Lucille Désirée Ball, born on August 6, 1911, was an American actress, comedian, and producer who etched her name in the annals of Hollywood with her exceptional talent and enduring charisma. Her journey began in 1929 when she ventured into modeling and then Broadway under the stage name Diane Belmont. The allure of cinema soon beckoned Lucille to RKO Radio Pictures where she graced numerous films throughout the 1930s and '40s.
In November 1940, Lucille's life took a romantic turn when she eloped with Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz whom she had met during this period. Their partnership extended beyond their personal lives as they co-created the iconic sitcom I Love Lucy in the '50s which remains a cultural phenomenon even today. As we trace Lucille's illustrious career from her early days as a model to becoming one of America's most beloved television personalities, we will also delve into her personal life marked by its highs and lows.
Despite divorcing Arnaz in March 1960, Lucille continued to blaze trails as an entertainer. She starred in Broadway musical Wildcat from 1960-61 and made history by becoming the first woman to run a major television studio - Desilu Productions - that produced popular series like Mission: Impossible and Star Trek. Throughout this article, we'll explore these milestones while also taking you back through time with pictures of young Lucille Ball during her modeling days and early acting career.
