Product Review

Well researched and documented, this first-ever biography of Vivian Vance, aka Ethyl Mertz, spans her facinating life and varied career from her childhood in Kansas, through her early years in theater and vaudeville, to her tenure as America's most lovable and recognizable neighbor/sidekick on the I Love Lucy Show. Not an expose, but rather an insightful treatment of the life and career of a sensitive, creative, talented, yet enigmatic icon of the early years of television. Included in this heretofore untold story are details of her years in psychotherapy and her victory over mental illness. Along with stunning photos of Vivian's childhood and career, are interviews with family members, school friends and producers from her days in New York, New Mexico and TV days including Bob Weiskopft, Kay Ballard, Valerie Harper, Lucie Arnez and others.