Let's face it, Hollywood can be a tough place to find love. But finding a true friend? That's even harder. For Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance, they didn’t have to search far and wide. These two powerhouse women found what they needed in each other. Their bond was something truly special, and it all started on the set of one of America’s most beloved shows, I Love Lucy.
From Tense Beginnings to Lifelong Friends
Now, here's the kicker: Lucille and Vivian didn't exactly hit it off right away. In fact, Lucille initially wanted Vivian off the set. According to author Frank Castelluccio, who penned The Other Side of Ethel Mertz, Lucille came from the "old school" mindset where you didn't want anyone prettier or more charismatic than yourself on set. And Vivian? Well, she was both. But as time went on, Lucille realized Vivian wasn’t just another pretty face—she was a talented actress who truly cared about the show.
Once Lucille saw how dedicated Vivian was to making the show a success, everything changed. “They became very good friends after Lucy realized Vivian wasn’t a rival,” says Joe Mayer, who played Little Ricky on the iconic sitcom, in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly. And it wasn’t just about work. Their friendship grew into something much deeper, something that would last a lifetime.
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A Friendship That Went Beyond the Screen
When Vivian’s third husband, Philip Ober, started mistreating her, Lucille stepped in like the ultimate bestie. She demanded Vivian leave him immediately. And Vivian did just that, divorcing Philip in 1959. Not long after, she found love again with John Dodds, whom she married in 1961. But Vivian wasn’t the only one leaning on Lucille during tough times. When Lucille decided to divorce her husband, Desi Arnaz, she trusted Vivian with one of the hardest secrets of her life. “Lucille trusted Vivian with the secret that she was filing for divorce,” explains Kim Powers, author of Sidekicked, a show based on their friendship. “Vivian was one of the only ones who knew.”
