Lucille Ball

NAME Lucille Ball

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Lucille Ball is famous for her pioneering work in television, particularly for her iconic role in the sitcom I Love Lucy.

BIRTH Lucille Ball was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Lucille Ball was the daughter of Henry Durrell Ball and Desiree Evelyn Hunt. Her father worked as a lineman for Bell Telephone Company, and her mother was a stay-at-home mom.

CHILDHOOD Ball had a challenging childhood. Her father died from typhoid fever when she was just three years old, and her mother struggled to support the family on her own. Lucille and her younger brother were raised by their mother and maternal grandparents. Despite the challenges, she discovered a love for performing at a young age.

EDUCATION Lucille Ball attended local schools in Jamestown, New York, and later enrolled in the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City, but ultimately left after she was told: “You just don’t have it. Why don’t you go home?”

One of her classmates at John Murray Anderson's Dramatic School in New York was Bette Davis

CAREER RECORD Lucille Ball's career took off when she starred in the radio show My Favorite Husband. This led to the creation of the groundbreaking television sitcom I Love Lucy, which became one of the most beloved and influential shows in television history. Here's her resume:

Early career as a model and stage actress (1929 onwards)

Film appearances in B-movies and supporting roles throughout the 1930s and 1940s

Radio success on My Favorite Husband (late 1940s)

Pioneered television comedy with I Love Lucy (1951-1957)

Starred in subsequent television shows The Lucy Show (1962-1968) and Here's Lucy (1968-1974)

Founded Desilu Productions, a major television production company (1951)

APPEARANCE Lucille Ball was known for her striking red hair and expressive facial expressions, which became her trademark on screen.

Lucille Ball in a 1955 film still for I Love Lucy 

Ball was a natural brunette. She first had her hair dyed flaming red in the 1943 film DuBarry Was a Lady. 

FASHION Lucille Ball's on-screen fashion choices were influential, helping to shape ideas of mid-20th century American style.  While known for her wacky antics on I Love Lucy, her wardrobe on the show also showcased classic and elegant styles. Her signature look often included polka-dot dresses.

Red hair became popular in the 1950s partly because of the popularity of Lucy.

CHARACTER Lucille Ball possessed a strong work ethic, determination, and a fierce independence.  She was known for her comedic genius, physical humor, and ability to connect with audiences.

SENSE OF HUMOUR  Lucille Ball's brand of humor was a cornerstone of her success. It was a delightful blend of physical comedy, witty remarks, and self-deprecating charm.  Here's a breakdown of her comedic genius:

Physical Comedy: Ball was a master of slapstick, using facial expressions, pratfalls, and exaggerated movements to create hilarious situations.

Witty Remarks: Her comedic timing and delivery were impeccable. She could land a punchline with a perfectly timed quip or sarcastic remark.

Self-Deprecating Charm: Ball wasn't afraid to poke fun at herself, making her characters relatable and endearing to audiences.

RELATIONSHIPS  Ball met Desi Arnaz, a Cuban bandleader while filming a show, and let's just say it wasn't exactly love at first sight. More like "meh" at first sight. But hey, sometimes those "meh" moments turn into something special. They eloped that same year, and married on November 30, 1940.

Their marriage was always turbulent. and nearly divorced in 1944. Arnaz and Ball subsequently had two children, actors Lucie Arnaz (born 1951) and Desi Arnaz Jr. (born 1953).

Ball and Arnaz in 1955

In the late 1950s, their marriage began to collapse under the strain of Arnaz's growing problems with alcohol, gambling, and infidelity and they divorced on May 4, 1960. She said: "Desi was the great love of my life. I will miss him until the day I die. But I don't regret divorcing him. I just couldn't take it anymore."

Ball married stand-up comic Gary Morton at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City on November 19, 1962. She remained with him until her death.

MONEY AND FAME  Lucille Ball achieved great wealth during her career, particularly with the success of I Love Lucy and subsequent television shows. She used her wealth to support her family and various charities.  Her fame as Lucy Ricardo made her a household name and a beloved American icon.

Lucille Ball was a trailblazer. She became the first woman to head a major television production company, Desilu, which she co-founded with Arnaz. After their divorce (which, let's be honest, was probably inevitable), she bought him out and became a real powerhouse in the industry. 

Ball appeared on the cover of TV Guide more than any other person; she appeared on thirty-nine covers, including the very first cover in 1953, with her baby son Desi Arnaz, Jr.

FOOD AND DRINK Lucille Ball enjoyed simple and classic American cuisine, often cooking at home for her family and friends. There are mentions of her enjoying chocolate and popcorn.

MUSIC AND ARTS Lucille Ball appreciated various forms of music and arts, but her primary focus was on her acting career.  While not specifically known for musical talents, she did sing and dance in many of her films and television shows.

After the so-called experts at the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts dismissed Ball's prospects,  Lucy wasn't about to let a bunch of drama school know-it-alls define her. She stormed back to the Big Apple a few years later, determined to prove them wrong. Modeling gigs helped her get a foot in the door. 

By the early 1950's Ball's marriage to Arnaz was starting to look a little less like a honeymoon and a little more like a stale Danish. To try and patch things up, they hatched a plan: a television sitcom called I Love Lucy. Can you believe it? The show that would become a national phenomenon was basically a last-ditch effort to save their crumbling relationship. Talk about putting on a happy face! The first episode aired on CBS on October 15, 1951, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

I Love Lucy was a smash hit, with millions tuning in every week. One episode, broadcast on January 19, 1953, featuring Lucy giving birth (coincidentally filmed around the time she actually gave birth in real life!), had a whopping 71.7% of all American televisions tuned in. Can you imagine the ratings these days? We'd be lucky to get half that for the season finale of Keeping Up With The Kardashians (although, maybe that's a good thing).

I Love Lucy pioneered the three-camera filming technique that's still used today, and Ball and Armaz even came up with the idea of syndicating TV shows – basically changing the game for the entire industry.

One thing Ball and Armaz did avoid was cheap humor. No ethnic jokes, no poking fun at disabilities – they believed in good old-fashioned taste, which is kind of refreshing in today's anything-goes comedy landscape. 

LITERATURE Lucille Ball was not known for being particularly involved in literature, though she did enjoy reading and storytelling.

NATURE Lucille Ball had an appreciation for nature and enjoyed spending time outdoors when not working.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Outside of acting, Lucille Ball enjoyed gardening, painting, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed horseback riding and was known for her love of animals.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Lucille Ball did not have a strong interest in science or mathematics.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Lucille Ball's personal beliefs were not widely discussed, though she was raised as a Christian Scientist.

SCANDAL Lucille Ball's decision to portray a pregnant woman on I Love Lucy in 1952 caused controversy at the time, as unmarried pregnancy was a social taboo.  She ultimately prevailed and the storyline is credited with helping to change societal attitudes.

HOMES Lucille Ball lived in a variety of locations throughout her life, reflecting her busy career and changing circumstances. Here's a glimpse into some of her notable residences:

Early Life: Frequent moves due to financial struggles marked her early years.

New York City: As a young actress, she likely lived in modest apartments while pursuing her career.

Hollywood: As her film career took off, she would have resided in either studio apartments or rented houses.

California Suburbs: After marrying Desi Arnaz, they built a sprawling ranch-style house in Beverly Hills, known as "Desilu." This became their family home during the "I Love Lucy" era.

Later Life: Following her divorce from Desi, she likely resided in various homes in California, maintaining a base there.

TRAVEL Lucille Ball traveled extensively for work and leisure, visiting various locations for filming and vacations.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS The loss of her father when she was just three, left Ball with wispy memories of a rogue bird that somehow snuck into the house. This avian incident left her with an intense bird phobia. Ball refused to stay in hotels that had pictures of birds and tore down expensive Japanese wallpaper in her house that had birds in its design.

Ball's early modelling career was humming along nicely until she got smacked down by rheumatoid arthritis. Two whole years she spent re-learning how to walk. Talk about a setback! But Lucy, bless her heart, was as tough as a week-old bagel.

In May 1988 Ball was hospitalized after suffering a mild heart attack. Her last public appearance, just one month before her death, was at the 1989 Academy Awards telecast 

DEATH Lucille Ball passed away on April 26, 1989, at her home in Beverly Hills, California. The cause of death was an aortic dissection, a tear in the aorta, the major artery leaving the heart.  She was 77 years old. Her death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left a lasting legacy of laughter for generations.

Her body was cremated and the ashes were interred in Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles. In 2002, her children moved her remains to the family plot at Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown, New York.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Lucille Ball's career spanned film, radio, and television, leaving an indelible mark on each medium.  She also made guest appearances on various shows throughout her career.

ACHIEVEMENTS Lucille Ball's achievements are numerous and continue to inspire today. Here are some key highlights:

Pioneering Television Comedy: I Love Lucy broke new ground in its use of multiple cameras, storylines, and comedic elements. It paved the way for modern sitcoms.

Desilu Productions: She co-founded Desilu Productions, a major television production company. Desilu produced not only her shows but also other successful series, giving her significant power and influence in the industry.

Emmy Awards: She won numerous Emmy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989.

Cultural Icon: Her comedic genius and captivating personality made her a beloved American icon. She continues to be admired and remembered for her lasting impact on entertainment.