Introduction
Vivian Vance was an American actress and comedian who rose to fame in the 1950s for her role as Ethel Mertz in the popular television show “I Love Lucy.” Despite her success, Vance’s personal life was marked by numerous challenges and setbacks. In this blog post, we will explore the life and legacy of Vivian Vance, including her biography, children, husbands, net worth, religion, and more.
Biography
Early Life
Vivian Vance was born on July 26, 1909, in Cherryvale, Kansas. Her parents were E. R. Vance and his wife, Vivian Roberta Jones. Vance grew up in Independence, Kansas, where she attended Independence High School. After high school, she attended the University of New Mexico, where she studied drama.
Career
Vance began her career in the theater, appearing in numerous productions on Broadway in the 1930s and 1940s. She made her film debut in 1945 in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” However, Vance is best known for her role as Ethel Mertz in “I Love Lucy,” which she played from 1951 to 1957. After “I Love Lucy,” Vance continued to work in television, film, and theater, including a role in the 1960 film “The Facts of Life.”
Children and Husbands
Children
Vivian Vance had two children, a son named John and a daughter named Bess. John was born in 1935, while Bess was born in 1941. Both children were born during Vance’s first marriage to Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr.
Husbands
Vivian Vance was married three times. Her first marriage was to Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. in 1932. The couple had two children before divorcing in 1940. Vance’s second marriage was to Philip Ober in 1941, but they divorced in 1959. Her third and final marriage was to John Dodds in 1961, and they remained married until Vance’s death in 1979.
Net Worth
Estimates
It is difficult to estimate Vivian Vance’s net worth, as she lived in a time before actors’ salaries were made public. However, it is believed that Vance earned a significant amount of money during her career, particularly for her work on “I Love Lucy.”
Legacy
Despite her success, Vivian Vance’s legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by her co-star, Lucille Ball. However, Vance’s portrayal of Ethel Mertz was groundbreaking in its own right, and she paved the way for future female comedians and actresses.
Religion
Background
Vivian Vance was raised in a religious household and attended the Presbyterian Church as a child. However, it is unclear what her religious beliefs were later in life.
Impact
While Vance’s religion may not have played a significant role in her public life, it undoubtedly had an impact on her personal beliefs and values. Like many other aspects of her life, Vance’s religious beliefs remain somewhat of a mystery.
