- Vivian Vance, I Love Lucy, TV, 1951-1957. Lucy and Desi’s first choice to play the Mertzes were Bea and Gale Gordon. Neither one was available. Bea was a radio star, working with Lucille Ball, Orson Welles, Jack Benny and (the reason she could not be Ethel Mertz) in The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, 1950-1957). She was also the first voice of The Flintstones’ Betty Rubble, 1960-1966. Vance worked with Ball from 1951-1977 on various series and tele-films, although she was never happy: Ethel Mertz was too frumpy and co-star William Frawley too alcoholic – and she was too young for him, 39 to his 64. When he died in 1966, she yelled: “Champagne for everyone!”
- Irene Ryan, The Beverly Hillbillies, TV, 1962-1971. Bea was one of producer Paul Henning’s favorite character players. So when he created what took off as a huge hit TV series, he immediately wanted her for Granny Daisy Moses. Then, he thought again. No, no, no, she was, too busty for a grandmother! He then respun Cousin Pearl Bodine towards her strengths. during 1962-1967 – to thank her for pointing out Irene to him at the auditions. “There’s your Granny!”
Birth year: 1906Death year: 1968Other name: Casting Calls: 2