MILTON FROME

February 24, 1909

Milton Frome was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1909. 

Frome made his first screen appearance in the short Daredevil O’Dare in 1934. His first feature was in 1939′s Ride ‘Em Cowgirl. 

His first television appearance (of many) was a 1950 episode of “The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre” titled “Once A Gentleman”. 

He played Sam Carter, the object of “The Matchmaker” (ILL S4;E4) on “I Love Lucy,” filmed on June 10, 1954 and aired on October 25, 1954.

Lucy tries to get Sam to propose to Dorothy, but it backfires and nearly ruins her own marriage!

Frome returned to work with Ball in a 1965 episode of “The Lucy Show” playing Jerry Bike, Milton Berle’s Agent, although the agent’s last name is never mentioned in dialogue.  

The agent also works for Danny Thomas and Bob Hope – flipping the photos over when Berle enters the room! 

The Agent’s last name is the same as Lester Bike, Ernie Ford’s friend and TV host in “Tennessee Ernie Hangs On” (ILL S3;E29).

He was back for a 1972 episode of “Here’s Lucy” starring Donny Osmond, in which he played Henry the Waiter.  Henry the Waiter was also the nearsighted server played by Frank Nelson (inset photo) in “Lucy Changes Her Mind” (ILL S2;E21).

For Desilu, From also appeared on “The Ann Sothern Show” (December 1958, above), “Lepke” on “Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse” (November 1959) with Desi Arnaz as host, “Guestward Ho!” (March 1961), and “Glynis” (November 1963).

Shows he appeared on that were filmed at Desilu Studios (but not produced by Desilu) included “The Danny Thomas Show” (1958-1963), “The Andy Griffith Show” (1965, above), “The Dick Van Dyke Show” (1965 & 1966), and “Gomer Pyle USMC” (1966 & 1967). 

Like many character actors who worked for Lucille Ball, Frome appeared on “Batman” playing Laughing Larry in a December 1966 episode featuring the arch villain Shame (Cliff Robertson).  Frome also appeared in the Batman feature film (1967) playing Vice-Admiral Fangschliester. 

His final screen appearance was in the Telly Savalas film Beyond Reason in 1985 although it was filmed in 1977.  His final television role was a December 1982 episode of “Trapper John MD”.  

He was married to Marjorie Ann Widman from April 16, 1978 to his death at age 80 on March 21, 1989. They had one child.