THE MAYER TWINS

June 26, 1952

Michael Leo and Joseph David Mayer were born on June 26, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. They are the twin sons of Max and Eva June Mayer. 

Between 1953 and 1956, the brothers alternated in the role of Little Ricky in 32 episodes of “I Love Lucy.” They succeeded twins Richard Lee and Ronald Lee Simmons, who played the role for six episodes.

James John Ganzer played Little Ricky in the hospital as a newborn.

The Mayers were the 4th and 5th actors to play the part. Although Keith Thibodeaux is best remembered as Little Ricky, the Mayer Twins played him in more episodes.  

When the Simmons Twins were not aging as quickly as the TV character, auditions were held for their successor. Desi Arnaz saw a photo of the Mayer twins at a picnic and liked what he saw, even though they do not share Desi / Ricky’s Latin heritage.

It was common for twins to alternate in a single role on television and film in order to meet strict child labor regulations and to assure that if one child was uncooperative or cranky, the other could quickly take his place and filming continue. One of the most famous twins to play a major role on a television series was Diane and Erin Murphy, who played Tabitha Stevens on “Bewitched” from 1966 and 1972, despite the fact that they were fraternal, not identical, twins. 

Except for the personal memories of the Mayers and some cast and crew members, it is not generally known which twins is on camera at any point. Although one of the twins has a small scar under his chin, it was not visible on camera. While many children have baby pics, the Mayers have the ultimate in home movies!  

Their first appearance was in “Ricky’s LIFE Story” at the start of season 3. 

The way Caroline Appleby holds Little Ricky is hysterical. Perhaps his diaper needs changing? 

Father and Son – and Godfather, too! 

Baby’s first steps!  

Lucy is scared for their safety! 

In her nightmare, Lucy users her son to convince Ricky not to leave them for Carlotta. The rabbit-themed hat and overalls helped identify the character when he aged 25 years in Lucy’s dream!

Daddy feeds his son. Hopefully nothing too spicy! 

Looking at the family albums. 

Going for a spin in his new stroller!  

Comforting her cranky son. 

Sleepy Little Ricky.  Many shots of the character in his crib were done as ‘insert’ shots, meaning that they were not part of the filming of the scene, but were done later on – after the audiences had left – so the cameras and lighting could reposition for the shot. The film was later edited into the master shot to create as seamless story.  

Gruff Fred bonds with his godson. There is a story that Little Ricky’s friend Little Stevie (Steven Kay) was afraid of William Frawley – and his fear reads on his face during “Lucy and Superman”. 

Lucy coaches her son acting, hoping he’ll be the next Jackie Coogan. 

Lucy uses Fred’s godson to rouse him from his catatonic state after losing money on his vintage Cadillac. 

Grandma McGillicuddy and babysitter Matilda Trumbull help Little Ricky say goodbye to his parents and godparents as they say “California Here We Come”!  

Fashionable Little Ricky in Palm Springs. 

In “Lucy and John Wayne” Director James V. Kern had a tough time coaxing little Michael Mayer to play in the cement for the scene where Little Ricky ruins the newly-made footprints. It took 90 minutes of overtime shooting to get the brief insert shots. It seems the boy was afraid to get his red shoes dirty so Lucy had to promise to buy him a pair of new pair to make him happy. The slab that Little Ricky played in was not wet concrete, but oatmeal! 

Similarly, what was supposed to be shaving cream was actually whipped cream! Fussy actor Michael (or is it Joe?) looks pretty unhappy about cream on his new suit! 

The twins’ real-life mother, Eva Jean Mayer appeared as an extra in “Homecoming” first broadcast on November 7, 1955. After greeting her son, Lucy hands him off to his real mother for the rest of the scene.  

Little Ricky is wondering what his mom is doing in his hospital bed!

In “Bon Voyage” the entire cast and crew got to fly in the helicopter except Mike and Joe. Mike remembers being upset over this.

The Mayer Twins’ final appearance was in “Lucy Gets Homesick in Italy” at the end of season 5. At the end of Joe and Mike’s stint on “I Love Lucy,” they were making $150 a week. This was considered full-time pay for the time. 

Like the other actors to play Little Ricky, the Mayers were never given screen credit for their work. 

TWINS / NOT TWINS

“I Love Lucy” famously used both twins on screen in “Tennessee Bound” which featured Marilyn and Rosalyn Borden as Teensy and Weensy.  

In “The Amateur Hour” the Hudson Twins were actually played by non-related actors David Stollery and Sammy Ogg, who were made to appear identical using costumes and make-up.  

LIFE AFTER LUCY

THE MAYER TWINS were born Presbyterian and Jewish, although the family later became Mormons and leaders in the LDS Church, including doing missionary work. 

When they were about 12 years old, Eva Jean took them to the filming of Yours, Mine and Ours. Lucy recognized their mother and they visited for a few minutes. Eva Jean said Lucy was always very professional.

They graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1970. 

Joseph became a special education teacher at a high school in North Hollywood, California. 

Joseph married Ruth Adel Miller Salway in 1995, his second wife. They have ten children!

The Mayer Twins visit Jamestown! 

Exit stage right!