Lucille Ball is one of the most loved comedienne’s of our time. I can’t help but smile when I think of the crazy antics she was always up to on her television show with husband, Desi Arnaz. What most people don’t know, though is that Lucy wasn’t always a redhead, she started in the biz with blonde, yes blonde hair!
Lucy started her career as a model, but had to retire early, due to a terrible case of rheumatoid arthritis. She then headed out to Hollywood, and was put under contract by Columbia Studios. She later signed with RKO, and was beginning to get notice for her funny personality. Around 1950 or so, she began to dye her hair red.
Since her film career was not going extremely well, she turned to television. She married Desi Arnaz and began a tumultuous partnership with him. “After nearly six years, Ball and Arnaz ended the series in favor of a series of one-hour comedy specials featuring the characters of “I Love Lucy” that aired originally as part of “Desilu Playhouse” and were later packaged as “The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Show/The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour”. Having wisely retained all the rights to “I Love Lucy” after its initial broadcast, the couple racked up enormous profits from the sale of its syndication rights, an unheard of event in the early 50s. Eventually, Arnaz and Ball sold the filmed episodes back to CBS for a tidy profit and the show continues to air somewhere in the world to this day.”
She divorced Arnaz in 1960, after years of noted abuse. He was known to have a terrible temper and was also a ladies man. Lucy continued to be well respected for the remainder of her life, when she died in 1989. Here are some of my favorite images of Lucille Ball, one of the greatest funny women of all time. She was also an absolutely gorgeous actress as you can see in the photos. Enjoy!
Lucy was awesome.I so much loved that show.I didnt know she was a modle ever though.Interesting!
Lucy has always been one of my favorites! If you’re into reading Golden Era actor bio (I have a whole collection! lol) I highly suggest reading, “I Love Lucy” by Lee Tannen for some insight into her later life. Fascinating…
I am so glad you found my blog because I am thrilled to have found yours! Simply beautiful pictures, will definitely follow and be back for more! Thank you xx
I love, love, love all of the old hollywood photo’s you post! I am a photography buff and would have killed to photograph women back then!
BTW…your mom looks like she could be your sister…what, was she 12 when she had you? 🙂
Oh my goodness, I love your blog! I’m very into Hollywood glamour myself. I love all things retro and vintage!
I’m also in the process of getting my teaching credential 🙂 Mine will be for elementary though.
I just followed! xoxo
I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE your blog!!! I adore Lucy and I learned so much about her in your post. I had no idea she had blonde hair. I always thought she was beautiful.
I love the 50’s cartoons on the side bar. My favorite, “Washing my mouth out with soap won’t do any good,” hee, hee…
What a stunning and talented lady. Great post – thanks!!
We all love Lucy at my house! Have all the seasons on DVD and can (and do!) quote from many episodes, as necessary 🙂
Part of the education of our girls is knowing the classic I Love Lucys! Thank you for a lovely post, it made my day.
To this day, no one makes me laugh harder than she does. Truly a great woman and way ahead of her time! 🙂 Great post today sweetie!
I didn’t know she started out as a model, but it’s easy to see why she did! I always thought she was pretty.
I still love watching her show, my favorites are the vitameatavegamin and the one where she stomps the grapes!
You know, as hilarious as Lucy was, I’m always struck by how absolutely gorgeous she was! Such a beauty, and so very funny!
I adore each of your posts centred around a dazzling vintage starlet, thank you for choosing to highlight the immortally fantastic Lucy today, she’s such a terrific vintage (style) inspiration! 🙂
Big hugs!!!
♥ Jessica
you have a darling blog…so glad we found each other.
I love lucy…
loved…
xo
Thank you Bonjour! Oh My Goodness, I appreciate your comments and thanks for adding me to your blog roll. I have done the same! Kori <3
One of my favorite shows! My parents have many similarities, due to my dad’s European accent and my moms midwestern upbringing.
When my mom enlists me into doing some kind of DIY project, I always call it a Lucy and Ethel caper, only I’m Lucy.
I’m loving your blog!
Bonjour! I always thought Lucy was a beauty and one of my favorite funny ladies. Love the photo of you and your mother, you both look like you’ve just shared a big laugh together!!