RAY FERRELL

August 24, 1949

Ray Ferrell was born on August 24, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, as Raymond Delmer Ferrell. He was best known for playing Bruce Ramsey on three episodes of “I Love Lucy.” He was the younger brother of Todd Ferrell who played Boomer Bates on “Lassie”. Ray also appeared on “Lassie” but not in the same season as his brother. They did, however, play brothers on three television programs, one directed by “Lucy” director James V. Kern, who likely was influential with Ray’s casting on “I Love Lucy.” 

He made his screen debut at age 5 in the CBS anthology series “Four Star Playhouse.”  

He was also known for 14 episodes of the TV series “Peck’s Bad Girl” (1959). “Peck’s” also featured “Lucy” cast members Doris Singleton, Lawrence Dobkin, and Bart Braverman.

His first appearance on “I Love Lucy” was titled “Lucy Gets Chummy With The Neighbors” (ILL S6;E18) on February 18, 1957. 

Ferrell played Bruce Ramsey, the son of the Ricardo’s neighbors Ralph and Betty Ramsey (played by Frank Nelson and Mary Jane Croft). 

Bruce was Little Ricky’s best friend.  

His second appearance was in “Lucy Does the Tango” (ILL S6;E20) on March 11, 1957. The episode was notable for the longest laugh on the series.  Eggs were integral to that laugh and to Bruce’s appearance. This is the only time Bruce appears, but his parents do not!  

In “Housewarming” (ILL S6;E23) on April 1, 1957, Ferrell’s third and final series appearance, the Ricardos and Mertzes install an intercom, which the boys believe can help them talk to outer space!  

“That isn’t the moon, that’s my mommy!” ~ Bruce Ramsey

Also in 1957, Ferrell appeared in an episode of “The Box Brothers,” a short-lived CBS sitcom starring Gale Gordon. 

After “I Love Lucy” Ferrell did a 1958 episode of Desilu’s Western series “The Texan” starring Rory Calhoun… 

…and two episodes of “Zane Grey Theater” in 1958 and 1960 starring Jack Carson. 

Ray Ferrell left show business in 1961 with his final appearance (age 12) on “The Detectives” starring Robert Taylor.

He died on August 25, 2006 in Athens, Tennessee, one day after his 57th birthday.