On Friday, I didn't understand all the hype about Lucille Ball's 100th birthday

Supernova wrote:That's true but I think when it's the birthdate of anybody famous for a centennial birthday, people really take notice. Like 89, not so memorable, 97, same, 100, that's a number that gets attention. It's got me wondering what it's going to be like on August 29th, 2058, what would be Michael Jackson's 100th birthday.

Lucille Ball
One of the most beloved comediennes of all times, Lucille Desiree Ball, left an impact on the business and entertainment industries that endures still today. Speaking of her profession, Ball once said, "You cannot teach someone comedy, either they have it or they don't." Born in Jamestown, New York, Lucille Desiree Ball left her hometown at the age of fifteen to study drama in New York City and began her early entertainment career with stints as a model and Goldwyn Girl. Making her film debut in 1933, Ball became known as the "Queen of the B's" for her numerous roles in B-movies. She appeared in more than 75 films even before starting the show that would ultimately change the face of entertainment. In 1951, Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz, launched a comedy television series, I Love Lucy, based on their own lives. The show pioneered technical aspects of a comedy show, using three cameras, a set, and a live audience. It was also the first time a visibly pregnant woman was seen on television. The show became the launching pad for the endearing comic genius of Ball. Proving that her talents extended beyond the realm of comedy, the entrepreneur became the first female studio head in Hollywood. As president of Desilu Productions, she broke the glass ceiling for women executives in the film and television industry and her shows live on in syndication. Ball went on to garner thirteen Emmy nominations and four Emmy Awards for her work. In 1986, she received a Kennedy Center Honor for her contributions to the world of entertainment. In 1989, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Many of today's comediennes and actresses still count Ball as a mentor and influence and her legacy of laughter and business acumen continues to inspire.


http://www.greatwomen.org/women-of-the-hall/search-the-hall/details/2/178-Ball

CeCe wrote:It's understandable that it was covered in the media because of the ground she broke. Not only for the entertainment business itself but for women.




I Love Lucy is a show that lives on. People sometimes can't remember what happened on a stupid sitcom last week but they can remember episodes of I Love Lucy from their childhood. The freezer & side of beef, Ricky "fixing" Fred & Ethel's TV, who gossips more, wrapping candy, Vitameatavegamin, Rock Hudson whistling, the ax murderer, stealing John Wayne's footprints, the designer dresses, Gobloots, the mink coat, the baby chicks, the wax tulips & who knows how many more. Her contributions were in front of AND behind the camera. She was a phenomenon & to do it in the lifetime & society in which she lived is incredible.

Supernova wrote:Well she was one hell of a lady and 100 years for anything is a memorable number. I can see more sense in that than everybody making a big deal in Obama turning 50.