Lucille Ball Through the Years: Photos of the ‘I Love Lucy’ Star

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September 12, 2023 3:11PM EDT

The Legacy Collection/THA/Shutterstock

Everyone really did love Lucy & you can remember Lucille Ball’s life and legacy in photos here.

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Lucille Ball: A Life In Photos

Lucille Ball: A Life In Photos — Lucille Ball, born August 6, 1911, was a true legend of Hollywood, known for her iconic role on ‘I Love Lucy’. She started as a model in the 30s before moving to Broadway. She enjoyed a host of smaller parts as a contract actress for RKO Studios but her big break didn’t happen until she pivoted to television, following her marriage to Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz. Together, the duo developed ‘I Love Lucy’, which ran for 6 seasons and has been in syndication for decades.

She began to flex her power behind the scenes after ‘Lucy’ wrapped, becoming the first female to run a major TV studio in 1962, as she head of her Desilu Productions. After a break from the screen, she returned to roles in the mid-80s starring in the drama ‘Stone Pillow’ and other roles. Lucy passed away April 26, 1989 at age 77.

Here, Lucille Ball looks stunning in a portrait from 1939. Learn more about Lucille’s life in photos, here.

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Lucille Ball In 1937

Lucille Ball In 1937 — Lucille Ball looks simply gorgeous in a 1937 portrait taken by RKO studios. It was clear she was set for stardom.

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Lucille Ball In ‘I Love Lucy’

Lucille Ball In ‘I Love Lucy’ — Lucille Ball looks sensational in a promo shot for ‘I Love Lucy’. She would win 5 Emmys for her work on the show, as both lead and creator.

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Lucille Ball & Army Archerd In 1945

Lucille Ball & Army Archerd In 1945 — Lucille Ball walks arm in arm with legendary ‘Variety’ columnist Army Archerd in Los Angeles in Oct. of 1945. What a stylish duo.

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Lucille Ball In ‘Ziegfeld Follies’

Lucille Ball In ‘Ziegfeld Follies’ — What an entertainer! Lucille Ball struts her stuff in 1946’s ‘Ziegfeld Follies’.

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Lucille Ball In 1947

Lucille Ball In 1947 — Lucille Ball is radiant in white in this 1947 portrait. She draped a gauzy layer over her lace dress and wore pearls around her neck.

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Lucy & Desi In 1943

Lucy & Desi In 1943 — Lucille Bal and Desi Arnaz pose in 1943. He was in his Army attire, after getting drafted.

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Lucille Ball In 1948

Lucille Ball In 1948 — Lucille Ball looks radiant as she hangs out in a car in this 1948 portrait. Her red hair was vibrant and full.

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Lucy & Desi In ‘Forever Darling’

Lucy & Desi In ‘Forever Darling’ — Lucille Ball and then-husband Desi Arnaz dance together in a wedding scene from the film ‘Forever Darling’ (1956). The romance eventually ran its course, however. They divorced in March 1960, and she married comedian Gary Morton in 1961

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Lucille Ball In ‘Mame’

Lucille Ball In ‘Mame’ — Lucille Ball brings the energy to 1973’s ‘Mame’. The movie was about Following the death of his father, an orphan is sent to live with his free-spirited aunt (Ball). It was Lucy’s last film performance, although she would continue with television projects until the 80s.

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Lucille Ball In 1974

Lucille Ball In 1974 — Lucille Ball looks so glamorous in a scene from 1974’s ‘Mame’, directed by Gene Saks. The movie also starred Bea Arthur, Bruce Davison, and Robert Preston.

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Lucille Ball In 1985

Lucille Ball In 1985 — Lucille Ball arrives at the 2nd Television Academy Hall of Fame Ceremony to induct Carol Burnett into the Hall of Fame in Los Angeles, California on Mar. 24, 1985. Her suit was so stylish.

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Lucille Ball With Tony Curtis & Gary Morton

Lucille Ball With Tony Curtis & Gary Morton — Tony Curtis, Lucille Ball and second husband Gary Morton appear at the 75th Anniversary Award Dinner for Frank Sinatra on
January 25, 1989 in Los Angeles. They were all smiles.

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Lucille Ball & Daughter

Lucille Ball & Daughter — Lucille Ball smiles while with daughter Lucy Arnaz at a dinner for celebrity accountant Nathan ‘Sonny’ Golden in 1989. It was one of her last public outings before her death in April 1989 from an abdominal aortic aneurysm and arterioscleroitic heart disease.

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