Lucille Ball was a groundbreaking American entertainer who significantly impacted acting, comedy, production, and studio management. Her influence earned her recognition as one of the 20th century's most influential women by Time magazine. Her illustrious career boasts numerous awards, including five Primetime Emmy Awards out of 13 nominations, a Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She received further honors with the Women in Film Crystal Award, induction into the Television Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center Honor, and a Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
August 6, 1911: Lucille Ball's Birth
Lucille Désirée Ball was born on August 6, 1911.
February 28, 1915: Lucille Ball's Father Dies
When Lucille Ball was only three years old, her father died of typhoid fever on February 28, 1915.
1925: Lucille Ball Begins Dating Johnny DeVita
At the age of 14, Lucille Ball began dating 21-year-old Johnny DeVita in 1925, a relationship that displeased her mother.
1926: Lucille Ball Attends Drama School
Hoping to redirect Ball's relationship with Johnny DeVita, her mother enrolled her in the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City in 1926.
1927: Ball Family Moves to Jamestown
Facing financial hardship, the Ball family moved to a small apartment in Jamestown in 1927 after selling their belongings to satisfy a legal judgment.
1928: Lucille Ball Returns to New York, Begins Modeling
Determined to pursue acting despite discouragement from her instructors, Lucille Ball returned to New York City in 1928 and began working as a model for Hattie Carnegie.
1929: Lucille Ball Begins Modeling Career
Lucille Ball's foray into the entertainment industry began in 1929 when she started working as a model.
1932: Lucille Ball Pursues Acting in New York
Lucille Ball moved back to New York City in 1932 to pursue an acting career, supporting herself by working for Hattie Carnegie and as the Chesterfield cigarette girl.
1933: Lucille Ball Moves to Hollywood
After a brief appearance in "Roman Scandals", Lucille Ball made the permanent move to Hollywood to further her film career in 1933.
1934: Lucille Ball Appears with The Three Stooges
In 1934, Lucille Ball appeared in a two-reel comedy short with The Three Stooges titled "Three Little Pigskins".
1935: Lucille Ball in Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Musicals
Lucille Ball appeared in two Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals in 1935: "Roberta" and "Top Hat".
1936: Denial of Communist Party Membership
Lucille Ball maintained that she was never officially a member of the Communist Party and any involvement was unintentional.
1936: Lucille Ball's First Credited Role
Lucille Ball secured her first credited film role in "Chatterbox" in 1936.
1936: Communist Party Affiliation
Lucille Ball registered to vote in 1936 and, influenced by her family, listed her affiliation as Communist.
1936: Explanation of Communist Affiliation
In her meeting with the HUAC investigator, Lucille Ball explained that she registered as a Communist in 1936 due to her grandfather's influence but never intended to vote as one.
1936: Communist Party Involvement
In 1936, Lucille Ball signed a certificate to sponsor a Communist Party candidate and was appointed to the state's Central Committee.
1936: Lucille Ball Cast in "Hey Diddle Diddle"
Hoping for a role that would lead her back to Broadway, Lucille Ball was cast in the Bartlett Cormack play "Hey Diddle Diddle" in 1936.
January 21, 1937: "Hey Diddle Diddle" Premieres
The play "Hey Diddle Diddle", starring Lucille Ball, premiered in Princeton, New Jersey on January 21, 1937.
1937: Communist Party Meetings
In 1937, Hollywood writer Rena Vale reportedly attended a Communist Party meeting at Lucille Ball's home.
1937: Lucille Ball in "Stage Door"
Lucille Ball landed a role in the film "Stage Door" alongside Ginger Rogers and Katharine Hepburn in 1937.
1938: Lucille Ball in "Room Service"
Lucille Ball had a role in the Marx Brothers' movie "Room Service" in 1938.
April 7, 1939: "The Wonder Show" Finale
On April 7, 1939, the final episode of "The Wonder Show," a variety program featuring Lucille Ball and Gale Gordon, aired.
1939: Lucille Ball Stars in "Five Came Back"
Lucille Ball starred in the B-movie "Five Came Back" in 1939.
July 22, 1940: HUAC Testimony
On July 22, 1940, Rena Vale testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) about the alleged Communist Party meeting at Ball's home.
November 1940: Lucille Ball Marries Desi Arnaz
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz eloped in November 1940 after meeting on the set of "Too Many Girls".
November 30, 1940: Marrying Desi Arnaz
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz eloped on November 30, 1940.
1940: Meeting Desi Arnaz
Lucille Ball met Desi Arnaz in 1940 while filming "Too Many Girls".
1940: Lucille Ball Meets Desi Arnaz
While playing the lead in the musical "Too Many Girls", Lucille Ball met her future husband, Desi Arnaz, in 1940.
1942: "The Big Street" Release
Lucille Ball starred opposite Henry Fonda in the film "The Big Street," released in 1942.
1942: Desi Arnaz's Military Service
Desi Arnaz was drafted into the Army in 1942 but remained in Los Angeles due to a knee injury, organizing USO shows.
1943: "Du Barry Was a Lady" and "Best Foot Forward" Releases
In 1943, Lucille Ball took on the lead role in "Du Barry Was a Lady" after Ann Sothern turned it down, and she also portrayed herself in the film "Best Foot Forward."
1944: Support for Roosevelt
In 1944, Lucille Ball appeared in a newsreel supporting President Franklin D. Roosevelt's fundraising campaign for the March of Dimes.
1944: Filing for Divorce
Lucille Ball filed for divorce from Desi Arnaz in 1944 but they later reconciled.
1946: "Lover Come Back" and "The Dark Corner" Releases
Lucille Ball starred in two films released in 1946: the romantic comedy "Lover Come Back" and the film noir "The Dark Corner."
1947: "Lured" Release
Lucille Ball played Sandra Carpenter, a London taxi dancer, in the 1947 murder mystery film "Lured."
1948: "My Favorite Husband" Radio Premiere
The radio comedy "My Favorite Husband," starring Lucille Ball as Liz Cooper, premiered on CBS Radio in 1948.
July 17, 1951: Birth of Lucie Arnaz
Lucille Ball gave birth to her daughter, Lucie Désirée Arnaz, on July 17, 1951.
October 15, 1951: "I Love Lucy" Premieres
On October 15, 1951, the groundbreaking sitcom "I Love Lucy," starring Lucille Ball and her husband Desi Arnaz, premiered on CBS.
1951: Birth of Lucie Arnaz
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz welcomed their first child, Lucie Arnaz, in 1951.
1952: Support for Eisenhower
Lucille Ball stated that she voted for Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 1952 presidential election.
January 19, 1953: Birth of Desi Arnaz Jr.
Lucille Ball gave birth to her son, Desi Arnaz Jr., on January 19, 1953, the same day her "I Love Lucy" character gave birth.
September 4, 1953: Meeting with HUAC Investigator
On September 4, 1953, Lucille Ball voluntarily met with a HUAC investigator and discussed her past affiliation with the Communist Party.
1953: Desi Arnaz Jr. is Born
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's second child, Desi Arnaz Jr., was born in 1953.
1953: First TV Guide Cover
Lucille Ball graced the very first cover of TV Guide in 1953, featuring her with her baby son, Desi Arnaz Jr.
1954: "The Long, Long Trailer" Release
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz starred in the comedy film "The Long, Long Trailer," released in 1954 during a production break from "I Love Lucy."
October 1956: Bob Hope Special Appearance
In October 1956, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley appeared together in a Bob Hope special on NBC.
1956: "Forever, Darling" Release
In 1956, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz starred together in "Forever, Darling," another film released during their "I Love Lucy" hiatus.
May 6, 1957: "I Love Lucy" Finale
After six seasons, "I Love Lucy" aired its final episode on May 6, 1957.
1957: CBS Buys Back "I Love Lucy" Rights; Desilu Studios Founded
In a significant business move, CBS repurchased the rights to "I Love Lucy" from Desilu Productions in 1957. Using these funds, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz purchased the former RKO Pictures studios, establishing Desilu Studios.
1959: Lucille Ball Mentors Carol Burnett
Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett's friendship began in 1959, with Ball becoming a mentor to the rising comedian.
February 8, 1960: Hollywood Walk of Fame Stars
Lucille Ball received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960, for her work in film and television.
March 3, 1960: Filing for Divorce from Desi Arnaz
On March 3, 1960, Lucille Ball filed for divorce from Desi Arnaz, citing a difficult marriage.
March 1960: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Divorce
After two children and a groundbreaking sitcom, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz divorced in March 1960.
May 4, 1960: Divorce from Desi Arnaz
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz officially divorced on May 4, 1960.
1960: "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" Concludes
After the conclusion of "I Love Lucy" in 1957, the cast reunited for occasional hour-long specials titled "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour," which ran until 1960.
1960: Lucille Ball Becomes Head of Desilu Productions; Teaches Comedy Workshop
Following her divorce from Desi Arnaz in 1960, Lucille Ball bought out his share of Desilu Productions, becoming one of the first women to head a major television production company. That same year, she shared her comedic insights while leading a 32-week workshop at the Brandeis-Bardin Institute.
1960: Lucille Ball Stars in "Wildcat"
Lucille Ball produced and starred in the Broadway musical "Wildcat" from 1960 to 1961.
1960: "Wildcat" Musical Closes Early
The Broadway musical "Wildcat," starring Lucille Ball, closed early in 1960 due to Ball's health issues, despite strong ticket sales.
November 19, 1961: Marriage to Gary Morton
Lucille Ball married Gary Morton, her second husband, on November 19, 1961.
1961: Marriage to Gary Morton
Lucille Ball married Gary Morton in 1961.
1961: "Wildcat" Concludes its Run
Lucille Ball's run in the Broadway musical "Wildcat" concluded in 1961.
1961: Lucille Ball Marries Gary Morton
Lucille Ball married comedian Gary Morton in 1961 after her divorce from Desi Arnaz.
1962: Lucille Ball Leads Desilu Productions
Breaking ground in the entertainment industry, Lucille Ball became the first woman to run a major television studio in 1962 when she took the helm of Desilu Productions.
1962: "The Lucy Show" Premieres
Lucille Ball returned to television in 1962 with "The Lucy Show," a sitcom co-starring Vivian Vance and Gale Gordon, which aired on CBS.
1963: Air Date of "The Lucy Show" Episode "Lucy and Viv Put in a Shower"
The episode "Lucy and Viv Put in a Shower" from "The Lucy Show", featuring a memorable shower scene, aired in 1963.
1964: "Let's Talk to Lucy" Radio Show Begins
Lucille Ball hosted a CBS Radio talk show called "Let's Talk to Lucy" from 1964 to 1965.
1964: "Lucy Day" at the World's Fair
The New York World's Fair held a "Lucy Day" celebration in honor of Lucille Ball in 1964.
1965: Vivian Vance Departs "The Lucy Show"
Vivian Vance left "The Lucy Show" in 1965.
1967: Lucille Ball Sells Desilu Productions
Lucille Ball sold her shares of Desilu Productions to Gulf+Western in 1967, marking the end of an era for the pioneering television studio.
1968: "The Lucy Show" Ends
"The Lucy Show", starring Lucille Ball and Gale Gordon, concluded in 1968.
1968: "Yours, Mine, and Ours" Release; "The Lucy Show" Ends; "Here's Lucy" Premieres
The year 1968 was a busy one for Lucille Ball. She starred in the film "Yours, Mine, and Ours," wrapped up her run on "The Lucy Show," and premiered her new sitcom, "Here's Lucy," also on CBS.
1974: "Mame" Release and Appearance on "The Dick Cavett Show"
Lucille Ball appeared in the musical film "Mame" and discussed her career and life on "The Dick Cavett Show" in 1974.
1974: "Here's Lucy" Concludes
Lucille Ball's sitcom "Here's Lucy", co-starring Gale Gordon, Mary Jane Croft, and her children Lucie and Desi Jr., aired its final episode in 1974.
1976: CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years
In 1976, CBS aired a two-hour special titled "CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years", paying tribute to Lucille Ball's career. Notably, this marked the first time in 16 years that Ball and Desi Arnaz appeared together on screen following their divorce.
1979: Lucille Ball Becomes Assistant Professor
Expanding her horizons beyond acting, Lucille Ball took on the role of assistant professor at California State University, Northridge in 1979.
1980: Lucille Ball Stars in Television Specials
Around 1980, Lucille Ball continued to work in television, starring in comedy specials like "Lucy Calls the President" and "Lucy Moves to NBC."
1980: Lucille Ball's Support for Gay Rights
In a 1980 interview with People magazine, Lucille Ball expressed her support for gay rights, stating, "It's perfectly all right with me. Some of the most gifted people I've ever met or read about are homosexual. How can you knock it?"
1982: Lucille Ball Hosts "Three's Company" Retrospective
Lucille Ball shared her admiration for the sitcom "Three's Company" while hosting a two-part retrospective in 1982.
1983: Reflection on Marriage
In 1983, Lucille Ball expressed happiness about her marriage to Gary Morton.
1983: Lucille Ball and Gary Morton Establish Production House
Lucille Ball and Gary Morton teamed up with 20th Century Fox in 1983 to create a film and television production company.
1985: "Stone Pillow" Television Movie Release
Lucille Ball took on a dramatic role in the 1985 made-for-television film "Stone Pillow," which depicted the life of an elderly homeless woman.
1985: Lucille Ball Stars in "Stone Pillow"
Taking on a dramatic role, Lucille Ball starred in the television film "Stone Pillow" in 1985.
December 7, 1986: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient
Lucille Ball was honored as a Kennedy Center Honors recipient on December 7, 1986. The tribute to Ball was especially poignant due to the recent passing of Desi Arnaz, who was scheduled to introduce her. Robert Stack stepped in to deliver an emotional introduction in Arnaz's place.
1986: Desi Arnaz's Death
Desi Arnaz passed away in 1986. Despite their divorce, he and Lucille Ball remained friends.
1986: "Life with Lucy" Premieres and Is Canceled
Lucille Ball returned to sitcoms in 1986 with "Life with Lucy," but the show, co-starring Gale Gordon, was canceled by ABC after a short run.
February 1988: Lucille Ball Named Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year
In February 1988, Lucille Ball was honored as the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year, a recognition bestowed by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
May 1988: Mild Heart Attack
In May 1988, Lucille Ball suffered a mild heart attack and was hospitalized.
April 18, 1989: Aortic Aneurysm and Surgery
On April 18, 1989, Lucille Ball underwent a successful 7-hour surgery for a dissecting aortic aneurysm.
April 26, 1989: Lucille Ball's Death
Lucille Ball passed away on April 26, 1989.
July 6, 1989: Posthumous Awards
Posthumously, Lucille Ball received two significant honors on July 6, 1989: the Presidential Medal of Freedom, bestowed by President George H.W. Bush, and the Women's International Center's Living Legacy Award.
1989: Final Public Appearance
In 1989, Lucille Ball made her last public appearance at the Academy Awards with Bob Hope, receiving a standing ovation.
1989: Lucille Ball Passes Away
On April 26, 1989, Lucille Ball died at the age of 77 from an abdominal aortic aneurysm and arteriosclerotic heart disease.
June 7, 1990: Opening of Lucy - A Tribute at Universal Studios Florida
On June 7, 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened "Lucy – A Tribute", a walk-through attraction dedicated to Lucille Ball's life and career.
1991: Air date of Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter
In 1991, CBS aired "Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter," a biographical television film starring Frances Fisher as Lucille Ball.
August 6, 2001: Commemorative Stamp Release
The United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring Lucille Ball on August 6, 2001, marking what would have been her 90th birthday. The stamp was part of the Legends of Hollywood series.
2001: Induction into National Women's Hall of Fame
Lucille Ball was posthumously inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2001 for her contributions to the Women's Movement.
2002: Re-interment in Jamestown
In 2002, Lucille Ball's remains were moved to Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown, New York, to be buried near her family.
November 2007: Ranked Among Greatest TV Icons
In November 2007, Lucille Ball was initially chosen as number two on a list of the 50 Greatest TV Icons. A public poll later elevated her to the number one spot.
2007: Fred Ball Passes Away
Fred Ball, Lucille Ball's half-brother, passed away in 2007.
2007: Brother's Interment
Lucille Ball's brother, Fred Henry Ball, was also interred in the Hunt family plot at Lake View Cemetery in 2007.
2008: I Love Lucy Ranked Second Best Television Program
In 2008, TV Guide ranked "I Love Lucy" as the second-best television program in American history, behind "Seinfeld".
2009: Unveiling of "Scary Lucy" Statue
A statue of Lucille Ball was erected in Celoron, New York, in 2009. The statue drew criticism from residents who found it unflattering, leading to the nickname "Scary Lucy.
August 6, 2011: Google Doodle and Look-Alike Gathering for Ball's 100th Birthday
On August 6, 2011, Google commemorated what would have been Lucille Ball's 100th birthday with an interactive doodle showcasing six classic moments from "I Love Lucy". On the same day, a gathering of 915 Ball look-alikes in Jamestown set a new world record.
August 17, 2015: Closure of Lucy - A Tribute at Universal Studios Florida
After 25 years of entertaining visitors, the "Lucy – A Tribute" attraction at Universal Studios Florida closed its doors on August 17, 2015.
2015: Announcement of Lucille Ball Biopic
In 2015, plans were announced for an untitled biographical film about Lucille Ball, to be written and directed by Aaron Sorkin with Cate Blanchett initially slated to play the lead role.
August 1, 2016: Replacement of "Scary Lucy" Statue
It was announced on August 1, 2016, that a new statue of Lucille Ball would replace the controversial "Scary Lucy" in Celoron, New York. Due to its newfound notoriety as a tourist attraction, the original statue was moved a short distance rather than being removed entirely.
2017: "Will & Grace" Homage to Lucille Ball
An episode of the sitcom "Will & Grace" paid tribute to Lucille Ball in 2017 by recreating the classic 1963 shower scene from "The Lucy Show" episode "Lucy and Viv Put in a Shower".
2017: "American Gods" Episode Features Lucille Ball Character
In 2017, Gillian Anderson portrayed Lucille Ball's iconic character, Lucy Ricardo, in an episode of the television series "American Gods" titled "The Secret of Spoons".
July 9, 2018: Audiobook Release of Lucille Ball's Autobiography
On July 9, 2018, the audiobook version of Lucille Ball's autobiography, covering her life up to 1964, was released by Audible. The book, originally written in collaboration with Betty Hannah Hoffman, was read by Ball's daughter, Lucie Arnaz.
July 12, 2018: Premiere of "I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom"
"I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom", a play chronicling the efforts of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to bring their iconic sitcom to television, premiered in Los Angeles on July 12, 2018.
August 2020: BBC Radio 4 Broadcast of "LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom"
In August 2020, BBC Radio 4 in the UK broadcast a serialized version of the play "I Love Lucy: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom" titled "LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom".
2020: Time Magazine Recognizes Ball's Influence
In 2020, Time magazine recognized Lucille Ball as one of the most influential women of the 20th century for her contributions to acting, comedy, producing, and studio management.
2021: Release of "Being the Ricardos"
"Being the Ricardos," a biographical drama about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz directed by Aaron Sorkin, was released in 2021. Nicole Kidman starred as Ball.
February 8, 2022: Academy Award Nomination for Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress on February 8, 2022, for her portrayal of Lucille Ball in "Being the Ricardos".
January 2023: U.S. National Tour of "LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom"
L.A. Theatre Works launched a 22-city U.S. national tour of the play "LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom" in January 2023.