” I Love Lucy” may have come to an end, but for Desilu, their power only continued to grow. They continued to reign over Hollywood with his talents. They produced a number of successful TV shows such as “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Mission: Impossible,” and “Star Trek.” Yes, you read that correctly, “Star Trek.” For years, Ball had filled the role as not only wife, mother, and entertainer, but also as a partner in Desilu.
In 1962, Ball bought out the Desilu studio and was managing the company, becoming the first woman to do so. Initially, CBS turned down the first “Star Trek” pilot, saying the budget needed to produce it was too high. However, after Ball gave the crew the financial support they needed, the pilot was produced. ‘Star Trek’ then became one of the biggest media franchises in history, all thanks to Lucille Ball.
The FBI Were Not Fans of Lucille Ball
Before the couple divorced in 1960, Ball was under serious discretion with the US government. Why? Well, when Ball registered to vote in 1936, she listed her party affiliation as Communist and signed a certificate stating that she is registered as affiliated with the Communist Party. She was called before Congress at “the height of Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s communist witch hunt.” If you recall, the 1950s were not the best time to be a fan of anything other than democratic (the system, not the party).
But, when Ball appeared before court, she claimed to only have signed up in order to satisfy her socialist grandfather. She didn't convince anybody. They released Ball "believing" her story, but in all fairness, there was no real evidence suggesting that she was an active member of the Communist Party. That didn’t stop the House Un-American Activities Committee. Before the filming of episode 68, Desi told the audience about Lucy and her grandfather. He said, "The only thing red about Lucy is her hair, and even that is not legitimate."
The FBI Continued to Keep Tabs on Her
Once she was released, the FBI continued to check up on her activity. Secret files with “confidential” stamps were sent to J. Edgar Hoover who made it his personal responsibility to follow the Arnaz family. The FBI was even convinced in catering events as a front to hosting Communist meetings.
According to the Washington Post, “In February 1946, Arnaz appeared in a show sponsored by the Hollywood Independent Citizens Committee of the Arts, Sciences and Professions, a group the FBI said was a communist front.” If that wasn’t enough, a Hollywood writer claims to have gone to a Communist Party meeting at the couple’s house. Conspiracy, paranoia, or truth? Who knows.
She Found Love Again
Although Ball and Arnaz's marriage ended horribly, they were able to put that aside and stay friends. In fact, they realized that they were better off as friends than they were husband and wife. Instead of being discouraged by her first failed marriage, Ball was open to finding love again. In 1961, just one year after her divorce from Arnaz, she found love and friendship in the laughter of comedian Gary Morten.
When Ball sat down for an interview with Barbara Walters, she shared how patient and loving Morton was toward her. She found a trustworthy friend in Morton that she had never experienced before in a man. And what did Morton think of Ball? He found her funny, dynamic, and delicate. Their relationship lasted for over 25 years.
A Businesswoman
For any of those who believe that funny women can't be taken seriously, then you have clearly never met Lucille Ball. Ball was both a talented comedian and a serious businesswoman. Rumor has it that she was a tough cookie to work for who exhibited control over her environment with grace and style. Being a perfectionist, she was very particular with her work and appreciated the small details.
Her business experience is what led her to become the first-ever woman to run a major television production studio. After being the head of her own production company, in 1967, she decided she had had enough, and sold Desilu to Western-Gulf for $17 million dollars (what is now $128). So you think she would take the $17 million and retire. But you should know by now that Lucille Ball was a woman of vibrancy, energy, and talent, with a huge passion for her work. She was ready to take on her next big project.