Lucille Ball
“The comedienne whose fearless physical genius made her the most beloved face in television.”
In October 1951 Ball and husband Desi Arnaz launched "I Love Lucy" on CBS, gambling on filming before a live audience with three cameras. The show became an instant national phenomenon and made her television's reigning comedienne.
From Jamestown to Hollywood
Born in Jamestown, New York, in 1911, Ball broke into film in the early 1930s as an RKO contract player. She spent over a decade as a dependable supporting actress before television made her a superstar.
Lucy Conquers Television
With Desi Arnaz she created "I Love Lucy" in 1951, pioneering the multi-camera film format still used today. Her physical comedy and impeccable timing turned the show into one of the most beloved programs in history.
Studio Pioneer
Through Desilu Productions, Ball became the first woman to run a major television studio. The company produced landmark series including "Star Trek" and "Mission: Impossible."
Career Timeline
- 1911Born in Jamestown, New York
- 1933Begins film career as an RKO contract player
- 1940Marries Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz
- 1950Co-founds Desilu Productions with Arnaz
- 1951"I Love Lucy" premieres on CBS
- 1957"I Love Lucy" ends its record-setting run
- 1960Divorces Desi Arnaz
- 1962Becomes first woman to run a major TV studio
- 1968Stars in long-running "Here's Lucy"
- 1989Dies in Los Angeles, aged 77
Biggest Hits
- In 1962 she became the first woman to head a major Hollywood TV studio, Desilu.
- Desilu produced "Star Trek" and "Mission: Impossible" under her leadership.
The Moment You Remember
Nearly everyone can picture Lucy at the candy factory, cramming chocolates into her mouth and apron as the conveyor belt speeds beyond control, one of the most replayed comic scenes in television history.
Portrait: CBS Television · Public domain (PD US not renewed) · via Wikimedia Commons