I Love These ‘I Love Lucy’ Facts From The Classic Show!

The Real Mertzes

The best friends of the Ricardos, Fred and Ethel Mertz, were actually named after real people! When developing the show, they chose the name Fred after Ball’s real-life brother (who was actually named after their grandfather!).

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For the name of Ethel, they decided to choose a name that honored the Broadway star and true friend Ethel Merman. In a strange twist of fate, Vivian Vance was once Merman’s understudy! Isn’t it strange how it all comes together?