04/05/2024
26 April this year is the 35th death anniversary of Lucille Désirée Ball (1911 – 1989). The American actress, comedian, producer, and studio executive was recognised by Time in 2020 as one of the most influential women of the 20th century for her work in all four of these areas.
Lucille began working as a model at the age of 18, and then landed roles in films and on Broadway. She eloped with Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz in 1940, and the couple created the hugely successful comedy show ‘I Love Lucy’ which ran for several years.
She later divorced Desi and married comedian Gary Morton in 1961. While continuing to act in TV shows, she also became the first woman to run a major television studio.
She continued being in the limelight on-screen and off-screen until the mid-1980s. After her death, the American Comedy Awards were officially dubbed "The Lucy" after her.