After “The Lucy-Desi” show came to an end, Lucille thought that perhaps it was her time to throw in the towel and retire. But, doing so was much easier said than done. Instead, she continued acting and came up with a new idea- to bring her children into the Hollywood spotlight. The Lucy days were far from over. She would appear once again on television in “Here’s Lucy” alongside her children.
Ball was a strict believer in nepotism; it’s not about what you do, but who you know. She had friends in all the right places. As her children got older, they too were able to venture off and do their own things. Now Ball had felt like she reached success. It was time for her to settle down and allow her children the stage.
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.
She Was a True Workaholic
When Lucille first retired, she enjoyed the time off. She didn't see herself working past the "I Love Lucy" show and originally thought she'd be done with Hollywood long before "Here's Lucy." But, the iconic actress just couldn't quit. It's hard when you get used to doing something for so long and no longer being able to do it, especially when you are as passionate as Lucille Ball was.
But, a veteran actress like herself understood when it was time to call it quits, time to take a bow and be thankful for her long and successful career. Lucy knew that her time had come to hang up her hat and coat. Although she was still America's most respected television icon, she knew that it was her time to step away and make room for the up and coming actors of the next generation. She last appeared publicly at the Academy Awards, pictured above, in 1989.
Always a legend
Ultimately, Ball found comfort in the consistency of retirement. Her husband, George Morton, was at her beckoning call when she needed something or was feeling down. She had the support and love of her children and her grandchildren. There was nothing more that she truly needed. Plus, she had amazing memories of the years in which she graced our television. On February 8, 1960, Ball was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for her contributions to motion pictures, and the other for television.
Lucille Ball forever changed television. It's hard to imagine what television would be like today without having been influenced by her. What Ball did is not repeatable. She especially paved the way for female comedians and actresses, but also for women in business and production. She is a leading example of what it means to believe in yourself and chase your dreams. She passed away in 1989 at the age of 77. She left behind a legacy of comedy and her humorous and joyful persona lives on. The effervescent redhead made everyone in America laugh for years. But she was more than just a funny woman. She was a television pioneer whose artistic and business decisions shaped pop culture.