Lucille Ball was a television superstar who didn't rely on her looks to make her famous, though her unconventional, wide-eyed beauty certainly didn't hurt. She was instead known for her humor, physical comedy, and amazing sense of timing. Not to mention that she also had some pretty stellar business sense. The fiery redhead wasn't afraid to push boundaries, and together with her first husband Desi Arnaz became a silver screen legend and wealthy mogul. While her relationship with Arnaz was rocky, her success was not. Here are some rarely-seen images of the iconic I Love Lucy star.
Reaching Out
This photo captures funny gal Lucille Ball sharing her time, and most likely a few laughs, with some patients at a children's hospital in New York City in approximately 1955. During that visit, she stopped in and spent some time with various patients at the hospital.
Little is known about the kids she visited and why she specifically chose to visit them, but for both adults and kids alike, laughter is also ways the best medicine. Even doctors agree that is can be an effective antidote to a patient's fear and anxiety. Ball continued to make such visits throughout her life.
At Their Film Premier
Here are Lucille Ball and her husband and partner-in-comedy Desi Arnaz, at the premiere of a film they'd starred together in called The Long, Long Trailer. The premiere took place at Radio City Music Hall and the couple got to go backstage, where they met the famous Rockettes, as we see in this photo.
When the film was released in 1954, the studio worried that people wouldn't want to pay to see the couple in the theater when they could watch them together for free on television. Arnaz bet the studio $25,000 that the film would make more money than the highest-grossing comedy at that time, and he won that bet.
The Arnaz Family
Lucy and Desi are absolutely glowing with pride at the christening of thier baby boy, Desi, Jr. Desi's mother, Dolores Lolita Arnaz, is the woman in the photo holding the baby, who was crying as most do during their baptism.
Dolores was considered one of the most beautiful and prominent women in Latin America. Her father, Alberto, was one of the three original founders of the Bacardi Rum Company. The family was quite wealthy, and owned three ranches and two mansions. Then in 1933, they lost everything to the Cuban revolution and resulting dictatorship.
Baby Girl
There must've been a number of cameras trying to capture this moment, as both Desi's and Lucille's eyes are focused in different places. The lovely moment was the first time ever that their baby daughter, Lucie Desiree Arnaz, had her picture taken by the press. Little Lucie eventually got into acting herself, having first appeared alongside her parents on The Lucy Show when she was 12 years old.
She went on to star in such films as The Jazz Singer. She then created a genealogy software package that helped people learn how to digitize important data and documents.
Ready For My Close-Up
Here is a great close-up shot of Lucille in New York, taken around 1970. Ball continued to reign as the queen of television comedy throughout the 1960s and 1970s with two more shows: The Lucy Show and Here’s Lucy. Both aired on CBS and ranked among the top ten shows on TV. The Lucille Ball franchise raked in millions in revenue from advertising and merchandise throughout the years.
The success of all of her shows helped make CBS one of the leading television networks, not even taking into account the success they'd see from all of the re-runs playing on syndication.
Promo Shot
Lucille sports a wide-brimmed hat for this promotional shot for RKO Pictures, circa 1940. She had signed a contract with RKO Studios during the 1930s. Through them, she appeared in several small roles, including in Top Hat in 1935, as well as some starring roles in mainly `B` movies. She did star in the occasional `A` film, however, such as Stage Door in 1937.
When her contract with RKO was up, she then signed one with MGM, which really helped launch her career. She went on to star in Du Barry Was a Lady (1943), Best Foot Forward (1943), and Without Love (1945) alongside Katherine Hepburn.
Mega Stars
Lucille is captured standing between the film legend Elizabeth Taylor and her then-husband and fellow movie star, Richard Burton. They met during a 1970s episode of Here's Lucy. During the episode, movie star Burton is trying to hide from fans by disguising himself as a plumber.
Lucy mistakes him for a real plumber and has him fix a sink in her office. She finds a diamond ring in his discarded overalls, tries it on, and it of course gets stuck. The ring ended up belonging to Liz Taylor.
Growing Up In The Spotlight
Lucille and Desi, who had been married for 19 years at the time, brought along the children to a press conference at a Savoy Hotel in London. Desi Jr. was six years old and his big sister Lucie was eight. They were traveling. there to promote the release of a new I Love Lucy series on Associated-Rediffusion, Britain's commercial TV network from 1954 to1968
With both parents having to work together, the kids often accompanied them to many events. According to Lucy, they were "happy, adjusted kids" grateful to be in New York.
Hubby #2
Comedian Gary Morton first met Lucille Ball in New York City in 1960, a few months before she opened up for the Broadway musical Wildcat. He claimed to know nothing of her fame because his hectic schedule had him working in the evenings, and he'd never seen an episode of I Love Lucy.
The two starting dating, and married the following year. Morton was quite different from Desi, as he was loyal, honest and didn't mind being in Ball's shadow. He even had no problem signing a cast iron pre-nup prior to the marriage.
Comedic Pals
Fellow funny gal and actress Beatrice Arthur became friends with Lucille. Here we see the duo in 1973 hanging out in Los Angeles. When the movie version of Auntie Mame was made in 1973, Ball was chosen to play the lead in place of the TV show's star Angela Lansbury.
Ball insisted that Arthur, who played the leading character's best friend in the show, was brought on to do the film as well. Soon after, Arthur was starring in her own television series (Maude) for which she eventually won an Emmy.
Birthday Celebration
A first birthday is always a special day for any child's parents. The birthday guy or girl, on the other hand, never remembers any of it. Lucie Desiree Arnaz was turning one in this photo, and the trio celebrated at their North Hollywood ranch home.
Little Lucie spent her entire life being compared to her mother, especially since she followed her footsteps into show business. For example, people would often be surprised to learn that she could dance, because her mother couldn't, often forgetting that her father was a dancer. "I could be compared to worse people," Lucie once stated.
Love At First Sight
This humorous photo was circulating around 1950, showing Lucille's face appearing to her hubby through the page of a newspaper.
Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball met in 1940 on the set of the RKO Studios musical Too Many Girls, and it was love at first sight. The two lovebirds were married that same year. During the first four years of thier relationship, Ball starred in Hollywood films and a hit radio show while Arnaz toured with his band. He became known for his womanizing ways during that time, and she filed for divorce in 1944, but Arnaz talked her out of going through with it.
The Second Set Of Wedding Bells
This was taken the day of Lucille's wedding to comic Gary Morton. They had just finished their wedding ceremony in Marble Collegiate Church with an intimate attendance of 40 guests. The ceremony was delayed because a huge crowd of fans, around 1,500 people, showed up and Lucille had difficulty getting to the door. During the ceremony, they stood outside the church and chanted "I Love Lucy."
When reporters approached Ball after her marriage ceremony in New York’s Marble Collegiate Church in 1961, she told them “I look forward to a nice quiet life.”
Chit Chatting
This photo was taken at a benefit in September of 1948, put on by various Hollywood stars in conjunction with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, in order to raise money for St. John's Hospital. The man Ball is talking to is the fellow comedic actor and radio star Ed Wynn, who became famous for his ridiculous costumes and props.
The two starred together in a silent movie sketch for his show, The Ed Wynn Show. Desi Arnaz also appeared in the sketch, singing "Babalu." Arnaz and Lucy had just been recently married at the time.
Radio Career
Lucy was quite a stunning beauty in her early days and even had a budding modeling career. Sh turned to radio as a way to make ends meet, as there was more work there for her. Her radio show "My Favorite Husband" eventually became a TV series, and served as an inspiration to her follow up sit TV sitcom I Love Lucy.
This photo was taken in 1938, when Ball appeared on the radio program called "The Phil Baker Show." The radio show was was an extension of Baker's vaudeville career.
Career Mother
Mother's Day was an important day for Lucille. She had been just selected as the "Television Mother of the Year" by a company called The Flowers-By-Wire. In this photo, Ball is seen wearing a special Mother's Day eight-rose corsage. The corsage was designed by Alyn Wayne, "official flower stylist of the 9,600 member Florists' Telegraph Delivery Association".
Lucy's character was an admirable and influential figure to mothers around the country. A woman who balanced a career while being a housewife and mother was a completely new concept for most of the mothers in society at that time.
Heart Of Gold
Ball once again visited patients at a children’s hospital, this time in Los Angeles in 1980. There she met Tony Jacobsen, a nine-year-old boy born with a genetic disorder that made his bones vulnerable to breaking. He was in the hospital waiting for a surgery for a fractured leg.
The boy's mother was a huge fan of Ball's and had passed along that adoration to her son. “I remember her being so nice and sweet and just very comforting, very interested in what was going on with me,” Jacobsen said. "I was just so happy to have met her, and I do think that happiness brought on faster healing."
Mother's Day
In honor of Mother's Day, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz took a snuggly snapshot beside their beloved mothers. Mrs. Desiree Ball is next to Lucille, and Mrs. Lilita Arnaz beside her son.
After her father died when she was three, Lucy and her brother were raised by their mother and maternal grandparents. Lucy's mom, who went by DeDe, was her greatest supporter and would visit her regularly on her film and television sets. She too was in show business at one time, starring as a concert pianist in Jamestown, N.Y.
Makeup Lady
Who knew Lucille Ball could do other's makeup too? Here she is penciling the brows of American boxer Maxie Rosenbloom. The two were on set of director Charles Vidor's movie, Muss 'em Up.
The two are both all smiles and for a good reason. Who wouldn't be happy to have Lucy do their makeup on for them? The comedian and actress was beautiful so to help beautify another person is a bonus for them.
Your Move, Lucy
By now, you know how multitalented Lucille Ball was. The star actress is here dancing with coach Charles Walters. This moment happened in 1944 while Ball practiced for a film.
The film was DuBarry was a Lady. By the looks of the motion captured in this picture, the dancing had to be some good. To be so funny and even have a list of great dance moves to break out is something she should have felt accomplished about with herself.
It's A Bird, It's A Plane!
Even the mighty Superman succumbed to the charm of Lucille Ball. George Reeves towers above Ball in this picture from 1956. This picture took place during the episode "Lucy and Superman."
This is an iconic photo for sure. It's not every day you get to see two nostalgic legends exchange glances. This picture would be perfect for any young Ball fan out there. Having a poster of this on your bedroom wall would be a lovely sight every day.
Pretty In Green
Everyone knows that when it's time to step out to the nightclub, you wear your adventurous outfits. Or at least, the outfits you wouldn't usually wear. Here, Lucille Ball does just that.
Ball was hanging out at Ciro's nightclub located in West Hollywood. This 1950 photo showcases her with a simple yet outgoing all white strapped dress with green floral designs on it. The gold chain and pearl necklace make the outfit complete.
Doggy Time With Ball
What's better than two Cocker Spaniels? The answer is three and Lucille Ball knew that. Imagine coming home to three of these precious little characters. If your mood doesn't shift to positive immediately, then you had a rough day.
Ball and Desi were here playing with them on the sofa back in 1950. You can tell by Ball's face that she was excited to be in the presence of these pups. Can you blame her?
Deep Contemplation
The TV series always portrayed Desi as your typical working man. Head over heels with his wife Ball; he had to find some ways to spend more time with her. Why not read a little with her?
Even in the picture he looks stressed. Meanwhile, Ball seems genuinely interested in what she's reading. She also has a cigarette in her hand enjoying the tobacco. Sure, what they're viewing might be different, but as long as they're reading together.
What's Better Than Breakfast In Bed?
After you've spent a long day and night working hard, a good night's rest is one of the best feelings. Getting a chance to sleep in a while would be even better. The best would be getting great sleep with some extra time and having breakfast delivered to you.
In 1955, it looked like that may have been what Ball did during her stay at the Hilton Hotel. She's all cozy with the paper in her hand ready to get in motion so that she can begin her day.
Introspective Ball
With a busy life, it can be hard to sit down and reflect. Moments of introspection are replaced with fans screaming your name. Whether or not this picture is candid doesn't matter. Lucille Ball had at least five minutes to think to herself with a view like this. At least we hope.
This picture happened in 1965 on the balcony of her apartment at the New York Hilton Hotel. Located in Manhattan, this apartment provides glamourous visuals.
Family Portrait Status
Family pictures always will make your insides feel warm and cozy. You don't need much to take one either. Something scenic like a tree in the background works well. Lucille Ball and her kids have the right idea here.
The 1965 image puts Ball in a beautiful family element that we might not have seen in her TV show. Lucie Arnaz looks just like her mom in this picture even without smiling. Desi Jr is just hanging around.
Always Look Sharp At Your Own Party
Even as she got up there in age, Lucille Ball always knew how to look great. Here she is in 1974 donning an all-red outfit with the ruby-encrusted diamond rosary around her neck. Her lips and nails are also a matching red.
What was the occasion? Ball was attending a party thrown for her. They were celebrating her lead role in the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical Mame in New York, New York at Sutton Place townhouse.
After The Los Angeles Premiere
Sticking with the fashion trends, Ball did not disappoint with this look. PETA might have had some words for the actress, but fans probably couldn't get enough of this.
Decked out in a massive fur coat, Ball was pictured here back in 1974. The previous slide showed her at her New York party for the Mame film. This picture takes place in Los Angeles after the premiere. She had to stay cozy in the night.
Up For A Game?
Gambling and having a good time seem to go hand in hand. You could be gambling for fun, or you can put your money where your mouth is. For Ball, it looks like she might have done both.
Her big smile indicates that she's having a good time. It could also mean that she just won a lot of money. Either way, it goes, the only time gambling ends badly is if you lose your whole savings account.
