Originally Posted by
Noelle1966
I believe that Bea Benadaret was working with George Burns and Gracie Allen at the time. It was a different type of comedy than I Love Lucy, but it was funny. I always thought that Vivian Vance was quite a pretty lady.
Actually, the first choice for the role of Ethel was Lucy's longtime friend Barbara Pepper, who she had known since the 1930's. She was passed over due to her alcoholism, with Bill Frawley also a heavy drinker they thought that would cause too many problems. Bea was already contracted to Burns And Allen when offered the part. Enter Vivian Vance, that worked out perfectly!
Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. So whatever you do today, do it with kindness.