Lucille Ball Birthday (Date, Age, How Old)

Lucille Ball Birthday (Date, Age, How Old)

Last Updated: November 8, 2024
 


 

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Lucille Desiree Ball

Nickname:

Technicolor Tessie, The First Lady of Television, The Queen of Comedy

Birth date:

August 6, 1911

Death date:

April 26, 1989 (age 77)

Height:

5″ 7″

Relationship Status:

Married

Background

Lucille Desiree Ball was born in Jamestown, New York on August 6, 1911. Her father, Henry Durrell “Had” Ball, passed away when she was three years old. Raised by her grandparents alongside her brother, Lucille showed early signs of determination and zest for life. After initial setbacks in her acting career, she eventually made her way to Hollywood, where she had various roles in movies and theater. In 1940, she met Desi Arnaz while working on “Too Many Girls” on Broadway, marking the beginning of a significant personal and professional relationship. Over the years, Ball became a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, taking on diverse roles and making her mark on television and radio.

Lucille Ball’s career included notable performances in films like “Stage Door” (1937) and “The Big Street” (1942), as well as her iconic role in the TV show “I Love Lucy.” Her talent and comedic timing endeared her to audiences, earning her the title “The Queen of Comedy.” Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Ball persevered and left a lasting legacy in entertainment. Her contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and fellow actors alike.

Lucille Ball’s journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring performers, showcasing the importance of resilience, passion, and a good sense of humor in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in a competitive field like show business.

In the 1943 film “Best Foot Forward,” she starred before featuring in “Lover Come Back” in 1946. Establishing her radio comedic presence, she portrayed the absent-minded wife of a Midwest banker in the 1948 show “My Favorite Husband.” CBS’s interest was piqued in 1950 as they envisioned transforming it into a television series. The inception of “I Love Lucy,” the iconic and universally cherished sitcom, commenced when Desi negotiated the roles with the network executives. Throughout its peak, the show consistently dominated U.S. ratings, serving as a stellar platform for Lucille Ball. Upon the conclusion of “I Love Lucy” in 1957, the core cast reprised their roles in hour-long specials branded as “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.” Recognizing her contributions, Ball was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960; one for her motion picture contributions at 6436 Hollywood Boulevard and the other for her television arts and sciences contributions at 6100 Hollywood Boulevard.

The 1960 Broadway musical “Wildcat” faced premature closure after struggling with ticket sales, attributed to Ball’s convalescent challenges. The number ‘Hey, Look Me Over,’ which she performed on “The Ed Sullivan Show” alongside Paula Stewart, drew inspiration from the musical.

Ball encountered Desi Arnaz, a Cuban bandleader, during the filming of the 1940 Rodgers and Hart stage classic “Too Many Girls.” Despite an initial divorce filing in 1944, they reconciled and had two children: Lucie Désirée Arnaz in 1951 and Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV in 1953. After their divorce in 1960, following a long-standing amicable relationship, Ball met her second husband, Gary Morton, through her close friend Paula Stewart. Ball’s sudden demise at 77, resulting from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm post-surgery, marked the end of an era.

Ball was commemorated with three memorial services, with her final resting place being the Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown, alongside her mother at the Hunt family plot. In 2007, her brother was also laid to rest in the same cemetery.

Career timeline

1930s
Ball Signed to R.K.O. Radio Pictures

During the 1930s, working as a contract performer for R.K.O. Radio Pictures, she appeared in a two-reel comedy short with the Three Stooges (“Three Little Pigskins,” 1934) and a film starring the Marx Brothers (“Room Service,” 1938).

1951
“I Love Lucy”

Ball’s starring role in and production of “I Love Lucy” made it one of her most famous works.

1983
20th Century Fox

In 1983, Ball and Morton formed a film and television production firm at 20th Century Fox, encompassing all film and television projects along with plans to produce plays.

1986
A Kennedy Center Honors Recipient

Ball was honored as a Kennedy Center Honors recipient on December 7, 1986.

Why We Love Lucille Ball

  1. Lucy was incredibly confident and beautiful

    Instead of giving up when faced with challenges, Ball persisted and eventually found success as one of the most iconic actresses in history.

  2. She boldly experimented with her appearance

    Lucille Ball didn’t always sport her famous red hair. Initially a brunette, she later went for a very light blonde before ultimately settling on the iconic red shade.

  3. She was a savvy businesswoman

    Together with Desi Arnaz, Lucille founded Desilu Productions, a successful television studio. Even after their divorce, she took charge, becoming the star and CEO of “The Lucy Show” while ultimately selling the studio for $17 million in 1967.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. Record for the longest recorded laugh

    In the “Lucy Does the Tango” episode of “I Love Lucy,” Lucille Ball’s laugh during a scene with eggs in her shirt clocked in at a remarkable 65 seconds—the longest ever captured on tape.

  2. Premonition before the show

    Lucy credited a dream where Carole Lombard advised her to “Give it a whirl” as the inspiration for creating “I Love Lucy.”

  3. Trailblazer in the industry

    Receiving the Women in Film Crystal Award in 1977 and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1979, Lucille Ball was a pioneering figure for women in entertainment.

  4. Among the wealthiest women

    In 1968, estimates placed Lucille Ball as one of the richest women in television, amassing about $30 million in earnings.

  5. A multifaceted career

    Not just limited to acting, Lucille Ball also shared knowledge as an assistant professor at California State University, Northridge in 1979.

Lucille Ball
FAQs

Reason behind R.K.O.’s decision to part ways with Lucille Ball

Charles Koerner, R.K.O’s chief of production, believed Lucy’s age was a drawback in attracting a younger theater audience, leading to R.K.O. terminating her contract at 39 years old.

Age of Lucille Ball when she met Desi Arnaz

Lucy was 28 years old when she met 23-year-old Desi Arnaz on the set of “Too Many Girls” in 1940.

Lucille Ball’s Philanthropic Activities

Indeed, Lucille Ball dedicated her time to philanthropy, collaborating with organizations like the Fairfield County Community Foundation, F.C.C.F’s Fund for Women and Girls, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, Lavelle Fund for the Blind, and Center for Hope.

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Post Title: Lucille Ball Birthday (Date, Age, How Old)
Last Updated: November 8, 2024

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