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Lucille Ball
Creating the comic character Lucy Ricardo in I Love Lucy.
I Love Lucy · The Lucy Show
- Born
- 6 August 1911
- Birthplace
- Jamestown, United States
- Died
- 26 April 1989
More people
Lucille Ball
Lucille Ball was an American actor, comedian and producer who helped shape television comedy. Her success with Desi Arnaz also created Desilu, a major television production company.
Early life
New York childhood
Grew up around Jamestown and Celoron after her father died when she was young.
Performing ambitions
Moved into acting lessons, modelling and chorus work before Hollywood.
Career
- 1930s
Film apprenticeship
Built experience in small parts and supporting film roles.
- 1948
Radio comedy
Starred in My Favorite Husband.
- 1951
Television breakthrough
Launched I Love Lucy with Desi Arnaz.
- 1962
Studio leadership
Bought Arnaz’s share of Desilu and became its president.
Selected work
I Love Lucy
Played Lucy Ricardo opposite Desi Arnaz.
The Lucy Show
Led a new sitcom after her earlier series ended.
Here’s Lucy
Worked onscreen with her children Lucie and Desi Jr.
Beyond work
Family
Had two children with Desi Arnaz and later married comedian Gary Morton.
Home town legacy
Her career is commemorated by the Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗National Women’s History Museum ↗Photo: CBS Television. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
