Lucille Ball was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York. She started her career as a singer, model and film star before becoming one of America’s top comedic actresses.
Lucy’s drama school once wrote a report stating,
“Lucy’s wasting her time and ours. She’s too shy and reticent to put her best foot forward.”
Lucille Ball is considered a comedic genius and appeared in 72 movies during her career. She was also one of the most brilliant, gutsy women in show business history. A trailblazer for women – the first female to run a major TV studio after co-founding then taking over a business called Desilu which revolutionized the entertainment industry. As well as producing I Love Lucy, the company also product shows such as Our Miss Brooks, Make Room for Daddy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Untouchables, Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.
October 15 is acknowledged as national “I Love Lucy Day” in America.
The “I Love Lucy” show made history for several reasons:
- It was the first show to have reruns
- It was the first show that was filmed and scripted to be performed to a live audience
- Lucy and Desi were seen as television’s first interracial couple
- For four of its seasons, the sitcom was the number 1 show in the country
- It was the first show to end its run at the top of the Nielsen ratings
The program included story lines that dealt with marital issues, women in the workplace and suburban living.
America’s top comedic actresses. And a Girl Scout.
Lucy died April 26, 1989.
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