Lasting Legacy of Lucille Ball: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Lucille Ball—a timeline of influence.

Lucille Ball was a highly influential American actress, comedian, producer, and studio executive, recognized by Time as one of the most influential women of the 20th century. She is best known for her groundbreaking sitcom "I Love Lucy", which she both starred in and produced. Ball received numerous accolades throughout her career, including five Primetime Emmy Awards, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and received a Kennedy Center Honor, solidifying her status as a comedic icon.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

February 8, 1960: Receives Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On February 8, 1960, Lucille Ball received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for motion pictures and another for her contributions to television.

1964: Attends Lucy Day at the New York World's Fair

In 1964, Lucille Ball and her second husband, Gary Morton, attended "Lucy Day", a celebration in her honor held by the New York World's Fair, recognizing her cultural impact.

1964: Collaborates on Autobiography

In the early 1960s, influenced by Norman Vincent Peale, Lucille Ball collaborated with Betty Hannah Hoffman on an autobiography covering her life until 1964.

1966: Manuscript Found

In 1966, Lucille Ball's manuscript was found after being postmarked from the 1960's.

1976: CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years

In 1976, CBS paid tribute to Lucille Ball with the two-hour special "CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years", which marked the first time Ball and Arnaz appeared on screen together in 16 years.

December 7, 1986: Kennedy Center Honors Recipient

On December 7, 1986, Lucille Ball was recognized as a Kennedy Center Honors recipient. Robert Stack introduced Lucy in place of Desi Arnaz.

July 6, 1989: Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

On July 6, 1989, Lucille Ball posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George H. W. Bush, honoring her contributions to American culture.

1989: American Comedy Awards Named "The Lucy"

After her death in 1989, the American Comedy Awards were officially dubbed "The Lucy" in honor of Lucille Ball.

June 7, 1990: Opening of Lucy – A Tribute

On June 7, 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened Lucy – A Tribute, a walk-through attraction dedicated to Lucille Ball. The attraction featured clips of her shows, facts about her life, displays of her belongings, and an interactive quiz.

1997: Autobiography Published

In 1997, Lucille Ball's autobiography, which she had begun in the early 1960s, was published by Berkley Publishing Group, years after her death, preserving her life story.

August 6, 2001: US Postal Service Commemorative Stamp

On August 6, 2001, the United States Postal Service honored what would have been Lucille Ball's 90th birthday with a commemorative stamp as part of its Legends of Hollywood series.

2001: Induction into National Women's Hall of Fame

In 2001, Lucille Ball was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame for her contributions to the Women's Movement.

2002: Remains Re-interred at Lake View Cemetery

In 2002, Lucille Ball's remains were re-interred at the Hunt family plot at Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown, New York, alongside her mother, fulfilling her wish to be buried near her.

May 4, 2003: Broadcast of Biographical TV Film "Lucy"

On May 4, 2003, the biographical television film titled "Lucy", directed by Glenn Jordan, originally broadcast on CBS. The film featured Rachel York and Madeline Zima portraying Lucille Ball.

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November 2007: Chosen as Number Two on List of 50 Greatest TV Icons

In November 2007, Lucille Ball was chosen as number two on a list of the 50 Greatest TV Icons, though a public poll chose her as number one.

2007: Remains of Fred Henry Ball interred at Lake View Cemetery

In 2007, the remains of Lucille Ball's brother, Fred Henry Ball, were interred at the Hunt family plot at Lake View Cemetery, joining Lucille and their mother.

2008: "I Love Lucy" Ranked Second-Best TV Program

In 2008, TV Guide named I Love Lucy the second-best television program in American history, after Seinfeld.

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August 6, 2011: Google Doodle and Look-Alike Gathering

On August 6, 2011, Google's homepage displayed an interactive doodle of six classic moments from I Love Lucy to commemorate what would have been Lucille Ball's 100th birthday. Simultaneously, 915 Lucille Ball look-alikes gathered in Jamestown, setting a new world record.

August 1, 2016: Announcement of New Statue for Lucille Ball

On August 1, 2016, it was announced that a new statue of Lucille Ball would replace the existing one in Celoron, New York, on August 6 due to resident complaints. The original statue, nicknamed "Scary Lucy", became a tourist attraction after media attention.

2017: Will & Grace Homage to Lucille Ball

In 2017, an episode of Will & Grace paid homage to Lucille Ball by replicating the 1963 shower scene from "The Lucy Show" episode, "Lucy and Viv Put in a Shower".

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July 9, 2018: Book Released on Audio

On July 9, 2018, Lucille Ball's autobiography was released on audio through Audible, read by her daughter, bringing her story to a new audience.

2020: Time Recognition

In 2020, Time magazine recognized Lucille Ball as one of the most influential women of the 20th century.

February 8, 2022: Nicole Kidman Receives Academy Award Nomination

On February 8, 2022, Nicole Kidman received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Lucille Ball in "Being the Ricardos". Kidman also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her performance.

January 2023: L.A. Theatre Works Mounts US National Tour of "LUCY LOVES DESI"

In January 2023, L.A. Theatre Works mounted a 22-city U.S. national tour of the play "LUCY LOVES DESI: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom", starring Ellis Greer as Lucille Ball.