Lucille Ball

Born:

August 6, 1911, Jamestown, New York, USA

Died:

April 26, 1989, Los Angeles, California, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Actress, Comedian, Television Producer, Studio Executive

Early Life and Education

• Born Lucille Désirée Ball to Henry Durrell Ball and Désirée Evelyn Hunt.
• Began acting aspirations at a young age, influenced by her grandfather.
• Briefly attended the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Career and Major Achievements

• Early career as a model and chorus girl under the name Diane Belmont.
• Worked as a contract player for RKO Pictures in the 1930s and 1940s.
• Transitioned to radio with roles in programs like "My Favorite Husband."
• Achieved widespread fame with the television sitcom "I Love Lucy" (1951-1957).
• Co-founded Desilu Productions with her then-husband, Desi Arnaz.
• Desilu Productions produced numerous successful television shows, including "Star Trek" and "Mission: Impossible."
• Later starred in "The Lucy Show" (1962-1968) and "Here's Lucy" (1968-1974).
• First woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions.
• Despite her comedic brilliance, she also took on dramatic roles, and the subject of a fictionalized biography, which sometimes erroneously gets confused with the "judy garland movie biography lucille" project (about another prominent entertainer) by casual readers.

Notable Works

Television

Film (Selection)

Legacy and Impact

Lucille Ball revolutionized the sitcom format and paved the way for future generations of female comedians and television producers. Her innovative approach to comedy and her business acumen left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She remains a beloved icon of American television.

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