Lucille: The Life of Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedian, and producer. She is best known for her role as Lucy Ricardo in the sitcom I Love Lucy. Born in Jamestown, New York, in 1911, Ball began her career as a model before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s.

Lucille: The Life of Lucille Ball

by Kathleen Brady

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1257 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages
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Early Life and Career

Lucille Ball was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York. Her father, Henry Durrell Ball, was a telephone lineman, and her mother, Desiree Evelyn Hunt Ball, was a homemaker. Ball had two older brothers, Fred and Henry. The family moved to Celoron, New York, when Ball was three years old.

Ball began taking dancing lessons at the age of five. She attended high school in Jamestown and graduated in 1929. After graduation, Ball moved to New York City to pursue a career in show business. She worked as a model and appeared in several Broadway shows before moving to Hollywood in 1933.

Hollywood Career

Ball signed a contract with RKO Pictures in 1933. She appeared in several films for RKO, including Roman Scandals (1933),Roberta (1935),and Stage Door (1937). In 1938, Ball signed a contract with MGM. She appeared in several films for MGM, including The Thin Man Goes Home (1944) and Ziegfeld Follies (1946).

I Love Lucy

In 1951, Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz, created the sitcom I Love Lucy. The show was a huge success and ran for six seasons. Ball played the role of Lucy Ricardo, a housewife who constantly gets into trouble. The show was groundbreaking in that it was one of the first sitcoms to be filmed in front of a live audience.

Later Career

After I Love Lucy ended in 1957, Ball continued to work in television. She starred in the sitcoms The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour (1957-1960),The Lucy Show (1962-1968),Here's Lucy (1968-1974),and Life with Lucy (1986). She also starred in the films Forever, Darling (1956) and Mame (1974).

Personal Life

Ball was married twice. Her first marriage was to Desi Arnaz in 1940. The couple had two children, Lucie and Desi Arnaz Jr. Ball and Arnaz divorced in 1960. Ball's second marriage was to Gary Morton in 1961. The couple remained married until Ball's death in 1989.

Death and Legacy

Lucille Ball died on April 26, 1989, at the age of 77. She was suffering from a heart condition. Ball is considered one of the greatest comedians of all time. Her work has been praised for its humor, timing, and physical comedy. Ball has been honored with numerous awards, including six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. In 1989, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush.

Interesting Facts About Lucille Ball

• Ball was a trained dancer and could tap dance.
• Ball was a heavy smoker and drinker.
• Ball was a close friend of Marilyn Monroe.
• Ball was the first woman to head a major television studio, Desilu Productions.
• Ball was a pioneer in the field of television comedy.

Lucille Ball was a groundbreaking comedian and actress. Her work has brought laughter to millions of people around the world. Ball is a true icon of American culture and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Lucille: The Life of Lucille Ball

by Kathleen Brady

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1257 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	420 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE