Lucille Ball was an American actress and comedian, born in 1911 and passed in 1989. She was one of the most beloved figures in the entertainment industry and a pioneer for women in television. Her career spanned over six decades, during which she appeared in numerous films and television shows.
Lucille Ball was best known for her iconic role as Lucy in the sitcom "I Love Lucy," which aired from 1951 to 1957. The show quickly became a hit and was one of the most-watched programs during its run, paving the way for future female comedians and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Aside from her success in television, Lucille Ball was also a businesswoman and entrepreneur, co-founding Desilu Productions with her then-husband, Desi Arnaz. The company produced many successful television shows, including "Star Trek" and "Mission: Impossible."
Lucille Ball's career and legacy have continued to inspire generations of women in the entertainment industry. In this comprehensive biography, we'll explore her life, career, and achievements, including her age, height, figure, and net worth.
Lucille Ball: Early Life and Career
Family and Childhood
Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown, New York on August 6, 1911. She was the daughter of a telephone lineman and a housewife, and had one younger brother. When Lucille was three years old, her father passed away from typhoid fever, leaving her mother to raise the children on her own. Despite financial struggles, Lucille's mother encouraged her daughter's interest in performance and dance.Early Career
At 15, Lucille convinced her mother to allow her to attend drama school in New York City. However, her mother was unable to continue supporting her financially, and Lucille was forced to drop out after only a year. She returned to Jamestown and found work as a model and later as a chorus girl. In 1933, she moved to Hollywood and began appearing in small film roles and a few radio shows.Breakthrough and Success
After several years of struggling to make it in Hollywood, Lucille landed a contract with RKO Radio Pictures and appeared in a number of successful films throughout the 1940s. However, it was her iconic role as Lucy Ricardo in the television series "I Love Lucy" that made her a household name. The show ran from 1951 to 1957, and its success paved the way for a number of other successful television series and films for Lucille Ball.Conclusion
Rise to Fame with "I Love Lucy"
Lucille Ball's career took a significant turn when she landed the role of Lucy Ricardo in the television series "I Love Lucy" in 1951. The show, which was co-created by Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, quickly became a hit and catapulted Ball to stardom.
"I Love Lucy" became the first show to be filmed in front of a live audience using multiple cameras, which allowed for more dynamic and comedic performances. It also broke barriers by showcasing an interracial couple on television, as Arnaz portrayed Ricky Ricardo, Lucy's Cuban-born husband.
Ball's physical comedy and impeccable timing helped make the show a success, and her character Lucy Ricardo became an iconic figure in television history. The show also spawned several spin-offs and paved the way for future comedies featuring female leads.
Through her work on "I Love Lucy", Ball became one of the most recognizable actresses in the world and cemented her status as a comedic legend. Her contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be celebrated and appreciated by fans and fellow performers alike.
Personal Life and Relationships
Lucille Ball has had a tumultuous personal life that has been the subject of much speculation throughout her career. Although her marriage to Desi Arnaz was one of the most famous unions in Hollywood history, their relationship was plagued by infidelity and alcoholism.
After her divorce from Arnaz in 1960, Ball married twice more. She wed Gary Morton in 1961, a union that lasted until her death in 1989. Despite a 20-year age gap between them, Morton proved to be a devoted husband and helped Ball navigate the ups and downs of her career.
Ball also had several high-profile romantic relationships throughout her lifetime, including affairs with film star Henry Fonda and stewardess-turned-actress Carol Wayne. However, she never remarried after her final divorce from Morton and enjoyed a close relationship with her children and grandchildren in her later years.
- Desi Arnaz: Ball's first husband and co-star on "I Love Lucy"
- Gary Morton: Ball's second husband and close companion throughout her career
- Henry Fonda: Actor with whom Ball had a brief affair
- Carol Wayne: Actress and recurring guest star on "The Tonight Show" with whom Ball had a romantic relationship
Later Career and Legacy
After the conclusion of "I Love Lucy" in 1957, Lucille Ball continued to work in television, appearing in several successful shows such as "The Lucy Show," "Here's Lucy," and "Life with Lucy." She also starred in a number of films during this time, including "Yours, Mine and Ours" and "Mame."
Ball's impact on the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazing actress, producer, and businesswoman, and she continues to be an inspiration to generations of women in entertainment. In 1977, Ball received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kennedy Center Honors, and she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
In addition to her impressive career, Ball also made a lasting impact through her philanthropic work. She established the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, New York, her hometown, which celebrates her life and career and supports the local community. The center also houses the National Comedy Center, an institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of comedy.
- Continued working in television and film after "I Love Lucy" concluded
- Trailblazing actress, producer, and businesswoman
- Received Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kennedy Center Honors
- Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Established the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in her hometown of Jamestown, New York
- The center also houses the National Comedy Center
Net Worth and Awards
Lucille Ball was not only a beloved actress, but also a savvy businesswoman. Over the course of her career, she amassed a net worth of $40 million. Her success was due in part to her ability to negotiate favorable contracts with studios, as well as her ownership stake in Desilu Productions. Aside from her financial success, Ball was also recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She received numerous awards throughout her career, including four Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center Honors. One of Ball's most notable achievements was her pioneering work in television. She was the first woman to head a major television production company, and she produced and starred in some of the most beloved shows in television history, including "I Love Lucy" and "The Lucy Show." Her influence on the industry cannot be overstated, and she remains an icon to this day.
FAQ
Who was Lucille Ball?
Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedian, model, and businesswoman, who is best known for her television role in the sitcom "I Love Lucy". She was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York, and died on April 26, 1989, in Los Angeles, California.
What was Lucille Ball's height?
Lucille Ball was 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
What was Lucille Ball's figure?
Lucille Ball had a slim figure and was known for her elegance and grace on screen.
What was Lucille Ball's net worth?
Lucille Ball's net worth was estimated to be around $40 million at the time of her death in 1989. She was a successful actress, producer, and businesswoman, who had her own production company, Desilu Productions, which produced popular TV shows like "Star Trek", "The Untouchables", and "Mission: Impossible".
What are some interesting facts about Lucille Ball?
Lucille Ball was the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, which she co-owned with her second husband, Desi Arnaz. She was also a pioneer of the sitcom genre and was the first actress to be awarded an Emmy for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In addition, she was a skilled comedian and performed comedy for many years before becoming a TV star. Finally, she was a philanthropist and supported many charities throughout her life.
