DONALD BRIGGS

January 28, 1911

Donald Preston Briggs was born in Chicago, Illinois.  On radio, he was a regular in “Death Valley Days”, “FBI in Peace and War”, "Perry Mason”, “Welcome Valley” and the title role in “Frank Merriwell”, which led to his first film, playing Frank Merriwell in the 1936 Universal serial “The Adventures of Frank Merriwell.”

The film was broken up into 12 parts for the serialization. 

In 1939, he appeared with Lucille Ball in the film Panama Lady. 

Most interesting is that Ball’s character name is ‘Lucy,’ the first time she ever portrayed a character with that name – though this particular ‘Lucy’ has nothing in common with Mrs. Ricardo, Mrs. Carmichael, Mrs. Carter, or Mrs. Barker! 

He continued acting in films until he made his TV debut on June 28, 1950 in a “Stage 13″ presentation titled “No More Wishes”. 

During the summer of 1962, Briggs was cast to play Eddie Collins on Lucille Ball’s new television series, “The Lucy Show.” Eddie Collins was Vivian Bagley’s on-again / off-again boyfriend.  Briggs did six episodes of the series before the character was written out early in season two. 

The character made his debut in “Lucy Digs Up a Date” (TLS S1;E2) aired on October 8, 1962. It is established that Eddie and Viv are not in a serious relationship, but do date on occasion. 

In “Lucy Builds a Rumpus Room” (TLS S1;E11) first aired December 10, 1962 we learnt that Eddie Collins travels a lot as part of his job.  This might account for his 9 week absence from the series!

At “Chris’s New Year’s Eve Party” (TLS S1;E14) aired on December 31, 1962, Eddie participated in Lucy’s silent movie sketch as a tough guy (striped shirt and cap). 

When “Lucy and Viv Put in a Shower” (TLS S1;E18) aired on January 28, 1963, we learned that Eddie’s pet name for Viv is ‘Tootsie’!  

When “Lucy and Viv Become Tycoons” (TLS S1;E20) aired on February 11, 1963, Eddie reminds us that he’s been in every state of the union. He funds Lucy and Viv’s business.

During “No More Double Dates” (TLS S1;E21) aired on February 18, 1963, Briggs gets to join in with Lucy (not just Viv) when she hides under their table at a posh restaurant! 

When “Lucy Goes Duck Hunting” (TLS S2;E6) on November 4, 1963, she’s dating a new boyfriend, while Viv is still with Eddie, although this is his final series appearance. At least it is in color!

His final appearance with Lucille Ball was on “Here’s Lucy” in “Lucy The Crusader” (HL S3;E5) aired on October 12, 1970. He played Mr. Huntington, a stockholder for the Prime Ultrasonics Company. He is the only board member to speak. 

He made his final screen appearance in an uncredited role, a politician in the 1976 biopic W.C. Fields and Me, starring Rod Steiger in the title role. 

Briggs was married to Audrey Christie, who was a regular on the Desilu series “Fair Exchange” (1962-63) and played Mrs. Upson in Lucy’s Mame (1974). 

He died on February 3, 1986 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, at age 75.