Frederick Hobart Mertz, played by William Frawley, is a fictional character in the 1950s American sitcom I Love Lucy.
He is a World War I veteran and is married to Ethel (Vivian Vance), and they often make fun of each other.
Nevertheless, Fred always has the money when an investment opportunity comes along (e.g., diner purchase, oil stocks).
Eventually, Fred and Ethel retired from show business and bought a brownstone apartment building in New York City.
When Ricky does something to upset Lucy, she plots revenge and drags Ethel into her plan, often against her will.