Lucille Ball (August 6, 1911 – April 26, 1989) was a legendary American comedian and actress, a true television pioneer and savvy businesswoman who is widely regarded as “The Queen of Comedy” and one of the most influential stars in entertainment history.
After a successful career in film as the “Queen of the Bs” and as a radio star, Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz created the television sitcom I Love Lucy (1951-1957). As the wacky, ambitious, and scheme-prone housewife Lucy Ricardo, Ball’s genius for physical comedy and impeccable timing made the show a cultural phenomenon and one of the most beloved programs of all time.
Together, Ball and Arnaz founded Desilu Productions, a television powerhouse that produced their own shows as well as hits like Star Trek and The Untouchables. After their divorce, Ball bought out Arnaz’s share and became the first woman to run a major television studio. She continued her incredible run of success with the long-running sitcoms The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy, cementing her legacy as an unparalleled force in television for over three decades.
