After returning from her hiatus, she decided to take up modeling again. She posed for some pictures and then, in 1932, she was offered the opportunity to become a cigarette girl for Chesterfield Cigarette’s national advertising posters. Following the gig, she was finally presented with an opportunity that would change the course of her entire life and make her a star. She was offered her first role.
Though the role was small, it was the first one she landed. The year was 1933 and she was cast as a Goldwyn Girl in “Roman Scandals.” Finally! She had gotten the break she had been waiting for her whole life. She later landed a role as an extra in a Ritz Brother’s film “The Three Musketeers.” With stars in her eyes, she proved all the people wrong who had initially doubted her.
Trying to Make it on Broadway
Just because Lucille was consumed with modeling, she did not give up on her acting career and tried to manage both of them together. She thought that she could maybe make it on Broadway as a chorus girl but Broadway wasn't as enthusiastic about the idea. Once again, it turned out to be a complete failure for Ball, Lucille was fired from four different shows. Ball continued to be told by coaches and other acting teachers that she didn't have what it takes to make it big. How wrong they were.
Although she continued to receive criticism, Lucille was a woman of great strength and determination and still did not let anybody decide for her what her fate would be. From the bottom of her heart, she felt like she was on the right path and this feeling kept her going. Instead of giving up, the criticism she received only motivated her more, and she continued to try until she forced her foot in the proverbial door.
Lucille Was on Hiatus for Two Years
Despite the continuation of people shutting doors in her face, Lucille was certain that she was meant to be a star and understood that the path would not be an easy one. With all her inner strength, the hustle was taking a toll on her body. After she tried her hardest to get modeling gigs with department stores and perfume ads, she decided that it was time for a much-needed break.
While Lucille wasn't feeling her best, she was motivated to get back up on her feet. After two years, she went back to New York. However, this time, she decided it was time to stop hiding behind the Diane Belmont mask. She once again re-branded herself, however this time, she went back to the one and only Lucille Ball. She experienced her first taste of success in the limelight and she had no intentions of quitting.
Lucille Ball Would Be Known as the “Queen of B Movies”
It seemed like things were starting to look up for Lucille, and by 1937, she was acting alongside Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in "Stage Door." During the 1930s and 1940s, Ball played multiple parts in 72 movies. From her beginning days of struggles to 72 movies! However, the movies that she was playing in weren't big blockbuster films. For this reason, she was nicknamed the “Queen of the B movies.”
Lucille wouldn't stay the Queen of B Movies for long. When she acted in the movie "Too Many Girls" in 1940, she met Cuban singer Desi Arnaz on set. The singer played the bongos and created music that made Ball want to dance her heart out to. Ball was instantly attracted to Desi's charisma and confidence. It wasn't long before she began to develop feelings for her costar.
Desi Arnaz
Ball was not the type of woman to fawn over men. In the case of Arnaz, he was the exact opposite of who she usually dated. She usually went after older men, but Arnaz was much younger than her. At the time they met, he was 23 and she was 28. After meeting, they began to get closer, and soon enough became inseparable. Over time, Ball’s personality began to change for Arnaz.
If Arnaz wanted anything, Ball would jump at the opportunity to do it for him. If they were ever sitting on a couch and Arnaz needed more room, Ball would make room for him to feel more comfortable. Their friends found it to be strange because Ball was usually a very independent and strong woman.