Ethel Merman, the legendary Broadway star, was married four times in her life. Her most famous marriage was to actor Ernest Borgnine, which lasted a mere 38 days. However, before we delve into the details of that short-lived union, let’s take a look at Merman’s other spouses.
Merman’s fist husband was William Smith, whom she married in 1940. The couple had two children together, but they divorced in 1941. Her second marriage was to Robert Levitt, a theatre agent, in 1953. They were married for five years before divorcing in 1958. Merman’s third husband was composer and conductor Robert Six, whom she married in 1959. They divorced in 1960, just a year after their wedding.
Now, let’s talk about Merman’s most infamous marriage to Ernest Borgnine. The two met on the set of the film “The Art of Love” in 1963 and quickly fell in love. They were married in 1964, but their honeymoon in the Far East proved to be tumultuous. Borgnine claimed that Merman was upset that people recognized him but not her, and their marriage quickly unraveled.
Despite the short-lived nature of their marriage, Borgnine and Merman remained friendly in the years following their divorce. In fact, Borgnine even attended Merman’s 1983 wedding to her fourth husband, actor Tom Gries.
Ethel Merman had four marriages in her lifetime, but her marriage to Ernest Borgnine is the most well-known due to its brevity. Despite the failed union, Merman remained a beloved icon of the Broadway stage, and her legacy continues to inspire performers today.
Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine’s Marriage Length
Ethel Merman was married to Borgnine for just 38 days. Their brief marriage took place in 1964 and ended during their honeymoon in the Far East. Borgnine revealed in an interview with “Access Hollywood” that the marriage fell apart due to Merman’s frustration that while everyone recognized him, nobody knew who she was.
Source: beachamjournal.com
Does Ernest Borgnine Speak Fluent Italian?
Ernest Borgnine could speak fluent Italian. In fact, he lived with his mother in Italy for a couple of years, during which he became proficient in the language. Borgnine’s given name was Ermes Effron Borgnino, which suggests that he had Italian ancestry. Despite being born and raised in the United States, Borgnine’s exposure to the Italian language and culture allowed him to become fluent in Italian.
What is Ethel Merman’s Net Worth?
Ethel Merman’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around US$1.5 million. This amount, which is equivalent to approximately $3.9 million in 2021, was left to be divided beween her son and two grandchildren as stipulated in her will. Merman was a renowned actress, singer, and performer who had a successful career in the entertainment industry spanning several decades. She appeared in numerous Broadway productions, films, and television shows, and was known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. While her net worth may not be as high as some other celebrities in the entertainment industry, Merman’s legacy as a trailblazer and icon in the world of music and theater is immeasurable.
Who Was Responsible for Raising Ethel Waters?
Ethel Waters was raised by her grandmother, Sally Anderson, who worked as a housemaid. In addition to her grandmother, two of her aunts and an uncle also played a role in raising her. Due to financial difficulties, Waters and her family frequently moved and she never stayed in one place for more than 15 months. Reflecting on her difficult childhood, Waters stated that she never felt loved or understood by her family and did not have a typical childhood experience.
Did Ethel Merman Smoke?
Ethel Merman was a smoker at one point in her life. However, in 1959, she decided to give up smoking for Lent and never picked up a cigarette again. She famously quipped, “I couldn’t think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped – and I haven’t had a cigarette since.” So, while she may have been a smoker in the past, she ultimately made the decision to quit and remained cigarette-free for the rest of her life.
Source: songhall.org
Ernest Borgnine’s First Wife
Ernest Borgnine’s first wife was Rhoda Kemins. They were married from 1949 to 1958, and it was during his time in the Navy that he met her. The couple had one daughter together, named Nancee.
Fred and Ethel’s Relationship
The actors who played Fred and Ethel on I Love Lucy, William Frawley and Vivian Vance, did not get along in real life. Despite their on-screen chemistry and comedic timing, the two had a strained relationship off-screen. Frawley, who was known for his heavy drinking and rough personality, often clashed with Vance, who was more refined and classically trained. Vance also resented Frawley for his age, as he was 22 years older than her and often made jokes at her expense. Despite their personal differences, they remained professional and were able to deliver hilarious performances as the Mertz couple.
Ethel and Grandfather’s Relationship on I Love Lucy
Ethel Mertz, played by Vivian Vance, was not married to her grandfather on “I Love Lucy.” Ethel is actually married to Fred Mertz, played by William Frawley, who was her partner in a vaudeville act before they became landlords and neighbors to Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. The show’s storyline never suggests or implies that Ethel had any familial relationship with Fred or anyone else in the show.
Ernest Borgnine’s Number of Marriages
Ernest Borgnine, the American actor known for his roles in movies such as “Marty” and “The Dirty Dozen”, was married a total of five times. His first marriage was to Rhoda Kemins, and it lasted from 1949 to 1958. In 1959, he married actress Katy Jurado, but the marriage ended after four years. Borgnine went on to marry Ethel Merman in 1964, but the marriage only lasted 38 days. He then married Donna Rancourt in 1965, but they divorced in 1972. Borgnine married Tova Traesnaes in 1973, and they remained married until his death in 2012.
The Motivation Behind Ethel Waters’ Move to Harlem
Ethel Waters moved to Harlem in 1919 because she was offered a job at the Lincoln Theatre. She decided to stay in Harlem because there was both work and entertainment available. As a nightclub performer, she earned a substantial income of three figures per week, plus tips. Ethel and her friends would often frequent bars and nightclubs in their free time. Harlem provided Ethel with both professional opportunities and a vibrant social scene, making it an attractive place to settle.
Conclusion
Ethel Merman had several marriages throughout her life, but her most notable was to actor Ernest Borgnine in 1964. Unfortunately, the marriage only lasted 38 days and ended during their honeymoon in the Far East. Borgnine revealed that Merman was upset that she wasn’t recognized as much as he was. Despite their short-lived marriage, both Merman and Borgnine had successful careers in the entertainment industry and left their mark on Hollywood history.
