American Women! exhibit--Lucille Ball

"Knowing what you cannot do is more important than knowing what you can do. In fact, that's good taste."

Lucille Ball was a model, showgirl, and actress years before she became the most beloved television comedienne in history. Together with her husband, Desi Arnaz, she founded Desilu which began producing I Love Lucy in 1951. Lucy and Desi used a three-camera system allowing them to film their show for later broadcast, thus creating the TV situation comedy.

Lucy also kept busy on Broadway and in the movies, but she forever will be remembered as a television pioneer. After divorcing Arnaz and buying out his interest in Desilu, she became the first woman to head a TV production company. In 1974, Lucy retired but later attempted a comeback in the short-lived series Life with Lucy. Her fans didn't want the Lucy legend to become a caricature of her timeless comic character.

TOP HAT worn by Lucille Ball when starring in the movie Mame
PHOTO of Lucille Ball in Mame
--On loan from the Lucy-Desi Museum, Jamestown NY

Return to the "From Fifties to Feminism, 1950-1990" index page
Continue the story--NEXT... ."Into the 21st Century, 1990 onward" or visit:"
	From Colony to Country, 1600-1800	"From Prairie to Polls, 1870-1920"
	From Growth to Civil War, 1800-1870	"From Jazz to War 1920-1950"

View an alphabetical list of all 106 women included in American Women! with links to photos and biographies for selected women
View a Thank You to over 100 lenders to Ameican Women!
Return to American Women! index page
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