Was Vivian Vance, the iconic actress known for her portrayal of Ethel Mertz on "I Love Lucy," unlucky in love? Her first marriage to Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr., a fellow theater enthusiast, marked the beginning of a series of unions that ultimately painted a complex picture of her personal life.
Vivian Vance's journey began as Vivian Roberta Jones, born on July 26, 1909, in Cherryvale, Montgomery, Kansas. Her parents, Robert Andrew Jones Sr. and Euphemia Mae Ragan, likely instilled in her a sense of ambition, though her mother's strict religious beliefs initially clashed with Vivian's burgeoning desire to perform. Defying these restrictions, she began sneaking out to showcase her talents, a rebellious streak that would eventually lead her to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she adopted the stage name Vivian Vance.
It was in the vibrant theater scene of New Mexico that she encountered Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr., a man who shared her passion for the stage. The two became romantically involved, and in 1928, at the age of 19, Vivian Vance married Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. Their union, solemnized on October 6, 1928, in Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, seemed promising, a blend of shared aspirations and youthful affection. They had dated for a year before tying the knot.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. |
| Birth Date | December 1, 1904 |
| Birth Place | Van Buren, Indiana, United States |
| Death Date | 1935 |
| Death Place | Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, United States |
| Occupation | Manager at Vandervoort Sport Equipment Co.(Possible Theater Worker) |
| Spouse | Vivian Vance (m. 1928, div. 1931) |
| Father | Unknown |
| Mother | Mrs. Danneck |
| Marriage Date | October 6, 1928 |
| Marriage Place | Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, United States |
| Divorce Date | April 20, 1931 |
| Residence | 2665 Boston Blvd., Detroit (at time of death) |
| Burial Place | Grand Lawn Cemetery, Detroit |
| Genealogy Link | Geni Profile |
However, the burgeoning actress and her fellow theater worker soon found their paths diverging. Just two years later, on April 20, 1931, their marriage ended in divorce. The reasons for the split remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it's clear that both individuals were at pivotal points in their lives, pursuing separate ambitions. Vance was determined to carve out a name for herself in the world of entertainment, while Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr.'s career trajectory took a different turn.
The 1920s had been a decade of dreams for Vance, a period where she envisioned herself gracing the stages of grand theaters. New Mexico was her launchpad, a place where she shed her former identity and embraced the persona of Vivian Vance. Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. was a part of that formative chapter, a fellow dreamer with whom she shared a brief but significant connection.
Following her divorce from Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr., Vivian Vance continued to pursue her acting career with unwavering dedication. In 1933, she married George Koch, a musician, signaling a new chapter in her life, both personally and professionally. But Vance's marital journey didn't end there. She would go on to marry Philip Ober and John Dodds, making Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. her first of four husbands.
- Hailey Welchs Net Worth 2024 From Viral To Value
- Elizabeth Huberdeau John Cenas Exwife Her Life After
There is speculation, fueled by comments attributed to Vivian Vance herself, that her choices in men were perhaps unconventional. One anecdote suggests that she jokingly claimed to have "only married gay men," a statement that adds a layer of intrigue to her personal life. Whether this was a genuine reflection of her experiences or simply a witty observation, it highlights the complexities of her relationships and her own self-perception.
Vance's path was not without its challenges. She reportedly experienced a breakdown that led her to temporarily step away from performing. She once stated, I was so afraid of men that I spent my life hiding underneath them. This sentiment, whether literal or metaphorical, reveals a vulnerability beneath the surface of the confident and comedic actress the world knew and loved.
While Vivian Vance went on to achieve fame and recognition, the life of Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. took a different, and ultimately tragic, turn. Records indicate that a Joseph Danneck, born in Van Buren, Indiana, on December 1, 1904, died in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, in 1935. This individual, who had resided in Detroit for five years, was the manager of the Vandervoort Sport Equipment Co. This Joseph Danneck Jr. could well be the same man who was once married to Vivian Vance. His death at a relatively young age paints a somber contrast to the long and successful career of his former wife.
Further adding to the mystery, newspaper clippings from the time reveal a grim discovery. The bodies of Harry Levey, owner of the Wolverine Sporting Goods Co., and Joseph Danneck, manager of the Vandervoort Sport Equipment Co., were found at 9 a.m. in Levey's store at 231 Michigan Ave., less than two blocks from the city hall. This discovery raises many questions, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths have not been revealed. The Christian Science rites for Joseph Danneck were held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the William R. Chapel, 3975 Cass Ave., with burial in Grand Lawn Cemetery. He leaves behind his mother, Mrs. Danneck.
Adding to the confusion, there's the figure of Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr., also known as Jess Oppenheimer, the American television writer and producer renowned for his work on "I Love Lucy." While the name overlap is intriguing, evidence suggests that this is a separate individual. Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr., the "I Love Lucy" writer, cannot be the same person who married Vivian Vance and died in Detroit.
The genealogy records for Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. offer a glimpse into his family history, providing details about his ancestors and living relatives. These records, available on genealogy websites, allow researchers to trace his lineage and potentially uncover more about his life and background. These records show the information that Joseph Danneck was born in 1904, which suggest he could be the Joseph Danneck who died in 1935.
It's important to note that Vivian Vance's legacy extends far beyond her marriages. She is remembered as a talented actress, a comedic genius, and a vital component of one of television's most beloved sitcoms. Her portrayal of Ethel Mertz cemented her place in television history, and her contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated.
The story of Vivian Vance and Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. is a poignant reminder that even the lives of famous figures are often intertwined with ordinary human experiences. Their brief marriage, though ultimately unsuccessful, represents a moment in time when two individuals shared a common dream. While their paths diverged, their stories remain connected, offering a glimpse into the complexities of love, ambition, and the unpredictable nature of life.
Exploring the genealogy of Joseph Danneck Jr. reveals connections to a broader family tree, offering insights into his origins and potential descendants. These genealogical pursuits underscore the enduring human fascination with ancestry and the desire to understand our place in the larger tapestry of history. The fact that online genealogy communities continue to research and discuss Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr., speaks to our unending fascination with the lives of those who touched the lives of the famous.
The details surrounding the death of Joseph Danneck in Detroit add a layer of mystery to his biography. The discovery of his body alongside that of Harry Levey raises unanswered questions and invites further investigation. Was it a tragic accident, a business dispute gone wrong, or something else entirely? The limited information available leaves room for speculation and historical inquiry.
The narrative of Vivian Vance and Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. serves as a microcosm of the broader societal changes occurring in the early 20th century. Vance's pursuit of an acting career reflected the growing opportunities for women in the arts, while the challenges she faced in her personal life mirrored the evolving attitudes towards marriage and divorce. Their story is a product of its time, shaped by the social and cultural forces that defined the era.
Ultimately, the story of Vivian Vance and Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. is a complex and multifaceted one, filled with ambition, love, loss, and unanswered questions. It's a reminder that even the most famous individuals have ordinary lives, and that even the briefest of connections can leave a lasting impact. The exploration of their intertwined lives offers a glimpse into the past, inviting us to consider the choices we make, the dreams we pursue, and the legacies we leave behind.
It is also important to remember Joseph Shearer Danneck was born on December 1, 1904, and had only lived in Detroit for five years before his death. This information could point to Joseph Shearer Danneck having to move for employment, which was common in the early 20th century. Joseph Shearer Dannecks move also leads to more questions about his relationship with his mother, given the record states he left behind his mother, Mrs. Danneck.
While Vivian Vances comments about her only marrying gay men may be a joke, it does bring up a lot of different questions about what type of person she was. Vance had three marriages after Joseph Shearer Danneck, but it can not be confirmed why all of her marriages ended. What is known is Vance stopped performing due to her breakdown. Vance had said she was so afraid of men that she spent her life hiding underneath them.
In conclusion, Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. was a part of the popular Vivian Vances past. With both being involved in theater, it is no surprise they ended up getting together. With a lot of information missing, it is hard to say why the couple split up. With what the world knows, Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. was a sporting goods manager and died at the young age of 31. In the end, Joseph Shearer Danneck Jr. was a man who was married to a famous woman.
Detail Author:
- Name : Myrtis Corkery
- Username : roberts.jerald
- Email : donnell94@morissette.info
- Birthdate : 1990-01-07
- Address : 906 Cummerata Ramp North Nickolasmouth, MA 16511
- Phone : +17087631335
- Company : Donnelly, Parker and Homenick
- Job : Recruiter
- Bio : Vitae in aut adipisci consequatur minus laborum omnis. Ducimus non est tempore necessitatibus ipsa totam. Quasi nisi amet maiores asperiores eum consequatur. Ullam sed et et.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/dboyer
- username : dboyer
- bio : Aliquid id neque eum aut sit. Perferendis occaecati illum at numquam.
- followers : 5003
- following : 2172
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/doug.boyer
- username : doug.boyer
- bio : Accusamus voluptate aliquid incidunt non. Et magni eum est aut ea odit. Unde qui quia est veniam.
- followers : 3719
- following : 410
