I think I was one year older than Bill Frawley was during the second season of, I love Lucy

when we shot the movie.

And I can kind of relate to a guy who's been around show business a while and is over certain

aspects of it.

Hey, this is Ben Mankowitz.

I spoke recently with J.K. Simmons, the Oscar-winning actor who plays William Frawley in being

the Ricardo's.

That's the new movie from Amazon.

We talked about Fred and Ethel Mertz, about Bill Frawley's relationship with Vivian

Vance, and also what it's like stepping into the shoes of one of the most famous character

actors of all time.

J.K. Simmons, thanks so much for joining us.

It's a pleasure to be able to talk to you.

My pleasure to be here.

Thanks for having me, Ben.

So our focus won't talk about your career a bit, but our focus is playing Bill Frawley

and being the Ricardo's.

You have whether by design or by accident, I suspect by design, stayed away from playing

known figures, whether historical figures or just famous people.

Is there a hesitation with playing historical figures and why the change then to play

William Frawley?

Yes, there has been historically a hesitation on my part and avoidance.

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