Gale Gordon
Gale Gordon (February 2, 1906 - June 30, 1995) was an Amercian actor, most noted for his work in television, where he usually played a grumbling foil for the show's star. His mother was actress Gloria Gordon.Gordon was born Charles T. Aldrich Jr. in New York City. He got his break on radio, appearing as "Mayor Latrivia" on The Fibber McGee & Molly Show. He then went on to originate the role of principal "Osgood Conklin" on the radio version of Our Miss Brooks. He carried over the part onto television. He also appeared as "Rudolph Atterbury " on My Favorite Husband, Lucille Ball's radio program which was sort of a prequel to I Love Lucy.
Gordon was the first choice of Ball and Desi Arnaz for the part of "Fred Mertz" on I Love Lucy, but he was tied to his Our Miss Brooks role and was unable to leave it. The part of Fred went instead to William Frawley. When I Love Lucy ended, however, Ball created The Lucy Show, and Gordon joined her for that show's run.
Gordon also has co-star roles in Pete and Gladys and Dennis the Menace.