The Life and Legacy of Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball was a comedic icon, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and groundbreaking achievements. From her success as a television star to her work in film and theater, Ball was an incredible force in the entertainment industry.
The Early Years
Before her time on I Love Lucy, Ball had already made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She began her career as a model in 1929 and went on to perform on Broadway and as a chorus girl on radio programs. Despite her later fame as a redhead or blonde bombshell, Ball was actually a natural brunette. She only changed her hair color to blonde in 1928 when she was ordered to do so for a modeling job in New York City.
The Hoodlum Boyfriend
Ball’s career in entertainment began after a move to New York City, spurred by her mother’s disapproval of her boyfriend Johnny DeVita. Ball attended the John Murray Anderson School for Dramatic Arts, where her instructors did not believe she had a future in entertainment. Despite the discouragement, Ball persevered and landed small roles in Hollywood before finding success on I Love Lucy.
Meeting Desi Arnaz
In 1940, Ball met the Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz on the set of the musical Too Many Girls. The two quickly fell in love and eloped later that year. Their relationship would be tumultuous, but their on-screen chemistry was undeniable.
The Adventures of Lucy and Ethel
On I Love Lucy, Ball portrayed Lucy Ricardo, a woman with big dreams and a tendency to get herself into trouble. Alongside her best friend Ethel, played by Vivian Vance, Lucy would find herself in all sorts of wild situations. Despite her many schemes and misadventures, Lucy never gave up on her dreams.
Lucy Was Spectin
In one memorable episode, Lucy became pregnant with her and Ricky’s son. Despite objections from CBS, the couple was allowed to air the pregnancy on television. Due to CBS’s restrictions, the word “pregnancy” was not allowed, leading to Ricky’s mispronunciation of “expecting” as “spectin.”
Divorce and Beyond
After I Love Lucy, Ball went on to star in several other successful television shows. She and Arnaz divorced in 1960, and Ball went on to create two long-running series: The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. Ball passed away in 1989 at the age of 77, but her legacy lives on as a trailblazer in comedy and a true icon of the entertainment industry.
