Lucille Désirée Ball
- Born:
- August 6, 1911, Jamestown, New York, USA
- Died:
- April 26, 1989, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Comedian, Model, Film and Television Producer, Studio Executive
Early Life and Education
- Born to Henry Durrell Ball and Désirée Evelyn (Hunt) Ball.
- Her early childhood was marked by her father's work as a telephone lineman and subsequent health issues.
- Briefly attended John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career as a model and chorus girl under the stage name "Diane Belmont."
- Transitioned to film, initially in small roles and later gaining more prominent parts in the 1930s and 1940s.
- Achieved widespread fame with the CBS sitcom I Love Lucy (1951–1957), co-starring her then-husband Desi Arnaz.
- I Love Lucy was a groundbreaking sitcom, pioneering the use of multiple cameras and filmed before a live studio audience.
- Starred in subsequent sitcoms, including The Lucy Show (1962–1968) and Here's Lucy (1968–1974).
- Founded Desilu Productions with Desi Arnaz, which became a major television production company.
- Became the first woman to run a major television studio after acquiring Desilu Productions in 1962.
Notable Works
Filmography (Selection)
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1933 | Roman Scandals | Goldwyn Girl (uncredited) |
| 1937 | Stage Door | Judy Canfield |
| 1940 | Too Many Girls | Consuelo Casey |
| 1942 | The Big Street | Gloria Lyons |
| 1954 | The Long, Long Trailer | Tacy Collini |
| 1968 | Yours, Mine and Ours | Helen North Beardsley |
Television (Selection)
| Years | Title | Role |
| 1951-1957 | I Love Lucy | Lucy Ricardo |
| 1962-1968 | The Lucy Show | Lucy Carmichael |
| 1968-1974 | Here's Lucy | Lucy Carter |
| 1986 | Life with Lucy | Lucy Barker |
Legacy and Impact
Lucille Ball remains one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of American comedy. Her comedic talent, combined with her business acumen, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. This 'ball lucille biography' highlights her many achievements.
- Pioneered the sitcom format and the use of multiple cameras.
- Broke barriers for women in television production and executive roles.
- Her characters and comedic style continue to influence contemporary comedians.
- Recipient of numerous awards, including four Primetime Emmy Awards.