I Love Lucy star William Frawley played matchmaker for Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio: author

Marilyn Monroe was introduced to husband number two by an unlikely matchmaker – an “I Love Lucy” star.The 25-year-old was dining out with her agent, Norman Brokaw, when William Frawley, who played Fred Mertz in the sitcom, approached them.He had an offer that the actress couldn’t refuse.“[My father] took her to a television program called ‘Lights, Camera, Action,’ which was a showcase for up-and-coming talent,” Norman’s son Joel Brokaw told Fox News Digital.

“[It was] a live show in Hollywood that all the casting agents would tune in to watch.They went and did this television show, and then he said, ‘Let’s go down the street and go to The Hollywood Brown Derby and have a meal.’ It was the place to be seen.”“It didn’t take long before they were noticed,” Joel shared.

“William Frawley … came over to the table and he said … ‘I’m having dinner with Joe D.He would like to meet the young lady.

We’ll stop by your table after we’re done.’ “Marilyn turned to my dad and said, ‘Who’s Joe D?’ She had no idea who Joe DiMaggio was. She obviously wasn’t a baseball fan.So, he had to give her a quick history of the importance of Joe DiMaggio.”Brokaw, who represented Elvis Presley, Clint Eastwood and many other top stars, died in 2016 at age 89.

Joel has written a new memoir about the late patriarch, “Driving Marilyn,” which details how he went from working in the mailroom of William Morris Agency to becoming its CEO.DiMaggio, who was 12 years Monroe’s senior, had just retired from the New York Yankees.He was out dining with his close pal when he found himself captivated by the blonde beauty.And Brokaw didn’t miss his chance to help bring the two together.“[My father and Marilyn] finished their meal first,” said Joel.

“They went over to the table, and the rest is history.”Joel said his father met Monroe through his uncle, Hollywood talent agent Johnny Hyde. In her book “My Story,” Monroe sai...