Lucille Ball

Lucille Désirée Ball (August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989) was an American actress, comedian, and producer. She was one of the most popular and influential stars in the United States during her lifetime and had one of Hollywood's longest careers. She is best remembered for her iconic television show I Love Lucy, which she produced with her first husband, Desi Arnaz.

Early Life

Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, New York, to Henry Durrell Ball and Désirée Evelyn Hunt. Her father died when she was three years old, and her mother remarried. Lucille was raised by her mother and grandparents in Celoron, New York. She developed an interest in acting at a young age and attended the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Career

Early Career

Ball began her career as a model and later moved to Hollywood to pursue acting. She appeared in several small film roles throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often as a contract player for RKO Pictures.

Breakthrough with I Love Lucy

In 1951, Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz created the television sitcom I Love Lucy. The show was groundbreaking for its time, featuring a female lead who was both a comedic and business force. I Love Lucy became one of the most beloved television shows in history, running for six seasons and winning numerous awards.

Later Career

After I Love Lucy, Ball continued to work in television, starring in The Lucy Show and Here's Lucy. She also became the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, which produced many popular shows, including Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.

Personal Life

Ball married Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz in 1940. The couple had two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr.. They divorced in 1960, and Ball later married comedian Gary Morton in 1961.

Legacy

Lucille Ball is remembered as a pioneer in the entertainment industry. Her work paved the way for future generations of female comedians and producers. She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1989.

Also see

• Desi Arnaz
• I Love Lucy
• The Lucy Show
• Here's Lucy
• Desilu Productions