Affiliate Disclosure: This blog may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, for purchases made via affiliate links. If you decide to support our blog in this way, I thank you!
EARLY LIFE
Whenever I think of Lucille Ball I smile, in remembrance of her kooky antics, expressive face and pratfalls from the I Love Lucy show. “Zany” is the word most-often used to describe her. To say I love Lucy is not only obvious but completely unoriginal. Millions of people have played out the Vegemeatavitamin skit as kids, or mimicked her wide-eyed quizzical looks as she was scheming her next plot to make her way into show business. As it turns out in her real life, Lucille Ball was just as perseverant when it came to show business, as it took decades for her to find her true talent. And she was not only a genius comedienne, she was also a savvy businessperson.
While she’s most well known for her role as Lucy Ricardo in the hit 1951 sitcom I Love Lucy, Lucille Ball’s life was rich with experience, wins and losses, making her into the multi-faceted, nuanced comedian we all knew and loved.
Lucille Ball was born on August 6th, 1911 in Jamestown, New York. Her father passed away of typhoid fever in 1915, leaving Lucy and her mother to live with her grandparents in Celeron, New York. Both her mother and grandparents fostered Lucy’s love for acting, and encouraged her to explore her passion for the stage in school plays and in the theatre. 
Despite overcoming financial struggles throughout her childhood, Lucy’s mother Desiree acquiesced when Lucy begged to enroll in a New York City drama school at fifteen. However, her nerves often got in the way of her fully allowing herself to shine onstage, largely due to being intimidated by the school’s star student Bette Davis. The school informed Lucy’s mother she was wasting her money, and Lucy returned to Celeron to finish high school.
She rested for a short while, and then returned to New York City where she was cast in a handful of productions such as Vanities and Step Lively with her then-stage name “Diane Belmont”, but none of the shows came to fruition. She worked at a drugstore and at a dress salon while modeling to get by. 
After spending three years overcoming a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis at seventeen, she went on to garner further success in New York by being cast as the Chesterfield Cigarette Girl. In the early 1930’s, she made the move to Hollywood in her pursuit of becoming a Hollywood actress.
EARLY CAREER
When in Hollywood, Lucy dyed her hair blonde and her striking beauty coupled with her comedic chops made her a standout. However, as talented as she was, she was not the typical ingenue. Her talent was so deeply comedic that it kept surfacing, but it seems none of the execs could see past her beauty to recognize her true genius. The studios continued to try to find the right vehicle for her, but except for the times she was in a comical scene, she seemed like a fish out of water. 
Her romantic lines fell flat; she was simply not believable in the melodramatic films of the day. Thus began her stint as the “Queen of the B’s” (meaning queen of B-movies that weren’t as successful or highly regarded).
She was seen in many B gangster films such as The Big Street, and also appeared in The Three Musketeers, Top Hat, Bottoms Up, and myriad other films, many of her earlier roles uncredited altogether. Her niche remained unclear as she continued to try to book work, but her comedic talent sparkled even before she became a household name. One of my favorite films from the 1930’s is Stage Door, in which Lucy appears as one of many young women rooming together, pursuing their dream of being on Broadway. Also starring Katherine Hepburn, Eve Arden, Ginger Rogers and other wonderful character actors, Stage Door is pure fun. The lighthearted theme lends itself well to Lucy’s talents.
Another example of her gift for comedy that would later blossom into her slapstick on I Love Lucy: a scene from Miss Grant Takes Richmond in which she hilariously loses a battle with a typewriter.
In tracing back the many stages of Lucille Ball’s career, her flair for physical bits was a constant driving force, and the key to her eventual success.
MEETING DESI
Lucille and Desi’s relationship was passionate and turbulent from the jump. In 1940 at twenty-eight years old, Lucy met a then twenty-three year old Desi Arnaz while starring in the musical/comedy film Too Many Girls.
He was a Cuban bandleader who had fled Cuba with his family in 1933, and Lucy was immediately taken with his charismatic personality and the magnetic way he performed. 
He had a bit of a reputation for being popular with the ladies, but the sparks between them were mutual and flew both on and offscreen. However, many costars and colleagues guessed the couple wouldn’t last, even going so far as to take bets on when the breakup would take place. Despite everyone’s doubts, the couple ended up eloping by the end of the year. She said marrying Desi was the bravest thing she ever did.
While Lucy and Desi fell hard and fast, by 1944 she was ready to exit the marriage due to Desi’s drinking habits and infidelity. As a musician, Desi often stayed out until the early hours of the morning, while Lucy had to be on set around the same time. Their schedules created a dynamic of ships passing in the night, and between their opposite schedules and busy professional lives, Lucy both missed him and had a hard time trusting what he did in their time apart.
Lucy and Desi ultimately decided to remain in their marriage at this time and continue to work through their differences. 
Lucky for us, when CBS asked Lucy to develop a sitcom, she angled for Desi to play her husband on the show in an effort to get closer and save their marriage. While initially the studio heads were hesitant in having a Cuban-American man star in the show, they ultimately came around, and I Love Lucy turned out to be a huge hit throughout its run from 1951-1957.
BEAUTY
Lucille Ball’s biggest beauty tip was “happiness”. While there’s no denying she was a natural beauty from the inside out, a foolproof makeup routine was a necessity in Hollywood. Lucy’s stunning aesthetic was unforgettable, between her bright red lipstick, flawless complexion, fire red hair, and big, expressive eyes.
Here are a few Lucille Ball-inspired items to add to your beauty routine to emulate her legendary look!
Florida Water –
One of Lucille Ball’s favorite perfumes was Murray and Landman’s Florida Water, a scent dating all the way back to 1808. Containing notes of sweet orange, lemon, neroli, lavender and clove, this signature scent had a beautiful femininity and zesty effervescence just like Lucy herself.
Brow Pomade –
In Lucille Ball’s prime, pencil thin, dramatic eyebrows were all the rage. While we’ve moved away to more full, unkempt brow styles today, filling in brows is a must to channel Lucy’s signature look. This brow pomade from Milani is affordable, creamy, and sure to make a statement.
White Eyeliner –
Like so many other starlets of yesteryear, part of Lucille Ball’s wide-eyed, expressive look was created by brightening her eyes using white eyeliner. By applying it to your lower inner lash line, it creates a brightening effect that makes the eyes pop both onscreen and off! To try this vintage-inspired method at home, this NYX Epic Wear Liner Stick is an excellent choice– it applies both smoothly and very pigmented!
False Lashes –
No leading lady’s look was complete without an epic set of lashes. False eyelashes draw focus to the eyes while opening them up and adding a sultry extra layer of drama. These Bepholan false eyelashes are such an excellent deal and so easy to apply.
Red Lipstick –
Finally, no Lucy-inspired look is complete without stunning, vibrant, bright red lipstick! Lucky for us, Besame Cosmetics created a line of makeup completely inspired by I Love Lucy, featuring the perfect red shade!
FASHION
Lucille Ball was never afraid to indulge in fun, playful patterns and colors with her clothing. From her ever-visible polka-dot dress to opulent plaid coats, her fun-loving personality shined in every fiber of her being and revealed itself in her sense of fashion as well.
Here are some of my favorite Lucy looks, and similar pieces to add to your wardrobe!
This androgynous ensemble is the epitome of comfy, laid back and cool. The oversized silhouette of the blazer and the elongating striped pants juxtaposed with the crisp white button-down underneath communicates a put-together, chic vibe with an effortless twist. Get a similar outfit with these items!
What’s more chic than a fabulous long wool coat? And I love the added drama of a large collar! The rich wool fabric coupled with its cozy plaid pattern is a fashion win, and a piece that can seamlessly take you from fall to winter.
Get a similar version here!
or a modern take on it here!
To complete the look, top it off with these adorable vintage-inspired heels!
This look is equal parts quirky and chic with its plaid accents and flattering silhouette. The high-waisted trousers give a touch of tomboy, balanced out beautifully by the delicate, feminine ballet flats. It’s perfect for running errands, lunch with friends, or glamorously lounging around the house. Rock this outfit with these simple wardrobe staples.
FOOD
Food played a huge role in some of “I Love Lucy’s” most memorable moments. From stomping grapes to wrapping chocolates, the sitcom had no shortage of knee-slapping moments revolving around food. But what culinary delicacies did Lucille Ball herself enjoy? Harkening back to her humble beginnings, Lucy loved a hearty bowl of franks n’ beans (try this vegetarian version.) While this dish may be on the simpler side, it is also packed with warmth, smokiness and nostalgia: the perfect comforting combination for a busy Hollywood actress.
CONCLUSION
I Love Lucy wrapped back in 1957, but its impact lives on; many of today’s sitcoms are heavily influenced by Lucille Ball and the way she changed the landscape for female comedians.
It was recently revealed that writer/director Aaron Sorkin will be directing a film called “Being the Ricardos”, depicting Lucy and Desi’s love affair in all its beauty and flaws. There are murmurings throughout Hollywood and the media that titans of the silver screen Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem will be taking on the roles of the legendary couple. While some have spoken out against this casting decision, (specifically the decision to cast Nicole Kidman as Lucy) Lucy and Desi’s daughter Lucie Arnaz recently spoke out encouraging the choice and praising Aaron Sorkin’s treatment of her parents’ love story.
With this film, a new generation will be ushered into the tour de force that was Lucille Ball and her work. She was a devoted wife and mother, fashion icon, and comedic trailblazer. In addition to all of those accomplishments, she was the first woman to run a major Hollywood studio, Desilu Productions. 
She and Desilu were directly responsible for producing such brilliant shows as Star Trek, Mission Impossible, and more.
I Love Lucy wrapped back in 1957, but Lucille Ball’s impact lives on, changing the landscape for female comedians forever, and showing us all that beauty and humor are not mutually exclusive.
Thank you Lucy!
If you love Lucy, comment below!
To read about another Old Hollywood superstar, see my post on Bette Davis.
6 thoughts on “Lucille Ball: Natural Talent and Beauty”
I love Lucy!! She was a staple in my early years of television entertainment and I still “LOVE” Lucy!!
Really enjoy the photos of Lucy in shades other than red—she was beautiful as a blonde. I think her heavy smoking changed her skin texture so it’s great to see how really beautiful she was in her younger years.
She was a knockout for sure!
Lucy was gorgeous and her comedic flair was so precise it seemed effortless. You mentioned Desilu Studios. Lucy was one of the first women in Hollywood to produce television. Desilu launched over 20 series. Including the ones you list (Star Trek and Mission Impossible) there was The Andy Griffith Show, Mannix, Hogan’s Heroes, I Spy, plus all the Lucy spin offs. She was a real tour de force!
Yes! She was quite the businesswoman and artist.
For me, greatest of talent combining beauty and comedy. My favorite was the stomping grape scene.
Yes I agree – so much talent and beauty! Did you know she re-told the story of that day and says she actually almost drowned under the weight of the Italian woman who was holding her down? The woman apparently took offense at Lucy accidentally pushing her and she started getting very aggressive. Thank goodness Lucy hung in there:-))