West Side Story and Annie LIVE!, and new musical films, including Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas and Encanto, hitting streaming services. This month also features new livestream concerts from Seth Rudetsky and Jessica Vosk, with RHONY's Countess Luann streaming from 54 Below.
VIDEO: Watch Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball in Amazon's BEING THE RICARDOS Trailer
by Michael Major - Oct 19, 2021
'Being the Ricardos', a new film from Amazon starring Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz. The biopic was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. J.K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Linda Lavin, and John Rubinstein are also featured. Watch the trailer for the highly-anticipated film now!
by Michael Major - Oct 19, 2021
'Being the Ricardos', a new film from Amazon starring Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball and Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz. The biopic was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. J.K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Linda Lavin, and John Rubinstein are also featured. Watch the trailer for the highly-anticipated film now!
Tony Winners Linda Lavin & John Rubinstein Join Aaron Sorkin's BEING THE RICARDOS
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Mar 29, 2021
In addition, 'Arrested Development' stars Tony Hale and Alia Shawkat have joined the cast.
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Mar 29, 2021
In addition, 'Arrested Development' stars Tony Hale and Alia Shawkat have joined the cast.
BWW Exclusive: Read Jennifer Ashley Tepper's THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY, VOLUME 4- Spotlight on The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 24, 2021
Earlier this month, Dress Circle Publishing released THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY, VOLUME 4, the latest in a series by acclaimed historian and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper. Can't wait to get your hands on it? While you're waiting for your copy, let BroadwayWorld hold you over with a special sneak peek from a chapter all about the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Mar 24, 2021
Earlier this month, Dress Circle Publishing released THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY, VOLUME 4, the latest in a series by acclaimed historian and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper. Can't wait to get your hands on it? While you're waiting for your copy, let BroadwayWorld hold you over with a special sneak peek from a chapter all about the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Nina Arianda and J.K. Simmons In Talks to Join Lucille Ball Biopic BEING THE RICARDOS
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 9, 2021
Tony Award-winner Nina Arianda and Academy Award-winner J.K. Simmons are currently in talks to join Aaron Sorkin's upcoming Lucille Ball biopic, Being the Ricardos.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 9, 2021
Tony Award-winner Nina Arianda and Academy Award-winner J.K. Simmons are currently in talks to join Aaron Sorkin's upcoming Lucille Ball biopic, Being the Ricardos.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Vivian Vance been in?
Vivian Vance has appeared on Broadway in 10 shows.
How many West End shows has Vivian Vance been in?
Vivian Vance has not appeared in the West End
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