What do you think?
Rate this book
The Other Side of Ethel Mertz: The Life Story of Vivian Vance
Details the actress' early days in theater and her often stormy relationship with Lucille Ball
303 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1998
15 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 31, 2012
This is the only book written about Vivian Vance and it's out of print. I find that very sad. How many books are there about Lucille Ball? I love Lucy, totally, but I love Vivian, too. "I Love Lucy" would never have been the perfect comedy it was without Vance and her solid acting and comic skills. I've been recently re-watching the "I Love Lucy" episodes (hence my I Love Lucy obsession) and I find myself watching Vivian Vance now more. She is so funny and so great at her character - a character she despised and said she was nothing like.
I don't wanna spoil it for someone who wants to read this, but basically Vivian Vance spent her life wanting to be someone that she never achieved. She wanted to be the glamorous star and she resented being confused with Ethel Mertz.
It's like that famous saying that someone said (was it Joseph Campbell?) about how we have to let go of what we planned for our life to get the life were supposed to have. I'm paraphrasing.
Well, Vance never let go. Not really. It's kind of sad because she really had so much and by the time Lucille Ball was doing her other shows she practically offered Vivian the moon to be on them (even offering her the chance to be practically the first women director on television). Lucy had become so dependent on her. She truly understood by the end of the first season of "I Love Lucy" that her comedy would not be as good without Vance there. But, Vance refused. She had a bitterness that just never went away (she had some good reasons to be bitter of course, but still...) It's a good lesson.
This was a quick and fun read. Vivian Vance did theater for 20 years before "I Love Lucy" and much is spent on her early life. She was 42 when the show started and Lucy was 40. Another good lesson. It's never too late.
I would have liked to see more on the "I Love Lucy" years, but so many books cover that and since Vance destroyed all her mementos from that time, there was little for them to draw on.
In general, this is a must read for any fan of the show or for people interested in the New York Theater scene in the 20's-50's or the early days of TV. Also interesting is that Vance was one of the first people to speak out about clinical depression and therapy.
I don't wanna spoil it for someone who wants to read this, but basically Vivian Vance spent her life wanting to be someone that she never achieved. She wanted to be the glamorous star and she resented being confused with Ethel Mertz.
It's like that famous saying that someone said (was it Joseph Campbell?) about how we have to let go of what we planned for our life to get the life were supposed to have. I'm paraphrasing.
Well, Vance never let go. Not really. It's kind of sad because she really had so much and by the time Lucille Ball was doing her other shows she practically offered Vivian the moon to be on them (even offering her the chance to be practically the first women director on television). Lucy had become so dependent on her. She truly understood by the end of the first season of "I Love Lucy" that her comedy would not be as good without Vance there. But, Vance refused. She had a bitterness that just never went away (she had some good reasons to be bitter of course, but still...) It's a good lesson.
This was a quick and fun read. Vivian Vance did theater for 20 years before "I Love Lucy" and much is spent on her early life. She was 42 when the show started and Lucy was 40. Another good lesson. It's never too late.
I would have liked to see more on the "I Love Lucy" years, but so many books cover that and since Vance destroyed all her mementos from that time, there was little for them to draw on.
In general, this is a must read for any fan of the show or for people interested in the New York Theater scene in the 20's-50's or the early days of TV. Also interesting is that Vance was one of the first people to speak out about clinical depression and therapy.
September 14, 2016
2.5 stars, I found it okay+. Had no idea she couldn't stand William Frawley aka Fred. What an interesting life though.
January 4, 2011
Very well-researched and well-written biography of Vivian Vance, one of America’s best known side kicks.
She led a pretty colorful life. When she went to NY to break into stage, she had a reputation as a bimbo. While married to her second husband, she openly cavorted with anyone whom she though could further her career. She had an illicit affair with a married man, creating a public scandal that led to the break-up of his marriage. He later became her third husband.
Her fourth husband, who was 12 years her junior, was in a long-term relationship with a man when she met him. His pal even showed up at their wedding, against Vivian’s wishes.
She despised being identified with Ethel Mertz and struggled to overcome her association with that role. She resented being paired with Frawley as Fred Mertz. When Vance heard of Frawley’s death in 1966, she said, “Champagne for everyone! He’s dead… Thank God!” She later responded, “It was the happiest day of my life when he died!”
Yet, she had a kind and generous side too. She regularly visited a former HS teacher and later in life helped support her financially, among others. Vivian was one of the first celebrities to talk openly about depression. She spent time visiting hospitals, talking to those who suffered with mental health issues. She was able to reach some whom no one else could.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, scandalous without the steamy details. I find picturesque biographies like this much more absorbing than fiction.
She led a pretty colorful life. When she went to NY to break into stage, she had a reputation as a bimbo. While married to her second husband, she openly cavorted with anyone whom she though could further her career. She had an illicit affair with a married man, creating a public scandal that led to the break-up of his marriage. He later became her third husband.
Her fourth husband, who was 12 years her junior, was in a long-term relationship with a man when she met him. His pal even showed up at their wedding, against Vivian’s wishes.
She despised being identified with Ethel Mertz and struggled to overcome her association with that role. She resented being paired with Frawley as Fred Mertz. When Vance heard of Frawley’s death in 1966, she said, “Champagne for everyone! He’s dead… Thank God!” She later responded, “It was the happiest day of my life when he died!”
Yet, she had a kind and generous side too. She regularly visited a former HS teacher and later in life helped support her financially, among others. Vivian was one of the first celebrities to talk openly about depression. She spent time visiting hospitals, talking to those who suffered with mental health issues. She was able to reach some whom no one else could.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, scandalous without the steamy details. I find picturesque biographies like this much more absorbing than fiction.
April 3, 2014
""When I die, there will be people who send Ethel Mertz flowers,"" remarked Vivian Vance (1909-1979), Lucille Ball's neighbor and sidekick on the TV series I Love Lucy. Though the role of Ethel on the classic sitcom brought Vance fame if not fortune (she and stage hubby William ""Fred Mertz"" Frawley were not in on the deals that enriched others attached to the show), it also robbed her of her identity. In this candid, revealing first bio about Vance, fans will meet a vibrant woman who little resembled the frump she made famous. Long before her television career, Vance was well known as a sparkling comedic actress who worked with major stars including Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, Bob Hope, Ed Wynn and Gypsy Rose Lee and who carried on passionate love affairs, some during her first three marriages. When she married for the fourth time, it was to a man 12 years her junior who had been involved in a 20-year relationship with another man. The marriage was, by all accounts, a happy one. Plagued by crippling bouts of depression, Vance was one of the first celebrities to speak openly about mental illness. Fans of I Love Lucy will be taken with the behind-the-scenes stories of the show and its feuds and friendships; one of the most surprising nuggets is that Lucy and Ethel didn't always get along offstage. Those who wish to meet the woman who created Ethel Mertz are unlikely ever again to mistake Vance for her alter ego
April 22, 2012
Vivian Vance had a sad life, in my opinion. She and Lucille Ball weren't friends before they met at Vivian's audition for Ethel Mertz, and that surprised me. I felt unsettled after I read her story, and wished that her life had been happier. The book was researched well, but since there weren't many of her contemporaries alive anymore, the primary sources for this book weren't really reliable. Still, a lot of interesting information about a woman who played a big part in popular culture and the inception of the sitcom.
December 6, 2009
In the pantheon of books about Lucille Ball and the I Love Lucy/Desilu franchise, there have been many written about Lucy and one, specifically about Desi Arnaz (his autobiography, A Book, published in 1976).
Monumental in their omissions have been books about Bill Frawley and Vivian Vance. I don't believe the Frawley omission has ever been corrected. And, until 1998, when authors Frank Castelluccio and former Memphian Alvin Walker published The Other Side of Ethel Mertz: The Life Story of Vivian Vance, there was never a definitive look at the life and career of the other female in one of the greatest sitcoms in the history of television. [Authors Rob Edelman and Audrey Kupferberg authored Meet the Mertzes: The Life Stories of I Love Lucy's Other Couple in 1999, an unauthorized biography of the Vance and Frawley.]
But, as the authors uncover, there was more to Vivian Vance than her second banana status as television's next door neighbor. She was a consummate actress, with theatrical training, who followed her dreams from Kansas to New Mexico to Broadway to Hollywood...and in the process endeared herself to generations of television viewers in two Lucy-helmed sitcoms, the aforementioned I Love Lucy and its stepchild, The Lucy Show, in addition to guesting on Lucy-related projects until her death of cancer in 1979.
She was a woman plagued by self-doubts because of the berating she received from her fundamentalist mother, Mae Jones, which contributed to the depression and anxiety she suffered throughout most of her career. She was also one of the first major celebrities to go public with the issues faced by those suffering from mental illness and depression. In that last role was perhaps her greatest role: advocacy for those who had no voice. She gave tirelessly of her time, money and talents in this regard. She spent time in psychiatric wards and sanitariums counseling and consoling those who were suffering in the throes of depression, proving to them it was possible to adapt to and/or escape the "dark night" of suffering.
Yes, she was much more than Ethel Mertz, and it was a joy discovering the real Vivian Vance. The authors are to be commended for the great pains they took in chronicling her life. Aided by recollections from many parties associated with the various Lucy enterprises and friends/family members of Vance's through the 70 years of her life, Castelluccio and Walker even received validation from Lucie Arnaz, who is quoted throughout the latter portions of the book, in which she recalls her relationship with Vance: "mentor and mentee."
July 26, 2009 will be the centennial of Vance's birth, and this is an important look at her life and legacy.
Monumental in their omissions have been books about Bill Frawley and Vivian Vance. I don't believe the Frawley omission has ever been corrected. And, until 1998, when authors Frank Castelluccio and former Memphian Alvin Walker published The Other Side of Ethel Mertz: The Life Story of Vivian Vance, there was never a definitive look at the life and career of the other female in one of the greatest sitcoms in the history of television. [Authors Rob Edelman and Audrey Kupferberg authored Meet the Mertzes: The Life Stories of I Love Lucy's Other Couple in 1999, an unauthorized biography of the Vance and Frawley.]
But, as the authors uncover, there was more to Vivian Vance than her second banana status as television's next door neighbor. She was a consummate actress, with theatrical training, who followed her dreams from Kansas to New Mexico to Broadway to Hollywood...and in the process endeared herself to generations of television viewers in two Lucy-helmed sitcoms, the aforementioned I Love Lucy and its stepchild, The Lucy Show, in addition to guesting on Lucy-related projects until her death of cancer in 1979.
She was a woman plagued by self-doubts because of the berating she received from her fundamentalist mother, Mae Jones, which contributed to the depression and anxiety she suffered throughout most of her career. She was also one of the first major celebrities to go public with the issues faced by those suffering from mental illness and depression. In that last role was perhaps her greatest role: advocacy for those who had no voice. She gave tirelessly of her time, money and talents in this regard. She spent time in psychiatric wards and sanitariums counseling and consoling those who were suffering in the throes of depression, proving to them it was possible to adapt to and/or escape the "dark night" of suffering.
Yes, she was much more than Ethel Mertz, and it was a joy discovering the real Vivian Vance. The authors are to be commended for the great pains they took in chronicling her life. Aided by recollections from many parties associated with the various Lucy enterprises and friends/family members of Vance's through the 70 years of her life, Castelluccio and Walker even received validation from Lucie Arnaz, who is quoted throughout the latter portions of the book, in which she recalls her relationship with Vance: "mentor and mentee."
July 26, 2009 will be the centennial of Vance's birth, and this is an important look at her life and legacy.
December 19, 2015
“If we were going into the unknown I would like to go with Vivian ‘cause she would be able to bluff her way through.” - Anne Denove Farleigh
Before reading this book, I did not know much about Vivian Vance’s personal life, nor her career other than the fact that she was on I Love Lucy. But then this book gave me a detailed insight into her life, and allowed me to build up a vivid image of her character and personality. The authors did a marvelous job at researching her life, and immortalising it in a book worthy of her. There were many quotes said by Vivian herself, and that made the biography that much more personal.
Vivian Vance was such a strong, vibrant, talented woman, and I loved reading about her life story. I found myself sympathising with her a lot, because it felt like she spent most her life paying her dues in order to reach ‘glamorous stardom’, which in the end, she never achieved in the way she wanted to. Most people nowadays remember her as a character she despised, Ethel Mertz, Lucille Ball’s sidekick, when she dreamed about being a star remembered for portraying strong leads. Now at least, thanks to this book, I am one of the people who will remember her for more than just her role in a hit TV show. I got to know about various plays she was in, and all the wonderful reviews she received from critics for her outstanding performances. She truly had a passion for acting, especially stage acting, and I enjoyed getting to know about all those plays, and the role they played in her life.
Vivian went through many tough times, and has battled depression, anxiety, and at the end of her life, cancer. She had a rocky relationship with her mother, who critised her and put her down, which was one of the reasons that triggered her traumas. It was inspiring to read about how she pushed through the difficulties, and never gave up on her dreams until the very end when she came to accept the place she has reached in her life. Another thing I admired Vivian for was that she was one of the first Hollywood actresses to publicly talk about mental illnesses, and went around comforting patients who were suffering from it. What’s more is that I liked the exploration of the relationship Vivian and Lucy had, and their competitive nature. Boy was Lucy hostile at the start! But it was interesting to see the way their relationship progressed, and the way Lucy grew dependent on Vivian’s presence by her side on TV.
Whether you’re a fan of Vivian Vance, or intrigued by the theater life and old Hollywood, I would definitely suggest you pick this book up. It truly opened the door to the other side of Ethel Mertz, and made you see enthralling life story of Vivian Vance.
Before reading this book, I did not know much about Vivian Vance’s personal life, nor her career other than the fact that she was on I Love Lucy. But then this book gave me a detailed insight into her life, and allowed me to build up a vivid image of her character and personality. The authors did a marvelous job at researching her life, and immortalising it in a book worthy of her. There were many quotes said by Vivian herself, and that made the biography that much more personal.
Vivian Vance was such a strong, vibrant, talented woman, and I loved reading about her life story. I found myself sympathising with her a lot, because it felt like she spent most her life paying her dues in order to reach ‘glamorous stardom’, which in the end, she never achieved in the way she wanted to. Most people nowadays remember her as a character she despised, Ethel Mertz, Lucille Ball’s sidekick, when she dreamed about being a star remembered for portraying strong leads. Now at least, thanks to this book, I am one of the people who will remember her for more than just her role in a hit TV show. I got to know about various plays she was in, and all the wonderful reviews she received from critics for her outstanding performances. She truly had a passion for acting, especially stage acting, and I enjoyed getting to know about all those plays, and the role they played in her life.
Vivian went through many tough times, and has battled depression, anxiety, and at the end of her life, cancer. She had a rocky relationship with her mother, who critised her and put her down, which was one of the reasons that triggered her traumas. It was inspiring to read about how she pushed through the difficulties, and never gave up on her dreams until the very end when she came to accept the place she has reached in her life. Another thing I admired Vivian for was that she was one of the first Hollywood actresses to publicly talk about mental illnesses, and went around comforting patients who were suffering from it. What’s more is that I liked the exploration of the relationship Vivian and Lucy had, and their competitive nature. Boy was Lucy hostile at the start! But it was interesting to see the way their relationship progressed, and the way Lucy grew dependent on Vivian’s presence by her side on TV.
Whether you’re a fan of Vivian Vance, or intrigued by the theater life and old Hollywood, I would definitely suggest you pick this book up. It truly opened the door to the other side of Ethel Mertz, and made you see enthralling life story of Vivian Vance.
March 15, 2016
Had a hard time getting into this; the first half of the book is very dry and plodding, perhaps because the author couldn't find much material beyond real estate, employment and other such statistical records. There wasn't much "life" in the account of her life until the early 1950's. A lot of names and play titles were dropped, apparently just to take up space.
The Lucy years were meatier, and much more colorful, although a bit jumbled. Altogether could benefit from some hard edged editing.
The Lucy years were meatier, and much more colorful, although a bit jumbled. Altogether could benefit from some hard edged editing.
October 16, 2017
A very well done biography of Vivian Vance, billed as the world most famous “second banana”. I’m a big fan and enjoyed learning about her life.
March 27, 2016
Having been born in 1959, I did not experience first hand the I Love Lucy TV series. It ended in 1957. I got my start watching the Lucy Show, which ran from 1962 to 1968. Of course, thanks to cable, afternoon television and DVDs, I've been able to fall in love with two of the funniest women in television, Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance. Why am I making such a big fuss about Lucy's shows when the book is about Vivian Vance? Because it was Desi (who hired Vivian) and Lucy, who recognized Vivian's skills, that made her a top star.
Vivian started out acting in stage plays and singing in shows around 1927. She always got rave reviews but she was always hungry for more. The book digs deeply into Vance's life and reveals a talented woman who drove herself to perfection, achieved it, over and over again, and yet never realized it. The book speaks about the deep depression Vance suffered from and how she made it a point to help others who suffered from the disease. She was an early proponent of help being made available to mentally ill people and spent her own time and money to help others.
Since you are reading this review on a computer, I will assume you were not around to see Vance on stage in the 1920s and '30s. So I will assume we all really know the woman who was second banana on all the Lucy shows. The thing is, what made her super famous also made her super angry. She railed against being called, by fans, Ethel Mertz. "My name is Vivian Vance!" she would scream at people.
I think this book would appeal to fans of the Lucy shows, and of course, Vance herself. She had an interesting life. I'll be digging out the I Love Lucy DVDs shortly. The only thing I want to complain about is the title of the book. Vance HATED being identified as Ethel, as I mentioned in the paragraph above. I think it was cruel of the authors to name the book The Other Side of Ethel Mertz. I got it. Why didn't they?
Vivian started out acting in stage plays and singing in shows around 1927. She always got rave reviews but she was always hungry for more. The book digs deeply into Vance's life and reveals a talented woman who drove herself to perfection, achieved it, over and over again, and yet never realized it. The book speaks about the deep depression Vance suffered from and how she made it a point to help others who suffered from the disease. She was an early proponent of help being made available to mentally ill people and spent her own time and money to help others.
Since you are reading this review on a computer, I will assume you were not around to see Vance on stage in the 1920s and '30s. So I will assume we all really know the woman who was second banana on all the Lucy shows. The thing is, what made her super famous also made her super angry. She railed against being called, by fans, Ethel Mertz. "My name is Vivian Vance!" she would scream at people.
I think this book would appeal to fans of the Lucy shows, and of course, Vance herself. She had an interesting life. I'll be digging out the I Love Lucy DVDs shortly. The only thing I want to complain about is the title of the book. Vance HATED being identified as Ethel, as I mentioned in the paragraph above. I think it was cruel of the authors to name the book The Other Side of Ethel Mertz. I got it. Why didn't they?
June 6, 2008
A fascinating read! Anyone interested in Vivian Vance's life outside of "I Love Lucy" will be thrilled to read this. Lots of insight into her life and it will make you feel sympathy for the woman who wanted to be remembered as herself but will always be known as Lucy Ricardo's side kick, Ethel Mertz.
January 29, 2011
This was an interesting view into the life of Ms. Vance. She did a lot of theater work before and after her famous stint on TV and I was surprised to find the Broadway shows she was in, like "Anything Goes!" with Ethel Merman. She struggled with anxiety and depression and overcame them to be a successful and happy woman.
March 30, 2025
As an avid I love Lucy fan, I found this story of Vivian Vance aka Ethel Mertz very interesting and somewhat sad too because of her life being very difficult before and after Lucy show. I enjoyed learning about the truth about Vivian and would recommend it if your a huge fan like me! Its a must read for fans!
January 6, 2009
Wow! I never realized that Vivian was an accomplished stage actress. I was also amazed at the "behind the scenes" issues that occurred with the "I Love Lucy" show. For a comedy show, there was a lot of drama!
January 8, 2013
Alas, it's out if print but a used copy can be found. Glad that something was written about her. Wonderful knowing her background since there's so much not known about her private life and her varied stage career both on Broadway and off
September 9, 2007
written by fans instead or writers, factual but not riveting --- good for a day when you want to be entertained but not challenged. great portrait of how far women have actually come.
January 3, 2010
Yes I finally finished it! It was OK, gave you basic info about her life.
August 9, 2012
Loved this book , miss viv was quite a naughty lady and had quite an interesting and complicated life
February 27, 2014
Excellent biography. She was a really interesting person, even though she was Lucille Ball's side-kick
June 1, 2016
Vivian Roberta Jones was a beautiful woman! I am so glad this book was written. I wish there was more out there on Vivian... One classy lady.
January 27, 2023
The Other Side of Ethel Mertz: the Life Story of Vivian Vance is the only written biography about the famed actress. I knew little about Vivian before reading this, and found her life and career to be both interesting and sad. The majority of the books beginning focuses on Viv's twenty years as a stage actress. While it may be of more excitement to some, this was not an aspect that particularly fascinated me since I'm not a theater buff.
Until this week, I had no idea Vivian was married so many times, struggled with mental health, and was one of the first celebrities to speak out about it. It makes me proud reading how she would visit psychiatatric facilities and talk with the patients. It must have been so difficult and frightening for Viv to battle anxiety neuroses, depression, and mental breakdowns, especially during the eras she lived in.
The biography is well-written, but it didn't meet my expectations. That was my own fault. As a lifelong fan of I Love Lucy and later of The Lucy Show, I wanted to hear all about Vivian's days on the shows and with Lucille Ball. I'd vaguely heard they didn't get along in the beginning, and of the deep fued between her and William Frawley, but had no idea how serious they were. During Lucy and Viv's first meeting on the 1950s sitcom, it disappoints me to say it, but Lucille comes across as a cold, egotistical jerk. While they seemed friendly and fond of each other, I was surprised at their back-and-forth friendship and how at times Lucy seemed to care for more Viv than vice versa. I'd always believed they were best friends with a strong bond, I hope I'm not wrong. I knew Vivian hated being associated with Ethel, and didn't want to be remembered solely for that character. But I was very disappointed that she didn't want to do either I Love Lucy or The Lucy Show, and had an unenjoyable time on both shows. I do feel sorry that she went through so much disappointment in her life, through her family, profession, and love. Vivian Vance wanted to be a star, and I think she'll always be remembered as one of sorts, but not in the way she had dreamed. For years after I Love Lucy she didn't want to talk about the show, and even burned all memorabilia from it. It's sadly ironic that the role Vivian wanted to forget is the one she's most remembered for.
Until this week, I had no idea Vivian was married so many times, struggled with mental health, and was one of the first celebrities to speak out about it. It makes me proud reading how she would visit psychiatatric facilities and talk with the patients. It must have been so difficult and frightening for Viv to battle anxiety neuroses, depression, and mental breakdowns, especially during the eras she lived in.
The biography is well-written, but it didn't meet my expectations. That was my own fault. As a lifelong fan of I Love Lucy and later of The Lucy Show, I wanted to hear all about Vivian's days on the shows and with Lucille Ball. I'd vaguely heard they didn't get along in the beginning, and of the deep fued between her and William Frawley, but had no idea how serious they were. During Lucy and Viv's first meeting on the 1950s sitcom, it disappoints me to say it, but Lucille comes across as a cold, egotistical jerk. While they seemed friendly and fond of each other, I was surprised at their back-and-forth friendship and how at times Lucy seemed to care for more Viv than vice versa. I'd always believed they were best friends with a strong bond, I hope I'm not wrong. I knew Vivian hated being associated with Ethel, and didn't want to be remembered solely for that character. But I was very disappointed that she didn't want to do either I Love Lucy or The Lucy Show, and had an unenjoyable time on both shows. I do feel sorry that she went through so much disappointment in her life, through her family, profession, and love. Vivian Vance wanted to be a star, and I think she'll always be remembered as one of sorts, but not in the way she had dreamed. For years after I Love Lucy she didn't want to talk about the show, and even burned all memorabilia from it. It's sadly ironic that the role Vivian wanted to forget is the one she's most remembered for.
October 11, 2021
I think Vivian Vance deserves a better biography; but this satisfied my desire to know more of what's known about the woman behind the character I love and admire from "I Love Lucy" fame.
Granted, the authors didn't have a lot to work with, as Vivian apparently led a secretive personal life and covered all her tracks by lying frequently about (or refusing to disclose) the details her past. With that considered, I think the authors exhausted every effort and resource they could to piece together Viv's life story as thoroughly as could be done.
I did find their writing skills to be lacking (I mean, they state in the forward that neither had any experience with writing before this). I spotted several obvious typos throughout, and it was very hard to keep track of people who were being quoted after only brief mentions of names, relationships, etc.; definitely not a book you want to sit down for long periods of time and try to pick up again later.
The authors also bounce around a lot in Vivian's lifespan, going forward several years, and then back again, with little mention of years to reorient the reader. Maybe I'm just not used to the flow of biographies, because I haven't read many. Overall, you hear Vivian's story mostly from the perspective of those who knew her (lots of direct quotes), and even the authors note that there are sometimes conflicting experiences of the same incidents in Viv's life.
The tone overall also feels depressing - ironic considering Viv's activism on behalf of mental health awareness, and her own struggles with crippling depression; reading most of the time I just felt sorry for her and the trauma of her life, and I hated that.
Again, I wish Vivian Vance got more attention in media, and it's sad that her only existing biography (this book) isn't even in print anymore. She deserves better. I know all authors can do in writing posthumous biographies is report on the events of a person's life, regardless of what kind of life it was. But this book still leaves me feeling like Vivian deserves more.
Granted, the authors didn't have a lot to work with, as Vivian apparently led a secretive personal life and covered all her tracks by lying frequently about (or refusing to disclose) the details her past. With that considered, I think the authors exhausted every effort and resource they could to piece together Viv's life story as thoroughly as could be done.
I did find their writing skills to be lacking (I mean, they state in the forward that neither had any experience with writing before this). I spotted several obvious typos throughout, and it was very hard to keep track of people who were being quoted after only brief mentions of names, relationships, etc.; definitely not a book you want to sit down for long periods of time and try to pick up again later.
The authors also bounce around a lot in Vivian's lifespan, going forward several years, and then back again, with little mention of years to reorient the reader. Maybe I'm just not used to the flow of biographies, because I haven't read many. Overall, you hear Vivian's story mostly from the perspective of those who knew her (lots of direct quotes), and even the authors note that there are sometimes conflicting experiences of the same incidents in Viv's life.
The tone overall also feels depressing - ironic considering Viv's activism on behalf of mental health awareness, and her own struggles with crippling depression; reading most of the time I just felt sorry for her and the trauma of her life, and I hated that.
Again, I wish Vivian Vance got more attention in media, and it's sad that her only existing biography (this book) isn't even in print anymore. She deserves better. I know all authors can do in writing posthumous biographies is report on the events of a person's life, regardless of what kind of life it was. But this book still leaves me feeling like Vivian deserves more.
November 28, 2024
Once again I'm left depressed after learning more details about the life and personality of one of my favorite actresses from the Golden age of Hollywood and television.
I feel like her childhood and teenage years were a hit rushed but I'm sure the author's gathered all the information they could about her.
I appreciate that it's well researched although I have doubts to its accuracy at times; regarding the mock contract Lucy made for her, the book states that she burned it but she pulls it out on TV during a talk show with Lucy which you can find on YouTube.
Even if some detailed saddened me I still respect and admire Vivian greatly and there were also so many wonderful, one of a kind moments in her life that most of us could only dream of having.
I feel like her childhood and teenage years were a hit rushed but I'm sure the author's gathered all the information they could about her.
I appreciate that it's well researched although I have doubts to its accuracy at times; regarding the mock contract Lucy made for her, the book states that she burned it but she pulls it out on TV during a talk show with Lucy which you can find on YouTube.
Even if some detailed saddened me I still respect and admire Vivian greatly and there were also so many wonderful, one of a kind moments in her life that most of us could only dream of having.
June 24, 2022
I almost gave up on this one half way through. I'm glad I didn't.
The first half is detailed and well researched. It's interesting to read about the path that brought her to I Love Lucy, but most of the names were foreign to me, which got old. The biography wouldn't have been complete without those details, and the writing is good. I had planned to give it five stars, despite my boredom.
Then I got to the part where she was offered the role of Ethel Mertz. I was hooked. I love all the jokes and how so many people contributed to the their memories of her. Vivian Vance was an incredible woman.
Fun read....but if you're bored, skip the first half.
The first half is detailed and well researched. It's interesting to read about the path that brought her to I Love Lucy, but most of the names were foreign to me, which got old. The biography wouldn't have been complete without those details, and the writing is good. I had planned to give it five stars, despite my boredom.
Then I got to the part where she was offered the role of Ethel Mertz. I was hooked. I love all the jokes and how so many people contributed to the their memories of her. Vivian Vance was an incredible woman.
Fun read....but if you're bored, skip the first half.
February 2, 2020
This is a great book. I, like many people, watched I Love Lucy. I was so surprised to read this biography on Vivian Vance AKA Ethel Mertz. Her life was never dull. She and Lucy had a "love hate relationship". But Vivian and William Frawley didn't get along at all. Vivian was at a party when she got the news that William had a heart attack on a Hollywood St and died. Was she heartbroken? No! She shouted "Champagne for everyone!" I won't say anymore details but if you are/were a I Love Lucy fan, this is a must read. Or if you just know who Vivian Vance was, you'll enjoy this book.
January 13, 2026
It's a good book. However, because I don't know a lot about theater, heck I know nothing about theater, a lot of the information was lost on me. I was unable to feel/agree on the parts that she played. I was shocked to find out of her other womanly status. I don't agree with her doing that. but who am I to judge? It was her life. I do feel it was a little bouncy and that the authors were lost themselves at times. It was worth the read and I appreciate getting to know Vivian better. She definitely was NOT ETHEL MERTZ!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
Finely researched but a little too much psychological surmising and too many mistakes in common words like loose vs. lose and effect vs. affect, making it feel amateurish. Vance had an interesting life, at least enough for a book.
October 20, 2022
I loved this book. I've read many books regarding Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, but this was the first I've encountered about Vivian Vance. She was a very talented woman who had to play second fiddle to Lucille in order to be as successful as she was.
Very honest and well researched.
Very honest and well researched.
October 30, 2023
I totally enjoyed reading about the life of Vivian Vance. Lots of good pictures and anecdotes. A total show biz gal! Also the time period of the 1930's to 60's and Broadway to Hollywood made for fascinating reading.
February 15, 2024
After watching a documentary about I Love Lucy, I wanted to know more about Vivian Vance. I really enjoyed this book that provides a look at the actress apart from her iconic role of Ethel Mertz. A really good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews